Vice President of Programs

Position Summary

The VP of Programs provides organizational leadership to maximize the effectiveness, impact and integration of policy and communications-focused programs. This position is part of the Executive Management Team and drives the overall strategy for the Forest, Puget Sound, Climate & Fossil Fuel, and Communications programs of the organization. The VP of Programs works closely with the directors of each of these programs and with executive leadership to secure and develop resources needed for success, including financial, human, systems and tools. They will also ensure that policy and communications programs are strategically connected, grounded in racial justice, and working towards common goals as reflected in the strategic framework and organization-wide communications plan.

About our organizations

Washington Environmental Council (WEC) is a nonprofit, statewide advocacy organization. For over 50 years, WEC has brought people together to solve Washington’s most critical environmental issues. WEC builds power for the environmental movement by building partnerships, mobilizing the public, connecting voters to decision makers, and taking legal action. Our mission is to develop, advocate, and defend policies that ensure environmental progress and justice by centering and amplifying the voices of the most impacted communities.

Washington Conservation Voters (WCV) ensures Washington’s decision makers keep our environment protected, healthy, and vibrant. Over the last 35 years, we have elected environmental champions, held our elected leaders to the highest standard, and built statewide momentum for environmental campaigns through innovative voter outreach efforts and community organizing. WCV’s mission is to develop, advocate, and defend policies that ensure environmental progress and justice by centering and amplifying the voices of the most impacted communities.

By effectively combining the policy know-how of WEC with the political know-how of WCV, we have reshaped how environmental protection is achieved in Washington. With one shared CEO, our organizations work in partnership as each pursues its unique mission. Combined, we have a staff of 40 and work in a LEED-certified building in downtown Seattle with a view of Elliott Bay. Given the current pandemic we are working remotely and foresee doing that for an extended period of time. Our teams have access to a variety of online tools and systems that support working remotely. Our expectation is that we will eventually return to some schedule of safely working together in our downtown office.

We offer competitive salaries, good benefits, and the opportunity to make a difference. We are committed to a representative, socially just, and welcoming work environment – people of color, people with varying abilities, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are especially encouraged to apply. We continue to advance the application of a racial equity lens to our work and are led by a CEO who is a citizen of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, Oregon.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

This job requires frequent sitting. Must be able to conduct business in English, though fluency in other languages is welcomed. For remote and hybrid work, employees must maintain a workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work during scheduled work hours. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with different abilities to perform functions essential to the duties of the position.

Compensation and Benefits:

This is a full time, exempt position with a salary range of $110,000 to $135,000, depending on experience. We also offer a generous benefits package including 100% employer paid medical, vision and dental insurance, 401k plan and organizational match of up to 3% of your annual salary, a flexible spending account, paid vacation and sick leave, 12 paid holidays per year, four wellness days, an unlimited ORCA transit pass, professional development funds, and if you work for seven consecutive years you are eligible for a two-month paid sabbatical. We welcome diverse people to a great team who shape environmental protection in Washington.

Location Information

This position is hybrid with a minimum of 40% of time in the Seattle office. A hybrid remote agreement is required.

Our teams have access to a variety of online tools and systems that support remote work and supervision. The position requires travel to other parts of Washington state and occasional travel elsewhere in the US. Travel is estimated to be 20% or less of the time.

COVID-19 

The organization follows all requirements of local health authorities. We are currently working in a hybrid work model with staff working from home in addition to in-office time for collaboration and celebration. We maintain strict safety protocols while in our office. All staff who come to the office must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Program strategy, implementation and evaluation

  • Work with executive and senior leadership to develop and implement organizational vision as established in WEC’s strategic framework. 
  • Work with policy and communication directors to incorporate perspectives of Tribal Nations, Black, Indigenous, people of color, and rural communities, in the consideration of impacts and outcomes of a decision-making process, and in development and implementation of program work.
  • Demonstrate consistent quality of finance and administration, fundraising, communications, and systems; recommend timelines and resources needed to achieve the program goals.
  • Work with staff to develop systems to ensure consistent, high-quality project management.
  • Provide leadership in development of inter-team communication and cohesiveness, sustaining culture and supporting staff during organizational growth.
  • Collaboration with the Government Affairs, Tribal Nations, and Political programs to shape and implement effective strategies for change. 

Financial Management and Fundraising

  • Expand revenue-generating and fundraising activities to support existing programs and the growth of WEC; cultivate existing relationships and develop new funder relationships in partnership with the Development Team.
  • Serve on the organizations’ budget committee to develop and implement annual budget process and to finalize annual budget for board approval.     
  • Collaborates with policy and communications teams to develop annual budgets in alignment with the strategic framework. 

Communications Strategy

  • Support Communications Director to implement an integrated strategic communications plan to advance the organizations brand identity; broaden awareness of programs and priorities; and increase the visibility of its programs across key stakeholder audiences.

Knowledge Management

  • Develop the necessary systems, processes, and tools to better support the facilitation, collection, and sharing of knowledge that is generated by the programs internally and externally with a broad range of communities.
  • Ensure that key project outcomes and/or policy, advocacy, and legislation are evaluated and leveraged for maximum community and organizational impact.
  • Work collaboratively with the Senior Management Team to integrate cross program activities and functions.

External Relationships

  • Serve as a key strategic leader and advocate for the mission of the organization.
  • Cultivate and maintain high-level relationships with external community groups, stakeholders, Tribal Nations, industry, government, and elected officials, towards the goal of advancing organizational goals and priorities.

Qualifications

Required Skills:

The VP of Programs will be thoroughly committed to the organizations’ strategy and mission. All candidates should have demonstrated leadership, coaching, relationship management experience and demonstrated success managing funder relationships. 

Other qualifications include:

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional and life experience.     
  • At least ten years of professional experience, including five years in the social sector (nonprofit, government, corporate philanthropy, community organizing and/or foundations) at a senior or executive management leadership level with responsibility for building programs and impact.
  • Strong commitment and demonstrated application of racial equity and environmental justice principles and first-hand knowledge of appropriate protocols and engagement practices with Tribal Nations.
  • Unwavering commitment to quality programs and excellence in organizational and project management with the ability to achieve strategic objectives, and managing within budget.
  • Strong demonstrated fundraising experience with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders including advisory groups, coalitions, forums, foundations, and corporate sponsors. 
  • Proven experience in program planning and implementation, operationalizing strategies to achieve priorities and goals and change management.
  • Proven track record in managing and coaching staff teams: attracting, retaining, and growing talent through performance reviews, professional development, team-building activities, goal setting, accountability, and growth opportunities.
  • Strong public speaking and written communication skills, including writing and editing reports, summary memoranda, correspondence, etc.
  • Technologically adept – comfort, familiarity and/or ability to learn and utilize a variety of computer applications (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google suite, SalesForce) as well as project management systems.
  • Proven track record of building trusting relationships and working effectively across different settings, communities, and issues with people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and cultures.
  • A team player, who can interrelate and operate effectively with peers and other associates within a collegial, fast paced, work environment.     
  • Model willingness to coach others and be a resource for program directors as we develop new coaching skills and culture.
  • Impeccable integrity.

Desirable Skills:

  • Demonstrated ability to break down organizational silos and revamp systems and processes to optimize alignment, integration, efficiency, and effectiveness.
  • Experience with 501(c)4 and PAC donor development.
  • Advanced degree or certifications in a relevant area of study.

How to apply

To Apply

Please submit a cover letter and a resume here. No phone calls or mailed applications please.

Washington Conservation Voters is an equal opportunity employer committed to dismantling structural racism and creating a welcoming work environment. WEC does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, creed, gender, religion, marital status, veteran’s status, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation. People of color, people with disabilities, and people of all gender identities are encouraged to apply.

 

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