Feb. 1, 2018
Seeking Executive Director for Society of Environmental Journalists
The Society of Environmental Journalists is an educational nonprofit with about 1,300 members and a (2017) budget of approximately $1 million for core operations. Its mission is to advance public understanding of environmental issues by strengthening the quality, reach, and viability of journalism. SEJ's priority work includes annual conferences, membership development, specialized publications, diversity initiatives, Freedom of Information WatchDog, SEJ Awards and grants for reporting projects.
SEJ is seeking an executive director with the following attributes:
- Demonstrated experience in management, including finance, legal, contracts, and human resources;
- Experience in fundraising and revenue generation, including grants, major gifts, sponsorships and earned income revenue streams;
- Experience supervising, team-working, cultivating volunteers, and, preferably, working with a board of directors;
- Facility with current and emerging digital tools for communications, finance, presentations, and organization management: Word, Excel, Powerpoint or Keynote, Google Docs, Dropbox, MemberClicks, and Quickbooks;
- A bachelor's degree (graduate degree preferred) or equivalent experience in journalism and mass communication, or business or nonprofit management. Commitment to the future of journalism, especially environmental journalism, at a time when our profession is under threat and needs audacity, creativity and resolve;
- A curious intellect, an energetic, open-minded and flexible approach to life, and a sense of humor.
If these qualities describe you, we welcome your application to be the next Executive Director of SEJ!
SUMMARY
The Society of Environmental Journalists recruits, links, educates and empowers journalists, educators and students, to advance public understanding of environmental issues. We seek an Executive Director to lead, support and cultivate SEJ staff and members, develop and manage resources, and deliver successful programs and services. This position is exempt and full-time, with a competitive salary and excellent benefits.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The Executive Director is SEJ's first line for visionary leadership and creative action at a time of change for the organization, journalism, and the society we serve. Responsibilities include:
- Cultivating relationships with donors and developing new sources of funding while adhering to SEJ's financial guidelines that protect independent journalism;
- Managing the organization's budget, including legal compliance and audit, also being accountable for integrity of financial systems, contracts, payroll, risk management, and human resources procedures;
- Overseeing SEJ's membership systems, services and programs, which include annual conferences, publications, a freedom of information project, coverage project grants, reporting awards, mentoring and fellowships;
- Developing strategic plans and partnerships with academic institutions, other journalism groups and others in the global environmental journalism community;
- Directing staff and volunteers, implementing board policies, and supporting board-member development;
- Articulating SEJ's mission and perspective to SEJ members and the public;
- Working independently and collaboratively, juggling long-term goals and pressing tasks;
- Advancing SEJ's messaging, marketing and social-media communication strategy.
WORKING CONDITIONS
SEJ's Executive Director coordinates with personnel in various locations and divides time between an office and the field as needed for fundraising, meetings, and oversight of events. The latter includes quarterly board meetings and SEJ's annual conference. Expect some work during evenings and weekends. This is a small organization, so the executive director pitches in where needed.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Candidate review begins on April 1, although the position will be open until filled. SEJ has an office of record in Washington, D.C. This job could be located in Washington, D.C., but we are equally open to strong candidates who want to work remotely from anywhere in the country.
The Society of Environmental Journalists is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. EEO is the law.
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