Executive Director, Virginia Wilderness Committee

The Virginia Wilderness Committee (VC) seeks a new executive director.  Organized in 1969, VWC works closely with Virginia’s congressional delegation to pass federal legislation under the 1964 Wilderness Act, which provides permanent protection to outstanding wild areas on public land in Virginia.  VWC has been instrumental passing legislation that designated all existing wilderness areas in the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests and in Shenandoah National Park.  The new executive director position is described below.

·        Responsibilities
Provide strong organizational leadership that values the roles of staff, volunteers, board members, and community partners to achieve VWC’s mission.

·        Educate members of Congress and the public regarding legislative efforts to designate Wilderness areas across Virginia’s federal public lands.

·        Engage in short-term and long-term strategic planning to ensure stability and growth.

·        Cultivate relationships with members and donors and foster a culture of philanthropy, as well as support from foundations, corporations, government agencies, and civic organizations.

·        Be a public face of VWC, and work with diverse stakeholders to communicate goals and successes through in-person meetings, events, and print, electronic and social media.

·        Work with partner organizations to achieve strategic landscape-level conservation.

·        Manage VWC’s operations and staff.  The ED reports directly to the board of directors and its executive committee.   All other employees of VWC report to the ED.

 

Required Qualifications

·        Experience working for a board of directors

·        Familiarity with federal legislative process

·        Bachelor’s degree (advanced degree will receive additional consideration)

·        Demonstrated success managing an organization or large project

·        Experience supervising staff and/or volunteers with diplomacy and mutual trust

·        Excellent written and verbal communication skills

·        Experience in fundraising

·        Experience preparing grant proposals and managing grant funds

 

Desired Qualifications

·        Familiarity with federal land management agencies

·        Familiarity with donor development databases

·        Experience managing a fundraising drive

·        Experience working for a land trust or conservation organization

·        Passion for Wilderness and conservation

 

Equity

VWC aspires to be inclusive in its work and in the kind of organization we are.  This means listening to different points of view, recognizing the contributions of every employee, and empowering each employee to bring their whole self to work every day.  Externally this means ensuring public lands are inclusive and welcoming, so our shared wildlands can help people and nature to thrive.

 

VWC is committed to equity throughout its work, which we define as our commitment to realizing the promise of our public lands and ensuring all can share in their universal benefits.  We are an equal opportunity employer and actively work to ensure fair treatment of our employees and constituents across cultures, socioeconomic status, race, marital or family situation, gender, age, ethnicity, religious beliefs, physical ability, veteran status, or sexual orientation.

 

Compensation

The successful candidate will be paid in the $70,000 to $80,000 range.  This is planned as a fulltime position but less than fulltime will be considered at a lower salary for the right candidate.  Benefits will include generous personal time, health insurance, and a modest 401k contribution.  The ED will have a home office.  VWC will share in office costs.

 

The ED will preferably live in close proximity to Virginia’s public land base.

 

The position will remain open until filled.  A start date in the fall of 2023 is desired.