Status: Full-Time
Reports to: Executive Board
Accountable to: Board of Directors
Location: The WEA is considering applicants who would be willing to work in Taos, New Mexico or Carbondale, Illinois. A remote location is negotiable.
Compensation: Negotiated based on qualifications and experience. There will be no fundraising requirements for salary in year one. Each year thereafter, the ED will be responsible for raising a percentage of their salary.
Benefits: A stipend may be paid for reimbursement of health care premiums.
The Wilderness Education Association (WEA) Board of Directors is proud to announce a search for a dynamic, innovative, motivated full-time Executive Director (ED) that will, along-side the Board of Directors, assume responsibility for the alignment, fulfillment, and implementation of the mission of the Wilderness Education Association.
The Executive Director will provide oversight for the overall management of the organization and its operations, support the membership & Board of Directors, provide direction and support for association initiatives and projects, direct the preparation of a strategic plan, develop and manage a fundraising plan, and provide conference support.
The location and work hours will be determined/negotiated once a formal offer has been made. It is expected that the ED will have a conducive and functional work environment, participate in board meetings, respond promptly to membership inquiries, and is willing to travel.
Please submit a resume and cover letter, and written responses (no more than one page) to the following questions:
The Executive Director will be responsible for ensuring that the programs and initiatives of the WEA both expand and meet the needs of the WEA membership in a manner that brings renewed relevance and positioning of the WEA mission. Consider the WEA mission in the context of the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century and trends within the larger outdoor industry to propose two strategies you would use to fulfill this responsibility.
This position may be negotiated as a remote assignment. Please describe your experiences (successes/challenges) or propose strategies that would ensure your productivity and motivation in this work arrangement.
Submit your application materials in either .docx or .pdf format to: [email protected]
The application review process will begin on 3/22/20, but will remain open until the position is filled.
Questions? Contact Emily McKenzie at [email protected].
The full-time, exempt position of Executive Director will report to the Board of Directors. The Executive Director, along with the Board of Directors, is responsible for the alignment, fulfillment, and implementation of the mission of the Wilderness Education Association. In addition, the Executive Director will provide oversight for the overall management of the organization and its operations to include association initiatives and projects, preparation of a strategic plan, fundraising and conference support.
Responsible for leading the WEA in a manner that supports and guides the organization towards fulfillment of its mission as defined by the Board of Directors.
Responsible for serving as the spokesperson for the organization.
Responsible for building and fostering an active and vibrant membership committed to the WEA mission.
Responsible for oversight of the operations of the National Office.
Responsible for creating and fulfilling goals, objectives, and timelines for organization projects and initiatives.
Responsible for oversight of project management in coordination with the Board of Directors.
Responsible for the stewardship of the fiscal integrity of the organization in coordination with the Board of Directors.
Responsible for maintaining a working knowledge of trends and developments in relevant and related industries.
Responsible for providing relevant and timely communication to support the governance role of the Board of Directors.
Responsible for the implementation of periodic evaluations of the organization to ensure effectiveness and progress towards the WEA mission.
Responsible for the execution of the WEA Board of Directors’ strategic plan for the organization.
Responsible for the development and implementation of operational plans, policies, and procedures in conjunction with the BOD that support the programs and products of the WEA. further the mission of the organization.
Responsible for the development of efficient and functional systems that support the association’s operations including but not limited to membership management, web content production, organization communication, conference/events, projects/strategic initiatives, and product/program delivery.
Responsible for the management of ongoing projects in coordination with the board.
Responsible for participation in and/or attendance at board meetings, mid-year board retreat, and association conferences or events.
Responsible for regular communication with the board to ensure they are kept informed regarding project completion and organizational initiatives.
Responsible for the oversight and support of conference logistics in conjunction with the board and conference committee including but not limited to conference budgeting, promotion, support materials, volunteers, registration and customer service management.
Responsible for building relationships to advance the impact and influence of the WEA across the outdoor industry (including advocacy groups, for-profit program providers, non-profit organizations, schools, and universities).
Responsible for board approved travel for organizing and participating in meetings about the WEA as well as national dialogue around relevant outdoor recreation issues.
Responsible for providing direction for effective marketing of the WEA and its products/programs.
Responsible for updating, maintaining and ensuring accuracy with on-line digital communication platforms (i.e. website, social media, blog, newsletters, and publications).
Responsible for coordinating volunteer or professional efforts to ensure WEA documents/ manuals are accurate, professionally presented and up-to-date.
Responsible for the supervision of the National Office Administrator.
Responsible for executing board-approved policies.
Responsible for providing accurate information to membership regarding programs, policies and systems.
Responsible for maintenance of official records and documents to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
Responsible for creating and/or reviewing the Association’s memorandums of understanding and contracts to ensure stewardship of the association.
Responsible for oversight of ongoing financial transactions associated with daily operations of the National Office i.e., collection of fees, bills, and website management.
Responsible for the creation and submission of an annual budget and monthly financial report/statement to the Board that accurately reflects the financial condition of the organization.
Responsible for preparing an annual financial report for the membership in conjunction with the board.
Responsible for coordinating a regularly occurring fundraising campaign.
Responsible with pursuing grants and/or other product development initiatives that contribute to organizational resources that support WEA’s mission.
Minimum of a bachelor’s degree (masters preferred).
Minimum of three years experience in leadership/management position for a comparable non-profit or sales organization.
Experience in effectively leading a performance- and outcomes-based organization and staff.
Experience with effectively developing and implementing strategies that have taken an organization to the next stage of growth.
Experience recruiting, engaging, and evaluating volunteers.
Experience in growing and maintaining membership-based programs.
Experience in setting and achieving strategic objectives.
Strong marketing, public relations, grant writing and fundraising skills with the ability to engage a wide range of diverse stakeholders.
Budget preparation, analysis, and reporting skills
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Knowledge of non-profit operations
Knowledge of the outdoor industry
Knowledge of higher education programs and structure
Ability to be self-directed, passionate, ethical, and mission-driven.
Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with diverse groups of individuals.
Ability to effectively translate ideas into measurable goals and plans.
Ability to strategically develop and execute initiatives to achieve fundraising and operational goals.
Ability to establish and leverage existing relationships and networks.
Certified Association Executive
Knowledge of accreditation and certification programs
Advanced degree, ideally in business administration, public administration, or relevant field
Five or more years of senior management experience
Prior experience with a comparable non-profit navigating through organizational change(s)