– Director ($80,000 to $95,000) Yosemite Sequoia Resource Conservation District & Development Council Position Description The Director is responsible for managing and directing all operations of the Yosemite Sequoia Resource Conservation District & Development Council (YSRC&DC) along with being the face of YSRC&DC to a large and varied group of government, research, non-profit, and private partners. The Executive Director is an at-will employee who reports to the Executive Committee of the YSRC&DC. The position requires a strong and broad-based knowledge of natural resources, State and federal resource agency programs and an understanding of the cultural and natural resource challenges of the southern Sierra Nevada region. The YSRC&DC is seeking a person with strong strategic thinking, collaborative leadership, and problem-solving abilities in order to carry out YSRC&DC’s strategic goals and mission. General Duties • Initiate and lead programmatic development and expansion by building partnerships and actively seeking opportunities for appropriate funding. • Maintain thorough knowledge of current and newly emerging issues affecting natural resources in the Sierra Nevada and Yosemite Sequoia service region, as well as staying abreast of statewide evolutions in conservation focus. • Manage administrative aspects of the YSRC&DC. • Work on project related tasks with identifiable outputs. • Maintain, enhance, and foster a strong working relationship with public and private partners. • Ensure ongoing compliance with applicable statutes and government rules and regulations. • Coordinate compliance with legal counsel and auditors as required. • Keep abreast of all federal, State, and local laws, ordinances, general plans, and policies that affect conservation work within the YSRC&DC. • Coordinate with the CA Department of Conservation and the California Association of Resource Conservation Districts and other State and Federal resource agencies as needed. • Supervise and implement promotional and media activities for the YSRC&DC programs with partners, within the community, and with the media. • Provide a visible presence of “face” for the YSRC&DC through public interactions with the community and partners. • Identify obstacles and barriers to conservation programs and projects, and work with the Board and partners to find solutions. Financial and Administrative Duties • Ensure that YSRC&DC operations continue in a fiscally responsible manner and maintain transparency. • Supervise all operational aspects of the YSRC&DC including oversight and approval of all contractual and legal agreements. • Oversee the development of budget projections and identify needs and opportunities to ensure adequate funding to maintain existing staff and expand programs where appropriate. • Oversee financial management and reporting and coordinate with the YSRC&DC financial and administrative staff in the preparation and monitoring of the annual budget and preparation for independent audits. • Oversee staff hiring and personnel administration and organizational policy implementation and development. Board Relations • Report regularly to the Executive Committee and Council regarding achievement of YSRC&DC objectives and goals and provide updates on current projects and other issues relevant to the Council. Keep the Council fully informed on the financial and programmatic condition of the organization and all-important factors influencing its decisions. • In coordination with the Council and YSRC&DC staff, implement the 2022 Strategic Focus plan and an annual and three-year budget for the organization with specific goals, time frames and financial requirements. • Schedule meetings, review and finalize agendas and supporting materials, and attend all Council and Executive Committee Meetings. Experience and Requirements • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited school in environmental planning, natural resources management, forestry, environmental engineering, business or public administration, or related field. • A minimum of five years of management experience with natural resource-related public agencies or organizations. • Experience including fund development, grant management, financial and organizational management, human resources, and development and management of projects for treatment or restoration of lands. • Experience leading an outcome-based organization; ability to develop and implement strategies that will take the YSRC&DC to the next stage of growth. • Competency with current computer technologies. • A California C Driver’s License (or ability to acquire one in 30 days), a clean driving record, auto insurance and successful completion of a background check. • Possession of a personal vehicle for use for travel within the YSRC&DC service area (cost reimbursement based on federal reimbursement rates). Characteristics and Skills • Unwavering commitment to quality programs and data-driven program evaluation. • Excellence in organizational management with the ability to manage and develop high-performance teams, set, and achieve strategic objectives, and manage complex budgets. • Ability to work comfortably in a wide range of settings including legislative subcommittees, program development sessions with environmental decision-makers, technical conferences, and meetings with local citizens and landowner groups. • Strong ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders and cultures. Relates well to all kinds of people, builds constructive and effective relationships. • Able to negotiate skillfully in tough situations with both internal and external groups. • Pursues goals and challenges with energy, drive, and creativity. • Results-oriented and accountable. • Excellent writing and public speaking skills, strong verbal communication skills, a persuasive and passionate communicator with excellent interpersonal and multidisciplinary project skills. • Self-directed and ability to work with minimal direction. • Is able to deal with sensitive issues and information in a professional and confidential manner. • Understands and nurtures the value of the team. • Demonstrated leadership skills through past achievements. Additional Requirements The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Position may require manual labor. Ability to lift up to 35 lbs.; ability to sit, walk and stand for intermittent periods of time and on a frequent basis; strength, dexterity, coordination; ability to climb, bend, stoop, squat, and reach on a frequent basis; ability to communicate on a telephone, via email, and in person. Ability to properly prepare for long hours exposed to the elements. Special Working Conditions • Occasional evening and weekend work. • Travel throughout the 4-county service area as needed. • Working outdoors and short hikes during site reviews. • Remote (from-home) work currently in limited use due to COVID safety protocols. The Director may locate in any county served by the YSRC&DC and may often work remotely but must be able to regularly travel within the service area and to the office to meet the needs of the organization.
