Executive Director, Otsego County Conservation Association

Organization:
Otsego County Conservation Association
Posted:
Aug 1, 2011
Location:
Cooperstown, New York
Position:
Executive Director
Field:
Environment
Salary:
Commensurate with experience
Website:
www.occainfo.org
Application Deadline:
Review of applicants begins Sept 1, 2011
Employment Level:
Full time

Otsego County Conservation Association
Otsego County’s oldest environmental conservation organization, OCCA is a private, non-profit membership group dedicated to promoting the appreciation and sustainable use of Otsego County's natural resources through education, advocacy, resource management, research, and planning. Our major campaign areas are: water quality, land use planning, solid waste management, open space initiative, environmental education, and alternative energy/sustainability.

OCCA is active on numerous environmental fronts – everything from energy conservation to natural resource appreciation, from environmental education to water quality, and from local food initiatives to landscape-inspired art. OCCA is an active local sponsor of, and partner in, environmental initiatives throughout Otsego County: holding regional energy workshops; encouraging and supporting grassroots activism; presenting to local and regional policy makers on pressing issues as diverse as road preservation and forensic watershed monitoring; holding training sessions in conjunction with legal, engineering, agricultural, and planning entities; coordinating state and federal educational initiatives targeting Senate and Congressional leaders.

Since 1968, OCCA has been involved in virtually every major environmental issue facing the county, including high volume hydro fracturing for natural gas and we have accumulated a long list of accomplishments in the arena of environmental improvement, protection, and education.

OCCA's financial documents can be seen online at www.guidestar.com
There are currently three full-time employees, one full-time volunteer and more than 100 project volunteers throughout the year.

The Executive Director is the Chief Executive Officer of OCCA and is responsible for daily and long-term management and planning for OCCA, including, but not limited to, matters of finance, programs, personnel, buildings and grounds, development, public relations, and special activities.

The Executive Director provides the vision and leadership to advance all aspects of the organization. The ideal candidate will have strong management and administration skills, a commitment to and excellence in fundraising with a specific focus on foundation proposals, an overarching strategic vision and a passion for the mission of OCCA.



Qualifications
BA or BS, or equivalent work experience, is required with preference given to those whose educational discipline relates to OCCA’s six major campaign areas. The ideal candidate will have 2+ years experience as an Executive Director, or comparable management experience, with preference given for experience relevant to OCCA’s mission. They will have knowledge of and experience with conservation issues and geography of Otsego County, including energy development, public lands management, wilderness and water issues as well as issues involved with high volume hydro fracturing for natural gas and an understanding of the cultural and economic diversity of the region, strong organizational skills to plan, schedule and prioritize tasks and an ability to balance a complex budget through skillful use of available resources. They will have demonstrated the capacity to involve and motivate staff members, volunteers, patrons, community leaders, and peers in shared endeavors and values and the ability to multi-task and manage time sensitive projects or grants with overlapping deadlines. They will have experience managing staff with diverse talents and backgrounds, strong interpersonal skills, excellent writing and oral skills and demonstrated success managing communications and public relations for an organization. They will have a proven track record of fundraising success, including foundation solicitations, major donor campaigns, or other relevant fundraising experience and experience working with news media, including developing strategic messaging and media plan and experience with non-profit management including a demonstrated success developing and maintaining close and effective relationships with a Board and inspiring the confidence of the Directors.

Compensation and Benefits
Salary starting $50,000 Benefits include health and employer matched Individual Retirement Account, holidays, and a generous vacation package.

Application Process

Please provide cover letter, resume and a list of references via e-mail to President@occainfo.org with “Executive Director Job Application” in the subject line.. See www.occainfo.org for additional information.