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Virginia Executive Director
Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Annapolis, MD, USA
Posted on Friday, September 1, 2023
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation seeks a Virginia Executive Director in the EPR Department to be based at its Richmond, VA office with options for hybrid/remote work.
About the Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Established in 1966, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) is the largest regional nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to saving the Chesapeake Bay, its rivers and streams, and the wildlife that call it home through education, advocacy, litigation, and restoration. Since 2010, CBF has engaged in a focused effort to defend and implement the Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint, a binding federal and state collaborative agreement aimed at reducing pollution to the science-based, legally-affirmed levels established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Blueprint is expected to be fully implemented by 2025. If the states and the federal government achieve Blueprint goals, the Bay will finally—after decades of failed efforts—be removed from the Clean Water Act's impaired waters list. Successfully implementing the Blueprint depends on a well-informed, engaged, active, and diverse constituency of members, advocates, and volunteers who speak up and take action to save the Bay.
CBF has a staff ofapproximately 230employees working in offices in Annapolis, Maryland; Richmond and Virginia Beach, Virginia; Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; and Washington, D.C. as well as 15 field education program locations. Our staff and volunteer corps work throughout the region educating students and adults, advocating for clean water policies, restoring waterways, and litigating when necessary.
CBF's headquarters office in Annapolis, Maryland is the Philip Merrill Environmental Center, the world's first U.S. Green Build Council's LEED platinum building. In 2014, CBF opened the Brock Environmental Center—one of the world's most energy efficient, environmentally smart buildings—in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
CBF has200,000 members and supportersand an annual budget of approximately $30 million. For more information on CBF, please visit our About CBF page.
About the Hiring Department
Environmental Protection and Restoration (EPR)
CBF's Environmental Protection and Restoration department defends and restores the Chesapeake Bay by protecting the Bay's natural resources from pollution and other harmful activities by fighting for strong and effective laws and regulations; restoring the Bay's essential habitats and filtering mechanisms; and involving citizens in CBF's environmental efforts by recruiting, training, and incorporating them as effective partners and leaders.
Context of the Position
The Virginia Executive Director serves as the primary executive manager and leader for CBF in Virginia. Key responsibilities include: policy development; acting as a media/spokesperson; management of VA Office operations, budget & finances, staffing, grant & contract management; and proactive coordination with other CBF departments, including fundraising and communication efforts. Additionally, the Virginia Executive Director oversees all lobbying, outreach, and advocacy efforts, partnership management, and all restoration efforts for CBF in Virginia.
Essential Functions
- Provide dynamic leadership and operational management for the VA Office including managing all strategic planning efforts, stewarding team building, and creating an inclusive culture based on the VA Team's vision, mission, and outcome statement.
- Develop new systems and approaches, and improve processes that accelerate healthy environments both internally and externally.
- In partnership with the VA Program Manager & Financial Analyst, develop and manage the VA office budget including the evaluation of public and private grant opportunities, development of grant budgets and proposals, the execution of private and public grants, and contract administration. Provide review and signature authority for department activities including invoices, grants, contracts, timesheets, and employee expenditures.
- Sustain, influence, value, and cultivate collaborative relationships with local, state, and federal entities, conservation partners, and other key stakeholders.
- Lead CBF's environmental policy, restoration, and advocacy agenda in VA. Educate and engage with individuals, build advocates, and invest in communities to support their values and needs.
- Lobby and negotiate with high-ranking government officials, legislators, and community leaders.
- Serve as a representative of CBF on various boards, commissions, and to the public and media.
- Supervise, develop and mentor multi-disciplinary professional, technical, and administrative staff in VA office including delegation of work duties, establishing work plans, and providing opportunities for career growth and development.
- Expand and diversify organizational influence and impact through the cultivation of "grasstops" influencers. Lobby high-ranking government officials, legislators, community leaders, and prospective VA-based CBF Board members and donors. Working with CBF's Development Team, establish and maintain relationships with VA-based Board of Trustee members.
- Provide cross departmental coordination with all CBF's departments as well as other state and regional offices.
- Represent the VA office in EPR departmental strategic planning and budgeting processes and ensure they are consistent and coordinated with CBF-wide annual strategic plan and budget goals.
Professional Experience and Qualifications
At least seven to ten years of experience in management, operations, budgeting, leadership, public policy, fundraising, grant management, public speaking, and advocacy skills. Must be familiar with Virginia environmental laws and regulations. Familiarity with Virginia General Assembly and state and local government preferred. Graduate-level degree in environmental or climate policy, science, law, or business operations preferred.
Ability to communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Ability to receive and give supportive feedback to foster equity and inclusion in working relationships. Ability to recognize, nurture, and learn from strengths in co-workers. Having flexibility to accomplish job responsibilities in several work environments, whether it be from home, on the road, or in an office.
Salary Range: $120,000 - $130,000
How to Apply
Using the link below, please submit a cover letter and resume no later than September 17, 2023.
CBF offers a 36-hour work week, a flexible telework policy, a comprehensive benefits package to include: 20 vacation days, 10 sick days, 2 floating holidays, health, vision, dental, life insurance, and a 403(b) retirement plan with matching contribution. Learn more about CBF Benefits.
We Are Committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice
Just as biodiversity is the key to a thriving ecosystem, human diversity is the key to saving the Bay. Success depends on people from widely diverse backgrounds, cultures, ethnicities, identities, and races taking collective action. Clean water, clean air, and a safe environment are rights we all share.
To increase diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation will:
- Recruit and retain a staff, board, and membership that reflect the diversity of people living within the Chesapeake Bay region;
- Strengthen and broaden the diversity of our partnerships;
- Celebrate and value the diversity of staff; and
- Fight to ensure that everyone has equal access to clean water, clean air, and a safe environment.
Studies show that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every qualification listed in a job description. Wondering whether you have the right credentials or background to apply? We value lived experience, are serious about embracing diversity, and are committed to building a team that represents our communities' backgrounds. We encourage BIPOC, women, people from the LGBTQ+ community, and people with disabilities to apply.
CBF does not discriminate based on any identities. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.