ED Position, Wisconsin Climate Change Action Initiative

On behalf of our client, Wisconsin Climate Change Action Initiative, KeyStone Search is conducting a retained search for the organizations first Executive Director.

ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND

Wisconsin Climate Change Action Initiative (the Climate Initiative) is a new non-profit corporation established under the auspices of Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle to implement a recommendation of the Governors Task Force on Global Warming. Formed in July, 2009 with initial funding of $5 million, the purpose of the Climate Initiative is to inspire and facilitate significant, voluntary reductions in greenhouse gas emissions arising from behaviors and choices of individuals, communities and businesses in Wisconsin. The Climate Initiative will achieve its purpose through strategic programs designed to induce changes in behavior and the provision of education, tools, and expertise.

The mission for the Climate Initiative is to encourage voluntary behavior change to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Wisconsin. This mission will be accomplished, in part, through social marketing initiatives. The Climate Initiative will plan its activities to be complementary to and not duplicative of, existing initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Wisconsin. The Climate Initiative will develop and implement empirical methods of measuring the impact of its activities. The Boards goal is that through the work of the Climate Initiative, Wisconsin will be recognized as a national leader in achieving voluntary greenhouse gas emissions reductions.

The primary program areas of the Climate Initiative are:

Marketing to Change Behavior
The Climate Initiative will develop, fund and implement a comprehensive, multi-year, state-wide marketing campaign aimed at all sectors to induce changes in behavior. The marketing campaign will also create awareness of tools and expertise to enable people to substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions over the long term.

Support for Community-wide Sustainability and Energy Independence Programs The Climate Initiative will develop and implement comprehensive, community-wide energy independence and sustainability programs to address climate change and lower governmental costs for the long-term. A variety of resources will be provided including materials, training, technical support, services and grants.

Support Business Greenhouse Emission Reduction Initiatives
The Climate Initiative will provide a variety of services, including education, training, technical support, evaluations, recognition programs and funding to Wisconsin businesses (including farms) to assist them in determining, tracking and decreasing their GHG emissions.


POSITION OVERVIEW

Because the Climate Initiative has just been launched, the Executive Director will play a key role in establishing the organization, defining its mission and priorities. He/she will report to the Board of Directors and will be responsible for overall leadership, direction and general management of the organization. He/she will have primary responsibility for working with the Board to develop a strategic plan for the organization. Once the plan is approved, the Executive Director will be responsible for designing and implementing a business plan, developing and delivering programs and directing day-to-day operations, with the objective of establishing a solid foundation for outstanding performance and success in meeting the mission of the organization. The performance of the Executive Director will be measured on the basis of meeting the objectives and establishing a reputation of excellence for the organization in all of its operations and activities.


KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

The primary responsibilities for the Executive Director include:

Responsible for overall management of the Climate Initiative to achieve its mission effectively and efficiently.
Assist the Board in specifically defining the mission, vision and strategic objectives of the Climate Initiative and establishing priorities.
Develop a three-year business plan for the Boards review and approval to meet the organizations mission, to establish staffs responsibilities and provide accountability.
Develop and deliver specific programs, in an orderly fashion, consistent with the business plan.
Develop a financial strategy for the organization that will include a plan for increasing the revenues of the Climate Initiative through donations from foundations, corporations, individuals and others. This plan should include specific goals and an outreach effort that involves the Board of Directors directly in fundraising.
Reach out to other organizations in Wisconsin and nationally that are engaged in related activities in order to develop relationships and enable the organization to leverage its activities through close coordination with others rather than duplication.
Communicate clearly and effectively with political, business and community leaders in Wisconsin on the mission of the Climate Initiative and its programs, and develop a public communication strategy.
Develop and implement a staffing, outsourcing and contracting plan for program implementation.
Work with the Finance Committee, establish and implement strong financial policies and procedures to protect the assets of the organization, provide transparency, and enable effective Board oversight.
Draft and propose the administrative and general policies of the organization for Board approval.
Develop a program and messaging strategy to establish the public image of the Climate Initiative, including an excellent website that will be a resource for the program activities.
Develop an effective system for benchmarking and evaluation of the programs and activities of the organization.
Together with the Board President, develop procedures to enable effective Board meetings that focus on priorities and policy, and make good use of Board member expertise.
Support the activities of Board-established committees.


QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate for this position is an experienced and visionary professional with a passion for the environment that includes helping Wisconsin significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The successful candidate will be a person of integrity and stature in the community with proven leadership experience, exemplary business and/or nonprofit management skills, and a strong commitment to collaboration with other climate change initiatives. Fundraising, community relations and partnerships, and board development are all key components of this challenging role. Other essential skills and experience include:

Demonstrated ability to lead, inspire and motivate, and ability to provide and portray a sense of vision for the Climate Initiative to its stakeholders.
A track record of building strong, mutually beneficial relationships and achieving results through empowering people.
A broad understanding of issues related to climate change, a strong commitment to helping individuals and businesses reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and knowledge of the significant challenges of achieving behavioral change.
Successful experience in developing and executing strategic and business plans.
Experience working effectively with a broad range of external constituents including individuals, businesses, local governments, foundations and community programs.
Significant project management experience in areas related to the mission and anticipated programs. Since the organization is not likely to have many employees in the early years, strong experience in contract negotiation, developing requests for proposals and contract administration will be important.
Successful experience working with a diverse Board of Directors.
Substantial experience with demonstrated success in fundraising from a variety of donor types.
Excellent written and oral communication skills. The individual should be comfortable in presenting to the public and discussing issues with political, business and community leaders.
Strong facilitation skills - a proven record of working in coordination and partnership with other organizations to achieve mutual objectives.
An understanding of financial statements and issues and proven ability to be able to run an organization in a transparent, effective and efficient manner.

COMPENSATION

The Climate Initiative Board is committed to providing a competitive salary and benefit program.


CONTACT

Rebecca Yanisch, Principal or Bob Schoenbaum, Principal
Phone: 612-375-8841 Phone: 612-375-8898
Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]


Bob Schoenbaum
Principal
KeyStone Search
United States
www.keystonesearch.com