Executive Director

Position Description

Organization
An overarching challenge of our age is to develop sustainable systems that improve and maintain the health and quality of life.  Developing and fostering these systems is the mission of the Sustainability Institute (SI), founded in 1996 by the late Donella (Dana) Meadows. We conduct research to identify the principles and mechanisms necessary for sustainable solutions.  We use systems thinking principles and system dynamics modeling to identify leverage points in human and natural systems and to design interventions that produce positive effects. Because human interactions and relationships are critical for healthy systems, we apply principles of organizational learning. We seek solutions that embrace, maintain and expand diversity and equity, including inter-generational equity. Through writing, speaking and mentoring, we work to influence mindsets in a way that will promote effective change. Through consulting, coordination and collaboration, we build individual and organizational capacity to analyze, understand and manage complex environmental, social and economic systems. 

Current projects are centered primarily in the practice areas of climate change, food production, poverty reduction and chronic illnesses.  The work is carried out in a variety of ways including:

  • Inspiring, informing and empowering individual, organizational and societal action;
  • Convening diverse groups of stakeholders to develop sustainable systems;
  • Building leadership capacities in sustainability professionals and others who directly impact sustainability;
  • Developing and sharing tools, training, and publications on sustainability.

The SI has a staff of twelve, an active seven-member board, and an annual operating budget of approximately $2 million.  Current sources of funding include foundation grants, individual and organizational contributions, and fee for service consulting.  SI operates out of an energy efficient, renovated 1950s farmhouse in Hartland, Vermont.

Position
Over the past year, the staff and board of the SI have engaged in comprehensive self-analysis and review. The Executive Director position has been defined based on that review. We have analyzed our structure and operation, and how they serve our mission.  We concluded that we could be more effective with appropriate changes. We are restructuring, drafting a new organizational profile, and developing and implementing integrated policies and procedures for human resources and finances. We have made strong, explicit commitments to an internal culture of respectful collegiality and accountability.  Our new Executive Director will provide leadership in a strong organization that is committed to evolving in response to our own experience, as well as to the challenges of a complex and rapidly changing world.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the Institute in a comprehensive strategic planning process and ongoing implementation and evaluation.
  • Integrate projects and programs-- guided by our vision, to accomplish our mission.
  • Foster a rigorous, respectful, collaborative working culture, with effective communication and outreach.
  • Enhance the capability of staff through team-building, evaluation based on clear expectations, and collaborative decision-making.
  • Ensure greater awareness of the Institute’s work through a comprehensive, communications strategy reaching decision makers, opinion leaders and the general public.
  • Serve as the Institute’s lead spokesperson, promoter, advocate and resource developer.
  • Identify and create professional opportunities for staff.
  • Develop opportunities for effective staff-Board interactions and communication.
  • Support and guide the Board in the execution of its organizational and fiscal responsibilities.
  • Monitor and maintain smooth functioning of all operations, including finances.
  • Assist in design of internal systems and external projects that align with the values, limits and possibilities of a sustainable future.

Qualifications

  • Deep personal commitment to and professional experience in sustainability (which includes  social and economic justice as well as environmental stewardship).
  • Demonstrated success in management, fundraising and public relations.
  • Extensive nonprofit knowledge and experience, highly desirable.
  • Collegial leader, experienced in participatory decision making.
  • Ability to coach, support, inspire and enable professional staff in individual and team efforts.
  • Well-networked. Respected by donors, collaborating leaders and other key stakeholders.
  • Working knowledge of systems thinking and organizational learning, highly desirable.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication.
  • Willingness to take risks, learn, and develop personally and professionally.
  • Advanced degree in a relevant field or comparable experience.

Salary commensurate with qualifications.  Excellent benefits. 

The Sustainability Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply for this position.  It is the goal of SI to seek out and employ well-qualified individuals based on skills, abilities and responsibilities identified in the job description.  SI makes a special effort to encourage applications from persons who reflect the diversity of the communities and constituencies with which SI works.  SI is committed to creating internally a diversity of race, gender, age, sexual orientation and physical ability.

To Apply

Please apply online only. Click here to submit your application. Applications received by June 22nd will be included in initial review. The position is open until filled.

Click here for pdf of position description

 

Operations Manager

Primary Function:

A full time position responsible for the overall financial management, human resource functions, contract management and compliance, technology systems and physical plant of the Institute.  Serve on management team, providing operational and administrative services and advice to staff and Board on operational, financial, and personnel policies and procedures. 

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Operational/Financial:
    • Manage the Institute’s daily operations including the flow of incoming communication.
    • Develop, in conjunction with the management team and the Board’s Finance Committee, the Institute’s annual budget.
    • Report regularly to the Executive Director and the Board on the Institute’s financial status.
    • Act as staff liaison to the Board’s Finance Committee.
    • Monitor and administer the agency’s annual budget, preparing financial statements/reports and cash flow projections on a regular basis.
    • Review and process all transactions relating to accounts receivable, accounts payable, general ledger and payroll processing and maintaining an accrual-based financial record keeping system. 
    • Work with and compile documents for independent auditors to prepare the annual federal information return and to conduct the yearly audit to evaluate existing financial practices, records and policies and to ensure compliance with contracts and agreements.
    • Manage the Institute’s information and technology resources, including voice and data systems, centralized database, computer networking, server, web site and email.
    • Develop and maintain internal reporting and tracking systems.
    • Maintain, update and ensure compliance with Financial and Operational Policies and Procedures.
  • Human Resources:
    • Participate in the process of recruiting, interviewing, hiring, orienting and evaluating staff members.
    • Maintain, update and ensure compliance with the Institute’s Personnel Policies and Procedures.
    • Provide supervision to operational staff, volunteers and interns.
    • Maintain employee records and files in a confidential manner, including evaluations, wages, time sheets, attendance records, and comprehensive time off usage.
    • Act as the Administrator for the Institute’s Flexible Spending Plan, 403 (B) Plan, and other benefits, including medical, dental, life and short and long-term disability policies.
  • Program/Projects:
    • Work with Program/Project Leaders to develop specific financial materials and budgets for grant applications and fee-for-service proposals and participate in discussions about financial matters and reporting with funders.
    • Track projects’ financial performance against budget and monitor their compliance with contractual and financial obligations.
    • Prepare financial reports for all contracts and agreements in compliance with funder expectation and in collaboration with Program/Project Leaders.
    • Maintain centralized database for external contacts and of private individuals, foundations, corporations and other funding sources.

Position Requirements:

  • A Bachelors degree in Accounting or Business Administration with four years experience maintaining an accrual-based financial record keeping system or a Bachelors degree in an unrelated field with six years related experience (including accrual-based financial record keeping system) in nonprofit or for-profit business.
  • Excellent leadership, interpersonal communication skills and a desire to work collaboratively with staff, members of the board, funders, contractors and other institutions.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, select and supervise contractors and vendors, and delegate responsibilities in ways that encourage success.
  • Computer skills including network maintenance and operations, web-site management, QuickBooks Accounting Systems, FileMaker Pro, and Microsoft Office.
  • Knowledge of EEO and ADA and other federal and state laws covering operations and employment.
  • Knowledge of third party contracts and grant reporting.

 

Reports to:

Executive Director

About the Sustainability Institute:

SI envisions sustainability and puts it into practice.  An overarching challenge of our age is to develop sustainable systems that improve and maintain the health and quality of life.  Developing and fostering these systems is the mission of the Sustainability Institute (SI), founded in 1996 by the late Donella (Dana) Meadows. We conduct research to identify the principles and mechanisms necessary for sustainable solutions.  We use systems thinking principles and system dynamics modeling to identify leverage points in human and natural systems and to design interventions that produce positive effects. Because human interactions and relationships are critical for healthy systems, we apply principles of organizational learning. We seek solutions that embrace, maintain and expand diversity and equity, including inter-generational equity. Through writing, speaking and mentoring, we work to influence mindsets in a way that will promote effective change. Through consulting, coordination and collaboration, we build individual and organizational capacity to analyze, understand and manage complex environmental, social and economic systems. 

The SI has a staff of 14, an active seven-member board, and an annual operating budget of approximately $2 million.  Current sources of funding include foundation grants, individual and organizational contributions, and fee for service consulting.  SI operates out of an energy efficient renovated 1950s farmhouse in Hartland, Vermont with staff also based  in North Carolina and Massachusetts.

For more information, please visit http://www.sustainabilityinstitute.org

Compensation and Search:

Salary commensurate with qualifications.  Excellent benefits. 

Applications should be submitted to bmiller@vermontel.net.  Position available until filled.  Initial candidate review begins May 19, 2008.

The Sustainability Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply for this position.  It is the goal of SI to seek out and employ well-qualified individuals based on skills, abilities and responsibilities identified in the job description.  SI makes a special effort to encourage applications from persons who reflect the diversity of the communities and constituencies with which SI works.  SI is committed to creating internally a diversity of race, gender, age, sexual orientation and physical ability.

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