Executive Director, Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership, Inc.

Posted by on May 01, 2011

Executive Director, Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership, Inc.

Posted on: April 21, 2011

Overview

The Board of Directors of the Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership, Inc. (TTF) seeks an inspirational, collaborative Executive Director to guide an organization that is establishing itself as a regional and national example of the power of coordinated watershed revitalization. Working together with the Board and staff, the successful candidate will manage the organization, cultivate strong partnerships with diverse watershed stakeholders, and advance the goals of the Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Integrated Watershed Management Plan.

TTF’s mission is to enhance the health and vitality of the Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Creek and its watershed.

About TTF

The Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership, Inc. (TTF) acts as the crucial link connecting residents, businesses and government as neighbors and stewards of this impaired, but critically important watershed in the Philadelphia metro region. Through educational programming, community outreach, networking services, and project coordination, TTF facilitates, supports, and initiates efforts to restore the health of the watershed, and to mobilize its community members as watershed stewards. TTF works closely with the Philadelphia Water Department’s Office of Watersheds in their extensive stormwater management efforts.

Since its founding in 2000, TTF has grown from a volunteer partnership into an incorporated nonprofit 501(c)3 with four full-time staff members working to implement the recommendations of the Integrated Watershed Management Plan at the core of its Mission. TTF’s three key strategies as delineated by our Strategic Plan are (1) Education and Outreach, (2) Policy Structure Improvement, and (3) Watershed Restoration. TTF’s engaged and enthusiastic Board of Directors is comprised of some of the most active urban water advocates in the area, as well as a diverse group of dedicated stakeholders.

TTF’s annual operating budget is approximately $180,000. Funding for TTF comes from municipalities Board dues, foundations, individuals, and fees for services.

Position Summary

Appointed by and reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director serves as the creative and practical leader of the organization, building opportunities for growth and partnership, managing a highly self-directed and creative staff, and responding to the needs of TTF’s partners and watershed community members while advancing the goals of the Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Integrated Watershed Management Plan.

Responsibilities

Organizational Planning:

* Work closely with the Board of Directors on long-range planning for the growth and sustainability of the organization and achievement of the TTF mission
* Work closely with staff to create a working structure that capitalizes on staff skills and organizational resources to attain long-range planning goals

Leadership and Management:

* Provide creative leadership in the development of programs and organizational growth opportunities
* Be the face of TTF, recognizable and present at major project sites and events
* Provide leadership and training in the areas of project management, environmental education, stewardship activities (plantings, clean ups, stream restoration) and other aspects of TTF operations
* Using a collective management style, manage a self-directed and creative staff, providing guidance, support, and opportunities for professional growth

Fundraising and Fiscal Responsibility:

* Raise operating and program funding through a diversity of fundraising strategies including: grant-writing, donations, fee for service, and merchandise sales.
* Develop and recommend to the Board an annual budget for their approval and manage programs within those guidelines
* Oversee all aspects of the partnership’s financial reporting documentation

Public Relations:

* Maintain excellent working relationships with our partners including financial supporters, community groups, government officials, academic institutions, nonprofits and other organizations and individuals
* Serve as the organization’s chief spokesperson, professionally representing TTF among a diverse range of stakeholders and in a variety of media

The qualified candidate must possess at a minimum the following credentials:

* Five years of non-profit (or business) management and fundraising experience with demonstrative skills in grant writing, donor cultivation, financial management, staffing, event and meeting planning, organizational leadership, public relations
* Excellent interpersonal communication, writing and presentation skills, with an ability to effectively convey information and interact comfortably with diverse groups
* Proven ability to motivate, lead and sustain team excellence in a collaborative atmosphere
* Ability to design, implement and direct multiple projects simultaneously, and to make strategic decisions
* Knowledge of urban watershed conservation, restoration and policy issues
* Knowledge of federal, state and local watershed conservation programs
* Bachelors degree in a related field

Additional Requirements:

* Must have valid drivers’ license and a car
* Must be able to work non-traditional hours such as weekends and evening
* Ability to conduct physical labor (trash clean-ups, tree plantings) in outdoor settings

Additional factors that will be considered:

* Comfort in using social media tools
* Proximity to the watershed region
* Understanding of city and suburban municipal government structure and processes
* Advanced degree preferred

Email résumé and cover letter to:

Gerry Kaufman at [email protected]
Subject Line: TTF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR POSITION