EJCW Coalition Director

EJCW Coalition Director

The Environmental Justice Coalition for Water (EJCW) is a statewide coalition of grassroots groups and intermediary organizations building a collective, community-based movement for democratic water allocation, management, and policy development in California. EJCW empowers low-income communities and people of color throughout California to advocate for clean, safe, and affordable water for their communities.

The Coalition Director Position:
The Coalition Director is responsible for providing strategic vision and leadership for EJCW’s mission and for the management of all programs, activities and staff of the organization. The Coalition Director reports to the Board of Directors, and is responsible for the organization's consistent achievement of its mission and program objectives. The successful candidate for this position will have proven experience in managing and growing a small non-profit organization, as well as demonstrated leadership with an entrepreneurial spirit, success in securing resources from diverse sources, and high skill levels in oral and written communications. The Coalition Director must also be a strong manager, as he/she directs all program development, administrative, personnel, fundraising activities, and serves as the official spokesperson for the organization. Above all, we seek a bold and visionary leader that will work collaboratively with our members to develop and implement a long-range plan to achieve our mission and goals.

About EJCW:
EJCW plays a critical bridge-building role in connecting grassroots communities and statewide policy advocates across California. We maintain a strong presence in Sacramento, and have conducted many successful advocacy campaigns. We are coordinating a statewide message on the importance of identifying and meeting the water needs of the most under-served communities in California. By connecting our members to each other and potential allies throughout the state, as well as tackling structural inequity in how California’s water resources are managed, we are building a broad movement for water justice.

EJCW employs various strategies to accomplish our objectives, including policy analysis and advocacy, community capacity-building and advocacy training, and fostering new collaborations. We also provide invaluable technical assistance to our members in grassroots communities by offering support for organizing, playing an essential fiscal agent role, and building community capacity through training and partnerships. EJCW is a voice for low-income people of color in Sacramento and has created a seat at the Sacramento policy table by building the capacity of local groups to play a strategic role in state and regional water policy battles.

Our policy advocacy work, community collaborations and organizational culture all reflect a concern for equality, mutual respect, appreciation for diversity and environmental and social justice. We are looking for candidates who share our values, who bring a willingness to contribute to our mission and to the growth of a small organization, and who are open to developing their skills.


Key Areas of Responsibility:

· Ensure that all programs of the organization are implemented efficiently and effectively
· Establish and maintain all administrative and operational procedures
· Implement EJCW’s member-developed organizational plan
· Serve as ambassador to foundations and donors, building and nurturing existing and new relationships to grow EJCW’s financial health
· Develop and implement a diverse long-term development strategy
· Manage EJCW’s resource development activities and events
· Develop EJCW’s annual organizational budget and manage revenues and expenses
· Act in a fiduciary role to ensure the accuracy of financial statements, including balance sheets, and the presentation of these reports to the Board
· Partner with a diverse and talented board of directors to ensure the fiscal health of the organization and to ensure successful implementation of EJCW’s strategic plan
· Oversee the personnel system including recruitment, hiring, professional development,
performance appraisal, personnel grievance process and staff termination
· Cultivate and manage the collective and collaborative culture of the organization in a manner which maintains positive staff morale
· Maintain and strengthen relationships with EJCW members in a manner that nurtures the innate leadership of members and creates a stronger movement for water justice in California


Qualifications and Skills:

Commitment to the organization's mission, purpose, and values
A bachelor’s degree, and at least 5 years of proven senior-level management experience, including advanced knowledge of non-profit operations, finance, HR, and fundraising
Ability to provide strong entrepreneurial and innovative leadership in growing an organization and building coalitions
Proven track record of developing successful partnerships with other groups/organizations and facilitating coalitions
Ability to articulate EJCW’s vision to a wide diversity of audiences and constituencies
A clear understanding of policymaking processes in California, and experience developing strategies to impact these processes
Demonstrated ability to raise funds from a variety of sources
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Working understanding of social and environmental justice issues and principles
Comfort and experience working with community-based organizations and people of color
Knowledge of water and/or other natural resource issues a plus
Willingness to travel and work on flexible hours, as required



To apply, please e-mail your resume, a brief cover letter, and three professional references to: paola@ejcw.org. Please include "Coalition Director" in the email subject line. Please no phone calls.

Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications; however salary range is $60,000 - $65,000. This position will be based in Sacramento.


The EJCW is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, pregnancy, medical condition, disability, or sexual orientation.