Environmental Works
Executive Director Job Description
Organization Background
Environmental Works provides sustainable architectural services for low-income populations throughout western Washington. As a non-profit community design center we have achieved national recognition for our work and are regarded as leaders in the field of sustainable architecture for low-income communities.
Environmental Works was founded in 1970. Our projects include affordable housing, special needs housing, child care centers, medical/dental clinics, food banks, counseling facilities, neighborhood centers, and social service agency administrative offices. Our project construction costs range from $50,000 - $12,000,000. A for-profit subsidiary, founded in 1997, furthers socially responsible work beyond the mission of Environmental Works. Currently 20 staff operate on an annual budget of approximately $2,400,000.
Executive Director Position
Summary:
EW is seeking a motivated and qualified professional with a commitment to serving diverse, low income and special needs communities. This individual should have sensitivity to design issues, experience in at least one of the fields of Architecture, Planning, Sustainability, or Affordable Housing and have income generating / marketable skills to complement the agency's mission. This inspirational leader will be responsible for managing all aspects of the organization, will advocate on behalf of our mission, and will lead by example.
Duties/Responsibilities:
• Human Resources: attract, hire, and retain highly qualified and diverse staff; assign work; oversee the creation and implementation of performance appraisal and reward/recognition systems; establish formal and informal training, professional development, mentoring and coaching policies; address concerns and effectively resolve problems; and be responsible for cultivating the potential of all staff.
• Strategic Planning: lead board and staff to develop and implement the goals of the Strategic Plan and annual work plans.
• Finances: develop and monitor the annual budget; maintain positive cash flow; ensure income generation through projects, grant-writing, fundraising and other venues as appropriate to the organization's mission and functions and allocate resources for maximum effectiveness and efficiency.
• Administration: develop organizational and administrative policies and program objectives; manage the facility; ensure compliance with appropriate regulations and legal requirements; oversee contracts with clients and consultants and project budgets to ensure effective implementation and fulfillment of contractual obligations; and evaluate completed work.
• Board of Directors: support all activities associated with the Board of Directors; report to and maintain effective work relationship with the Board.
• Business Development: provide leadership in marketing and promoting the organization; increase public awareness of the organization's capabilities and contributions; as the primary external representative establish / maintain healthy relationships with diverse communities, government departments, non-profit agencies, other organizations and the media.
• Advocacy / Outreach: seek opportunities for the organization to contribute to the public debate on issues of importance to Environmental Works' mission; become a recognized leader in the community on EW's areas of expertise.
In addition, the successful candidate will have the following Skills, Abilities and Values:
• Commitment to design excellence; sustainability; and issues of social justice
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking
• Creating and maintaining collaborative environments
• Strong skills in interpersonal interactions and conflict resolution
• Effective balancing of internal and external focus
• Strong analytical and strategic decision making abilities
• Marketing and promotional skills; ability to bring in new work, income generating capabilities
• Integrity and transparency
• Passion on behalf of the organization and its mission
• Resourcefulness, creative problem solving
The ideal candidate will have the following Education & Experience:
• 10+ years experience in Architecture, Planning, Sustainability, and/or Affordable Housing
• 5-10 years management/leadership experience working in a collaborative environment
• Advanced degree or equivalent experience
• Professional Certification
The Board and Staff of Environmental Works are enthusiastically seeking a new leader to join and inspire us in building on our mission. The starting salary range for this position is: $85,000 – $125,000, depending on qualifications, plus a benefits package. Position start-date is fall or early winter 2008. Environmental Works is an equal opportunity employer: women and persons of color are encouraged to apply.
To Apply:
To receive full consideration, qualified candidates are requested to submit a letter of interest with a resume and portfolio (if appropriate) no later than August 15, 2008 , to:
Jan Gleason FAIA
Executive Director
Environmental Works
402 15 th Avenue East
Seattle, WA 98112
206.329.8300 x11