Executive Director

Founded in 1975 as not-for-profit organizations, the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) and the Illinois Environmental Council Education Fund (IECEF) bring together a coalition of organizations and individual members who share a common and active interest in a healthful environment.  IEC and IECEF serve as the umbrella organizations for all of the environmental groups in Illinois and has individual members as well.

The IEC and IECEF are dedicated to environmental quality and protecting the land, air, water, wildlife, and human health in Illinois. The IEC and IECEF are dedicated to addressing environmental legislative and administrative issues that affect the State of Illinois. Their array of educational activities that support and broaden its legislative efforts include:

• Clean energy: promoting energy efficiency, renewable energy, fuel efficiency.
• Land, water, and wildlife resources: habitat protection, greenways and trails, farmland preservation, safeguards for lakes and streams, biodiversity, endangered species.
• Pollution prevention: waste reduction, recycling, reduced use of toxics, clean air, energy conservation, water quality, budget issues.

The Illinois Environmental Council and Illinois Environmental Council Education Fund rely on both professional staff and Board Members to achieve its objectives.  The Board consists of directors elected at large, an elected individual member representative, and individuals appointed by each major affiliate.

Position Overview:

The Executive Director is responsible for the management of the Illinois Environmental Council and Illinois Environmental Council Education Fund and will report to a volunteer Board of Directors.

The Executive Director, in partnership with the Board of Directors, is responsible for fulfilling IEC/IECEF's mission/goals and developing, revising and implementing strategic planning to advance the capabilities of environmentalists in their efforts to protect and regulate environmental quality and educate Illinois' citizens on pertinent issues.   

Responsibilities:

• Managing Staff and developing a budget for the organization.
• Overseeing and conducting the lobbying effort of IEC.
• Developing and implementing a fundraising and membership development effort in conjunction with the board.
• Communications with member organizations and the environmental community.

Program Activities and Public Image:

Oversees design, marketing, promotion, delivery and quality of programs, products and services.

Assures the organization and its mission, programs, products and services are consistently presented in strong, positive image to relevant members.  This includes regular communications and updates with member organizations and maintaining an up to date web site.

Develop and maintain good working relationships with elected officials, the media, public interest groups and environmental organizations.

Board Support:

Supports operations and administration of Board by advising and informing Board members and interfacing between Board and staff.  In concert with the President of the Board, the Executive Director will assist the Board to fulfill its governance function. The Executive Director will provide direction and leadership toward the achievement of the organization's philosophy, mission, strategy, and its annual goals and objectives.

The Executive Director is responsible for completing assignments as directed by the Board.

The Executive Director is responsible for coordinating Board Meetings and serving on committees and other groups as necessary.  Additionally, he or she provides administrative support (e.g., preparation of meeting agendas, record keeping, financial management, and budget preparation) to the Board of Directors and Committees.

Finance:

Reviews annual budget and recommends changes for Board approval.  Prudently manages organization's resources within those budget guidelines according to current laws and regulations.

Administrative Responsibilities include:

• Oversight of all grants and contracts administered by IECEF
• Development and implementation of grant proposals
• Procedures for accurate accounting of work performed on main tasks.

Membership Development & Fundraising:

The Executive Director oversees fundraising planning and implementation.  This includes identifying resource requirements, researching funding sources, establishing strategies to approach funders, submitting proposals and administrating fundraising records and documentation.

Qualifications:

The Executive Director position requires:

• Strong public relations skills to manage an array of lobbying efforts and educational programs.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Direct legislative lobbying experience preferably in the context of the government of the State of Illinois and/or its administrative units.
• Substantial fundraising experience.
• Creativity and excellence in writing and other communication skills.
• Thorough understanding of environment and natural resources issues.

Requirements include an advanced degree or equivalent experience in public administration, planning, marketing for not-for-profits, knowledge of or demonstrated experience with grants and contracts management.

Location: Much of the work will be based in Springfield.  It is preferred but not required that applicants be willing to live in Springfield.

Travel: Candidates should be willing to travel actively within Illinois.

To Apply: 

Interested parties should please send a cover letter and resume to IEC Search Committee Chairman Barry Matchett by e-mail. 

The Illinois Environmental Council and the Illinois Environmental Council Education Fund are equal opportunity employers and minority candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.