Alliance for the CumberlandsŐ Executive Director Job Description

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The Director of the Alliance for the Cumberlands plans, implements and coordinates a multi-jurisdictional initiative aimed at promoting the unique natural, cultural, historic and recreational resources of the Cumberland Plateau and fostering the ecological and economic sustainability of natural and human communities in the Cumberlands Region.  S/he works directly with the Board of Directors and member organizations including state and federal agencies, non profits, local governments and private businesses to develop and implement region-wide, consensus based strategies in the Cumberlands.  Duties will include developing regional programs, establishing community partnerships, raising funds and building the capacity and efficacy of the Alliance. The Board of Directors will set the DirectorŐs annual objectives and evaluate his/her annual performance.

The Alliance for the Cumberlands is a partnership of public and private organizations unified in their commitment to protect the Cumberland Mountains and Plateau Region.  Its mission is to bring people together to achieve ecological and economic sustainability of natural and human communities in the Cumberlands Region. www.allianceforthecumberlands.org

 

POSITION REQUIREMENTS/PREFERENCES:

á       Minimum of BachelorŐs degree in agriculture, biology, forestry, history, natural resources management, political science, public policy, government relations or related field and three years related work experience (preferred).  

á       Knowledge of current conservation and socio-economic trends and issues in the Cumberlands Region with emphasis on Kentucky and Tennessee.

á       Management and leadership experience, including ability to motivate, lead, negotiate, set objectives, and manage performance, including conflict resolution.

á       Successful experience in developing, directing and managing multiple projects and implementing strategic program goals.

á       Experience in the development and implementation of strategic initiatives.

á       Ability to develop timeframes and then complete tasks within timeframes.  Proven organizational skills.

á       Demonstrated experience in MS Office, Word, and Excel.  Ability to use advanced computer functions including navigating the Internet. 

 

COMPLEXITY/PROBLEM SOLVING:

á       Cultivates the creative ideas of others to identify potential solutions.  Experiments to find creative solutions – thinks outside of the box, able to remain focused on bigger picture and not get lost in details.

á       Designs, implements and directs multiple complex projects, setting and meeting deadlines and ensuring program accountability.

á       Work is highly diversified and needed courses of action often do not fall under established practices and guidelines.

 

DISCRETION/LATITUDE/DECISION-MAKING:

á       Duties are performed under minimal supervision.  Consults with Board of Directors of Alliance in event of any unusual circumstance, problem or question that falls outside of project parameters.

á       Exercises independent judgment.  Work affords significant opportunity to act independently and make decisions within tight timeframes and under pressure.

á       Works independently in an entrepreneurial environment; comfortable with ambiguity.

á       Make sound decisions based on analysis, experience and judgment.

 

RESPONSIBILITY/OVERSIGHT –FINANCIAL & SUPERVISORY:

á       Work with internal and external parties to develop multi-year fundraising strategies and goals and implement programs to achieve them.

á       Coordinate multi-disciplinary administrative and professional staff of partner organizations, interns, and volunteers, with responsibility for setting objectives and tracking and reporting performance.

á       Financial responsibility may include working within a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, assisting with budget development, and meeting fundraising targets.

 

COMMUNICATIONS/INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS:

á       Communication and presentation skills; ability to persuasively convey the mission of the Alliance to, and work with, diverse groups including elected officials, landowners, donors, Alliance partners, the public and others. 

á       Ability to function productively as a member and leader of a team.

 

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT:

á       Valid driverŐs license, safe driving record, current insurance and reliable personal vehicle available for work use.

á       Ability to work an irregular schedule including weekends and unpredicted schedule changes. 

 

TO APPLY:

Please send cover letter, resume and 3 references to:

Katherine Medlock

401 Henley St. Second Floor, Suite 2

Knoxville, TN 37902

kmedlock@tnc.org  (865) 546-5998

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Contact Katherine Medlock at the information above, or contact one of the following individuals:

Michael Birdwell

TN Tech University, Department of History

Box 5064

Cookeville, TN 38505

birdie@tntech.edu  (931) 372-3356

 

Randy Williams

Upper Cumberland Development District, Historic Preservation Planner

1225 South Willow Avenue

Cookeville, TN 38506

rwilliams@ucdd.org  (931) 432-4111

 

 

The Director of the Alliance for the Cumberlands will be a part time position (20-30 hrs per week) based out of Cookeville, TN and the salary is negotiable.

 

 

The Alliance for the Cumberlands is an Equal Opportunity Employer