LITERACY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SF

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
LITERACY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
San Francisco, CA
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
Founded in 1998 by a coalition of youth, educators, and community leaders, LEJ addresses the
ecological and health concerns of Bayview Hunters Point and the surrounding communities of
southeast San Francisco.
To learn more about LEJ, visit us at www.lejyouth.org.
ABOUT THE POSITION
LEJ seeks a creative and inspired Executive Director whose senior management background in
the non-profit field illustrates a commitment to community organizing and advocacy around the
issues of environmental justice and youth development. The ideal candidate will have strong
management skills and a track record in securing funds from diverse sources. Experience
managing a diverse staff, acting as a mentor to staff members and ensuring their professional
development will be highly valued. Also highly desired is a leader capable of building bridges
and partnerships in the community. We especially encourage applications from persons of color
who reflect the diversity of the Bayview Hunters Point (BVHP) community.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Executive Director is responsible for overall direction and management of programs,
personnel, fundraising and finances of LEJ. A major responsibility is guiding the final
construction and launch of LEJ’s “EcoCenter” – an environmental education center at Heron's
Head Park that will be the first totally off-grid building in San Francisco. In consultation with
the Board of Directors, the Executive Director oversees the organization’s strategic direction and
program development. The Executive Director is the primary contact between LEJ partners and
stakeholders in the civic, philanthropic, and BVHP community.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
Community Representation
• Serve as a spokesperson and consensus builder for LEJ in the community, developing
and maintaining contacts with civic, philanthropic, and community leaders.
• Act as a local, regional, and national leader on behalf of LEJ and the environmental
justice movement.
Fund Development
• Primary organization fundraiser -- works in concert with development staff to set fund
strategies, develop grants and cultivate individual donor, government, foundation and
corporate sponsor relations.
Financial and Organizational Management
• Develop and manage a $1 million+ budget and the overall fiscal management of LEJ
with the support of the operations manager and contract accountant.
• Maintain official records of LEJ activities and meetings, and file reports to the LEJ
Board as directed.
Program Development
• Actively lead development of new programs and expand existing programs in
collaboration with staff and community partners. Bring a creative and entrepreneurial
enthusiasm to developing programs addressing food security, inner-city eco-restoration,
redevelopment, youth programs and other key areas of LEJ's activity.
Staff and Office Management
• Recruit and supervise staff, and serve as the liaison between staff and LEJ Board.
• Ensure training and professional development of staff members.
• Ensure the viability and smooth operations of the LEJ office.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Minimum of 5 years work experience in a senior or executive capacity at a nonprofit
organization with a diverse workforce; experience in financial management and multiple
program management.
• Demonstrated commitment to and leadership role in the environmental justice movement.
• Demonstrated commitment to youth leadership and natural comfort working in a youth
based environment.
• Experience working in communities of color.
• Experience in successful fundraising for non-profit organizations.
• Ability to prioritize, delegate work, and manage a staff.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Experience conceptualizing, piloting and managing innovative programs.
• Experience building and working effectively with a Board of Directors.
• Experience leading a strategic planning process.
• Talented at building bridges and partnerships.
• Connections in political and philanthropic circles.
• Strong human resources skills.
• Demonstrated success in building a high-impact team comprised of individuals of diverse
backgrounds, skills and aspirations.
• Construction management experience is a plus.
SALARY AND BENEFITS
LEJ is offering a competitive salary and benefits package. Compensation will be based
on the selected candidate’s experience and qualifications.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applicants should send a resume and cover letter describing their qualifications and
interest in the position to edjob@lejyouth.org. Interviews will start October 1 and will
continue until the position is filled. Resumes without cover letters will not be considered.
Please, no phone calls.
LEJ is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and does not discriminate on the
basis of race, ethnicity, age, religion, gender, sexual orientation or political orientation.