Jobs

EARTHWORKS
Position Description

Mission

EARTHWORKS (www.earthworksaction.org) is a non-profit, 501(c)-(3) organization dedicated to protecting communities and the environment from the destructive impacts of mineral development, in the U.S. and worldwide. We fulfill our mission by supporting communities and grassroots groups, publicizing the environmental, social, cultural, and economic impacts of mining, and working to improve government policies and corporate practice.

EARTHWORKS' campaigns promote responsible consumption and production practices, biodiversity conservation, recycling, sustainable materials policies, fuel efficiency, and renewable energy. We expose the health, environmental, economic, social and cultural impacts of irresponsible mineral development through our work, which is informed by sound science.

History

EARTHWORKS was created in 1988 by conservation leaders including former Secretary of the Interior Stewart L. Udall, Phil Hocker and J. Michael McCloskey as an environmental organization that focused on mining and oil and gas issues in the U.S. The organization was then called Mineral Policy Center. Its primary methods included government lobbying, research and policy development, and support to grassroots communities.

In 2004, EARTHWORKS renamed and rebranded itself while it was launching the markets-based No Dirty Gold (www.nodirtygold.org) campaign, expanding its capacity to work on energy issues through a merger with the Oil and Gas Accountability Project (OGAP), and launching a new affiliates program. In 2008, EARTHWORKS launched its No Dirty Energy (www.nodirtyenergy.org) campaign, with an initial focus on stopping destructive tar sands and coal mining. EARTHWORKS has also helped found, and continues to lead, multi-sector initiatives (with mining and jewelry companies, mining-affected communities, unions and other NGOS) to develop standards and verification for mining operations and minerals.

Today EARTHWORKS is recognized by community leaders, NGOs, governments, industry and the media as a leading international NGO providing strategic and campaign leadership on extractive industries issues.

As it enters its twenty-first year, EARTHWORKS is looking for a uniquely qualified leader to serve as its third Executive Director.

Primary Responsibilities

The Executive Director is responsible for building the organization's financial, creative, and human resources; forging strong partnerships with our allies; building relationships of value with leaders in all sectors; leading the strategic development of our campaigns and programs; advancing and articulating an organizational vision; and adding new constituencies to our campaigns. Specifically, we are seeing a candidate who can:

• Establish the strategic and programmatic direction for the organization and provide guidance to the staff.
• Maintain and increase the profile, reputation, stature, and visibility of the organization.
• Provide leadership in regard to government affairs, our policy agenda, and public relations.
• Provide access to political, policy, corporate and media leaders.
• Ensure a strong reputation and relationships with community leaders and grassroots activists.
• Secure the resources necessary to fund the organization's programs and meet its objectives.

The Executive Director reports to EARTHWORKS' Board of Directors. While the Board has the ultimate legal and fiduciary responsibility for the organization, the Executive Director is responsible for ensuring the sound and effective operation of EARTHWORKS. The Board sets broad policy, strategic direction and approves an annual plan and budget however it is the responsibility of the Executive Director to analyze and prepare recommendations to the Board in these key areas.

The Executive Director is responsible for all executive, strategic, programmatic, and financial and management functions. The Executive Director, supported by the staff, conducts the organization's business and implements its programs.

Qualifications

We are looking for a candidate who possesses the following attributes: general knowledge and expertise in extractive industries and environmental issues more broadly; senior level campaign and advocacy experience; non-profit management experience; recognized leadership in the environmental field; media expertise and experience; public speaking experience and skills; a strong reputation amongst non-profits and foundations; access to foundations and potential major donors; experience with fund-raising; experience with relevant political and government bodies and regulators; international experience and interest; a track record of effective engagement with community organizations and leaders; and strong skills in strategic analysis and planning.

The ideal candidate will have experience directing campaigns or advocacy programs, and a track record that provides evidence of strong strategic smarts and skills.

The position requires excellent writing, public speaking and media skills. We are also looking for a candidate with experience working with diverse coalitions. The candidate must be comfortable and highly effective in any setting, whether at a meeting of community leaders, a global NGO strategy session, testifying at a Congressional hearing, or the corporate boardroom.

A passion for fundraising and an interest in management and organizational development is essential. The ideal candidate would blend strong strategic skills with a passion for running and building an organization.

Candidates must be adept at working in a fast-paced environment and responding quickly to external events and opportunities. They must thrive in a team setting but also show, from previous experience, an ability to direct and lead.

Experience with extractive sector issues and/or climate change issues is preferred but not required. Experience, at a senior program level, with environmental, conservation, human rights, or related public-interest issues is a pre-requisite. Candidates must have a strong grasp of the dynamics and means to influence governments and institutions, including multinational corporations and international political institutions.

All candidates must have a strong commitment to environmental protection, community benefit and the goals and mission of EARTHWORKS.

Application information

Excellent salary and benefits commensurate with experience.

EARTHWORKS is an equal opportunity employer.

Please send applications to: edsearch@earthworksaction.org

Please include a cover letter and resume; writing sample and references optional.

All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. We will be accepting applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Due to the volume of applications we receive, we will not be able to individually contact all applicants.