Program Director - Clean Wisconsin

The Program Director reports to the Executive Director and is responsible for the consistent achievement of its programmatic mission. The Program Director is a senior manager who will be responsible for the programmatic leadership, development of longer-range program plans, and day-to-day management of policy and advocacy programs at Clean Wisconsin, a 501(c)3 environmental advocacy organization.

Program Director responsibilities include overseeing work plans for all program personnel, management of the program budget, hiring program personnel, and program strategy development, including legislative, advocacy, organizing, communication, and litigation strategies. In addition, the Program Director shall work closely with and assist the Executive Director of Clean Wisconsin in development and cultivation of foundations and major donors for the support of programmatic budgets.

The ideal candidate will be a strong leader with excellent interpersonal skills, and have creative ideas and the vision needed to establish precedent-setting state advocacy and policy campaigns that protect Wisconsin’s clean water and air and advocate for clean energy. This person should be well-seasoned in political and regulatory processes, have a background in organizing and campaigns intended to influence environmental decision makers, relevant management experience including strategic planning skills, strong experience in articulating program values to key stakeholders, and significant experience dealing with media.

Compensation is commensurate with experience.

Job Description

Program Development and Strategic Planning

• Collaborate with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and other staff to ensure that Clean Wisconsin has a long-range programmatic strategy that advances the achievement of its mission.
• Work with Executive Director and Board to develop major policy positions within the organization.
  • Assess and prioritize bills and administrative rules requiring action
  • Prepare and deliver testimony at hearings before the Legislature, state agencies and other relevant bodies
• Cultivate relationships with members of relevant Legislative Committees and Leadership
• Oversee the day to day implementation of legislative advocacy, field and communications strategies to win such policies.
• Provide leadership to the program staff to create innovative annual plans with long- and short-range goals, strategies and performance measurements.
• Evaluate program plans and goals at regular intervals.
• Assess and prioritize bills and administrative rules requiring action
• Prepare and deliver testimony at hearings before the Legislature, state agencies and other relevant bodies
• Cultivate relationships with members of relevant Legislative Committees and Leadership
• Communicate Clean Wisconsin’s policy interests to legislators prior to and during the session
• Notify legislature of Clean Wisconsin’s position on bills relevant to Clean Wisconsin’s current issue program areas
• Develop and coordinate membership action on relevant policies, rules, etc. including lobby days, action alerts and special appeals.

Funds Development

• Report to the Executive Director, collaborating to cultivate, solicit, and steward private foundations and major donors in order to ensure development of a stable and growing fund base.
• Promote the organization at fundraising events, speaking engagements, and other venues.

Financial Management

• Ensure that sound programmatic financial practices are developed and maintained.
• Work with the Executive Director and staff to prepare campaign budgets, and monitor them to ensure that campaigns operate within approved budgets.
• Work with the Executive Director and Financial Manager to ensure that adequate funds are available for Clean Wisconsin to carry out its programmatic work.

Personnel Management

• Ensure that all program staff receives appropriate orientation, training, information and support to carry out their responsibilities.
• Maintain a positive programmatic working environment that attracts, motivates and maintains top staff and volunteers.
• Encourage staff and volunteer development and education.
• Supervise and direct program staff, including recruitment, selection and delegation of duties.
• Ensure that programmatic job descriptions are current and conduct regular performance evaluations.
• Promote a work environment free of discrimination and harassment

Communication and Public Relations

• Maintain open and effective communication with other environmental organizations.
  Publicize the activities and programs of Clean Wisconsin.
• Establish and maintain sound working relationships with all stakeholders, including board, staff, donors, civic and political leaders, and other organizations.
• Represent Clean Wisconsin at various local, state and national activities.
  Attend community and professional meetings as appropriate.
• Act as a program liaison between Executive Director and program staff.

Skill Requirements

Other

• Ensure proper recording of  Clean Wisconsin’s federal lobby time and expenses for reporting on the federal 990 form
• Ensure Clean Wisconsin representation at relevant rule committees, Department of Natural Resources advisory committees and legislative advisory committees
• Provide staff support to the Clean Wisconsin Program Committee of the Board
• Demonstrated abilities in management, strategic planning, budgeting, and grant proposal writing (or comparable).
• Ability to work effectively and present a professional image to multiple and diverse constituencies, i.e. other environmental and public health organizations, media, staff.
• Ability to work effectively with Executive Director, staff and Board members
• Knowledge of election law governing  501(c)3  501(c)4 and PACs
• Understanding of principles of community organizing.
• Excellent writing skills.
• Excellent oral communication and listening skills.
• Ability to perform in a multi-task environment and to prioritize work requirements;
  Ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining a long-term vision.
• Proficiency in basic computer skills.
• Flexibility and creativity.
• Ability to interact effectively, appropriately and compassionately with staff and colleagues.
• Sense of humor.

Education/Experience Requirements

• Graduate degree in political science, environmental studies, public health, non-profit management, law, social work, or equivalent work or education-related experience.
• Management or leadership experience with a non-profit organization or political campaign. A minimum of five years of such experience is preferred.

To Apply: Send a cover letter and resume. In your cover letter, please address why you would like to work for Clean Wisconsin.

Send materials to:

Program Director Search Committee
Clean Wisconsin
122 State Street, Suite 200
Madison, WI 53703

Submission deadline is open until filled.