Overview

The South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL – pronounced circle) was founded in 1983 by grassroots activists determined to protect the South Yuba River from dams. Ultimately, SYRCL won permanent protections for 39 miles of the South Yuba River under California’s Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.

Today, SYRCL is the central hub of community activism to protect, restore, and celebrate the Yuba River watershed. With over 34 years of achievements, 3,500 members and 1,300 active volunteers, SYRCL is doing great things for the Yuba watershed. We advocate for free-flowing rivers and oppose unnecessary new dams. We work to save wild salmon and healthy ecosystems by restoring mountain meadows and salmon habitat in the lower Yuba River. We inspire activism across the globe with our environmental film festival. Together, we are extending our powerful coalition from the Sierra to the sea.

SYRCL is a financially sustainable non-profit organization with a staff of 20, an annual budget of nearly $2M, based in Nevada City, California, one of several charming Gold Rush-era towns on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada, with an impassioned sense of community. (More information atwww.yubariver.org)

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Executive Director is responsible to the Board of Directors for management of the entire non-profit organization including fundraising/development, human resources, strategic planning, program delivery, finance, communications and community engagement.

The Executive Director cultivates SYRCL’s mission and vision through personal leadership and advances the mission through outstanding programmatic and advocacy efforts at the watershed and state level. The Executive Director publicly represents the organization to government agencies, partners, community, and the media broadening its impact.

As a manager, the Executive Director strives for transparency and consensus in decision-making, and is committed to an organizational culture of openness and personal initiative. Since staff are expected to operate with the highest degree of integrity, responsibility, creativity and professionalism, the Executive Director is responsible for both fostering and embodying these values to ensure the health and effective performance of the organization.

Since SYRCL’s mission is to “unite the community,” the Executive Director plays a key role in engaging and empowering community members, volunteers, partners, agency staff and elected officials to work together to protect the river.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Lead and manage SYRCL staff in implementing the Strategic Action Plan consistent with the organization’s vision, mission, values and goals. (Note that the current 3-year plan expires June 30, 2018.)

Develop SYRCL’s public communications strategy, and serve as the chief spokesperson for the organization. Effectively communicate what SYRCL is doing and opportunities to participate in a clear, consistent and compelling way to internal and external stakeholders, partners, the media and the public.

Lead SYRCL’s advocacy work at the local, regional and statewide levels. Key advocacy efforts now underway include working in coalition to oppose the construction of Centennial Dam on the Bear River, lead negotiations in the Federal (FERC) dam relicensing process, advocate for the restoration of wild salmon, and advocate for effective management of public lands in the Yuba watershed. Staffs the Board’s Advocacy Committee meetings.

Manage the Leadership Team overseeing SYRCL’s various programs including River Science, River People (Community Engagement), Development, Finance/Operations, and the Wild & Scenic Film Festival to maximize interdepartmental coordination and collaboration.

Lead fundraising efforts to achieve annual goals set in the budget; work closely with Development Director to develop and implement fundraising plan. Take personal responsibility for recruiting and stewarding major donors, grantors and members. Play an active, leading role as the primary solicitor of funding from institutional and individual donors.

Oversee production of the Wild & Scenic Film Festival and On Tour program. This 5-day environmental film festival takes place each January in Nevada City and Grass Valley attracting more than 7,500 people and occurring in 10+ venues concurrently.  The On Tour program benefits other organizations who produce one and two night events in more than 160 communities globally, reaching 40,000+ people.  These events support SYRCL’s year-round work and use the power of film to increase the groundswell for grassroots environmental movements as a whole.

Oversee the River Science Department to ensure that SYRCL’s programmatic work and advocacy is informed by the best science. This department includes water quality monitoring; hands-on collaborative restoration projects (meadows and salmon habitat); and River Education for K-12+ (school assemblies, salmon tours, field work, etc).

Manage and empower SYRCL’s staff by supporting an organizational culture that attracts, sustains, supports and motivates highly committed and talented staff. Develop appropriate personnel policies and procedures for staffing, compensation, and annual performance reviews. Approve the hiring and termination of all personnel as needed.

Ensure SYRCL’s financial health through continuous oversight and guidance; oversee preparation of the annual budget and financial reporting to the Board of Directors; ensure that no undue financial risks are taken; have decision-making authority in financial matters; work with the Treasurer, Finance Director and Development Director to run monthly Finance & Fundraising Committee meetings.

Support the Board of Directors and Board Committees ensuring that the Board has all necessary information and resources to conduct its business. Work with the Board President to coordinate Board meetings, prepare agendas for the meetings, and develop staff reports and other supplemental documents. Participates in the Board, Community Advisory Board and Executive Committee meetings.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum of five years of executive leadership experience; preferably with significant program operations in the environmental field.

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university; advanced degree preferred in environmental policy, law, natural resource management, river ecology or related field. Demonstrate an understanding of California water policy, water law, and river ecology.

Demonstrated ability to lead and manage an environmental non-profit organization with outstanding leadership, communication and fund-raising skills.

Strong management, budgetary and operations skills with a successful track record of effective program implementation.

Demonstrated ability to be a public spokesperson, presenting complex issues with clarity in writing and orally, and to solicit support and understanding from a broad range of audiences.

Demonstrated ability to perform efficiently under specified time frames and with the highest possible standards for quality work, including managing and prioritizing a diverse array of projects and tasks simultaneously.

Demonstrated experience working in a rural community context, building alliances with diverse constituents in support of SYRCL’s mission and programs.

Strong interpersonal skills, a sense of humor and ability to manage and motivate a team of staff and volunteers.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This position requires frequent computer and telephone use, and occasional lifting of up to 30 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

COMPENSATION:

Commensurate with experience plus health benefits, 15 days paid time off (PTO) and 3 sick days each year. This is a full-time position Monday-Friday from 9am-6pm with frequent evening and weekend work required.

APPLICATION INFORMATION:

Applications received by June 30 will receive priority consideration. Expected start date is September 18, 2017. This position is open until filled.Absolutely no phone calls please.

SYRCL is an equal opportunity employer.

About SYRCL

The South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL – pronounced circle) was founded in 1983 by grassroots activists determined to protect the South Yuba River from dams. Ultimately, SYRCL won permanent protections for 39 miles of the South Yuba River under California’s Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.

Today, SYRCL is the central hub of community activism to protect, restore, and celebrate the Yuba River watershed. With over 34 years of achievements, 3,500 members and 1,300 active volunteers, SYRCL is doing great things for the Yuba watershed. We advocate for free-flowing rivers and oppose unnecessary new dams. We work to save wild salmon and healthy ecosystems by restoring mountain meadows and salmon habitat in the lower Yuba River. We inspire activism across the globe with our environmental film festival. Together, we are extending our powerful coalition from the Sierra to the sea.

SYRCL is a financially sustainable non-profit organization with a staff of 20, an annual budget of nearly $2M, based in Nevada City, California, one of several charming Gold Rush-era towns on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada, with an impassioned sense of community. (More information atwww.yubariver.org)