Executive Director

Executive Director Job PostingPart Time (approximately 15 hours per week)Madison, WI
Who We Are

The Friends of Lake Wingra (FOLW) is a small non-profit engaged in a large mission: to promote a healthy Lake Wingra through an active watershed community. We collaborate with government agencies and environmental organizations to promote science-based stewardship, conservation, education, and sustainable practices. Our community involvement aims to educate the watershed community (young and old!) about how their actions can directly impact Lake Wingra. 

The lake is unique, and challenged. It has a totally urban watershed so no agricultural runoff reaches its waters, yet it still must deal with concerning levels of algae and phosphorus. Chloride levels have already exceeded Wisconsin’s Preventative Action Limit and are well above levels in the other area lakes (because Wingra is more shallow).  And recently, zebra mussels turned up at the Wingra Boats pier. We are seeking a part-time executive director to champion our efforts to maintain Lake Wingra as an urban oasis enjoyed by all.

Job Responsibilities

The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer and “face of the organization” and is responsible for its overall leadership, day to day operations, and strategic direction. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will implement the mission, vision, and goals of Friends of Lake Wingra while fostering strong relationships with stakeholders and ensuring long-term organizational sustainability.

The Executive Director is an independent contractor, works under board supervision, and sets their own schedule. As FoLW has no physical office, the ED works remotely but regularly meets in person with board members, stakeholders and community partners. The Executive Director is the sole employee to help oversee the organization, working closely with board members.

Duties

Organizational Management:

• Provide visionary leadership to ensure the organization’s mission is achieved
• Oversee organizational operations, ensuring the effective and efficient use of our limited resources.
• Collaborate with board members and the treasurer to draft an annual work plan and budget
• Oversee grant applications, fundraising campaigns, and donor relationships to support the organization’s plans and projects

Community Engagement:

• Represent FoLW in the community by fostering partnerships and acting as the primary spokesperson and advocate for the lake.
• Organize and participate in events that broaden community understanding of the complex environmental challenges facing the lake.  As much as possible, communicate this information in a fun and emotionally appealing way to draw in an expanding and diverse audience.
• Coordinate preparation of biannual newsletters, articles, and presentations in addition to monthly e-news
• Maintain website, Instagram and Facebook pages with current organization news and projects
• Cultivate and foster an active volunteer base

Qualifications

Core Requirements

• A passion for and strong understanding of lakes, watershed management and environmental conservation
• Self-starting and independent with an entrepreneurial approach to work
• Excellent communication, written and interpersonal skills with the ability to inspire and engage diverse audiences
• Ability to efficiently use modern software programs to publish, maintain social media and communicate with the community
• Reside in Dane County, Wisconsin
• Enthusiasm

Preferred Skills

• Experience working or volunteering with similar non-profit organizations
• Relevant degree or experience in nonprofit management, environmental science, or public administration
• Knowledge of environmental policy, conservation practices, and sustainable watershed management
• Familiarity with grant writing and donor relations, including donor management software systems
• Reside in or near the Lake Wingra Watershed (map)

Compensation and Benefits

Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications in the range of $28-35/hour. Benefits include 40 hours paid vacation or personal time off.