Posted: 10/15/24
Salary: $85,000-$115,000 Annually DOE
Location: Corvallis, OR

Are you a leader with a passion for natural resource conservation? Do you thrive in a small organization where you can make a big impact?  If so, we are looking for you! We are seeking a dynamic and strategically minded Executive Director to guide our organization into its next chapter. 

We are the Benton Soil & Water Conservation District (BSWCD), located in Corvallis, Oregon.

Our mission is to engage Benton County residents in the conservation and stewardship of natural resources for current and future generations.  We have an opportunity for an Executive Director to inspire, motivate, and align our staff and board toward common goals in fulfillment of the District’s mission and strategic plan initiatives.

Our District

BSWCD has been growing relationships between people and place since 1956! We are a Special District governed by a publicly elected Board of Directors. Our small staff (7 FTEs) engage Benton County residents in the conservation and stewardship of natural resources by providing educational, technical, and/or financial assistance.

Overarching themes for our strategic direction through 2027 are climate, targeted community impact, equity, and collaborative leadership. The District’s annual operating budget is approximately $1.3 million dollars. We work with a diverse array of dedicated and enthusiastic partner organizations, land managers, and volunteers to achieve our mission and meet the needs of our community.

We are committed to fostering a work environment that is inclusive, collaborative, and welcoming. We strive to apply an equity focus to our policies, practices, procedures, and programs. We are working to identify and remove barriers to access our services and provide opportunities for all members of our community to engage in and benefit from the conservation and stewardship of our natural resources.

Job Description

The Executive Director position is responsible for representing the District, conservation program and work plan development, organizational, personnel, and fiscal management, and board development and support. The Executive Director reports to the seven-member elected Board of Directors and is directly supervised by the Board Chair.

Responsibilities:

• Work with the board, staff, and external partners, as appropriate, to develop, update, and maintain accountability for implementation of the District’s Strategic Plan, Annual Work Plans, goals, and measurable performance objectives.
• Lead special projects and initiatives consistent with the District’s, Strategic Plan and priority conservation strategies, and lead development of the District’s Annual Report.
• Work with staff to identify ways to strengthen existing partnerships and create new diverse partnerships to implement conservation practices and fulfill the District’s mission.
• Work with staff to pursue grant funding and provide letters of support for partner initiatives that match identified strategic initiatives.
• Supervise, manage, and motivate staff members, interns, and volunteers and provide performance feedback.
• Oversee recruitment, selection, hiring procedures, and orientation of new staff, with support from other staff as appropriate.
• Recommend staff wages and benefits to the Personnel and Finance Committee and oversee benefits administration.
• Serve as Budget Officer and oversee development of the annual budget that conforms with Department of Revenue’s Oregon Budget Law and other requirements.
• Review monthly board financial reports and provide special reports on finances to the board.
• Represent and promote the work of the District to the public, partner organizations, and funders.
• Coordinate with staff and board members to ensure that the District’s relationships with rural and urban landowners, conservation partners, federal, state, and local government agencies, and diverse community organizations are maintained and that the District is represented in important and relevant collaborations.
• Initiate and take the lead on key strategic initiatives with outside organizations on issues such as climate change, wildfire risk management, and protection of rare and declining natural habitats.

This position involves occasional travel to the offices of partner organizations and agencies.  Attendance at evening meetings, weekend events, and occasional overnight travel to attend conferences and training is required.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent transferable skills in public administration, non-profit management, environmental policy and management, business administration, or related discipline. Transferable skills are any skills gained through education, work experience (including the military) or life experiences that are relevant for this position.

Skills in budget development, preparation, and maintenance.

A demonstrated commitment to natural resource conservation.

Three years minimum experience in:

• goal development, implementation, and achievement, and
• organizational, financial, and personnel management, including direct supervision of staff.

Demonstrated ability to:

• work effectively with a Board of Directors, staff, partners, and constituents who have a variety of perspectives
• interpret and implement relevant statutes, regulations, policies, and laws
• work independently, and be proactive and self-directed
• make decisions with sound judgment and integrity
• exercise leadership, critical thinking, interpersonal and communication skills
• effectively use MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, etc.) and access relevant online resources
• work with diverse groups and individuals to continue to build upon diversity and equity initiatives and practices within the organization
• manage staff as individual contributors and as a highly functioning team
• use conflict resolution and diplomacy skills to diffuse, address, and remedy any organizational or individual conflict, divergence, or issue that prevents a safe, comfortable, and effective work environment
• supervise direct reports with respect and support to create a workplace where staff thrive and love to work
• communicate effectively, including making public presentations (e.g., to the legislature, at conferences and public meetings, etc.)
• appropriately use discretion in all work activities and ensure confidential information is managed appropriately

Must be proficient in English (oral and written) for effective communication with board members, staff, partners, and the public.

Must be committed to the District’s work on diversity, equity, and inclusion, including utilizing tools such as an equity lens in decision making.

A valid driver’s license is required.

Studies have shown that Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), women, and other marginalized groups are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and qualifications and how not only your professional and educational experiences, but traditional, lived, and volunteer experiences contribute to meeting qualifications.

Please visit our website to read the complete job description https://www.bentonswcd.org/job-opportunities

Compensation and Benefits

The Executive Director position salary range is $85,000-$115,000 annually, depending on experience.  This position is full time, exempt, and works from our office located in Corvallis. Hybrid telework option is available.

Benefits include Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance with District contribution of 100% of employee premium, Short Term Disability Insurance, Life/AD&D Insurance, Oregon paid sick leave, Employee Assistance Program, District 457 Retirement Program, and paid time off (24.375 days per year).

Application Process

If you are ready to lead with purpose, cultivate partnerships, and implement strategies, we want to hear from you!

To apply, please submit the following materials:

• Cover letter demonstrating how your qualifications and experience meet the requirements of the position
• Current resume

Please send documents to recruitment@cascadeemployers.com. Incomplete submissions will not be considered.

This recruitment closes on Thursday, October 31st at 5:00 pm (PST). Cascade Employers Association is assisting us with the selection process.

Finalists in the selection process will be asked to provide professional references. Please be ready to share this information when requested.

Oregon law requires that public employers grant certain preferences in the hiring and promotion of veterans and disabled veterans.  Please visit our website for more information https://www.bentonswcd.org/job-opportunities

Benton Soil and Water Conservation District (BSWCD) is an equal opportunity employer. BSWCD does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, military service, marital status, parental status, or any other non-merit factor.

For questions about the application process, or to request an accommodation to access and participate in this recruitment, please email recruitment@cascadeemployers.com