Job Announcement: Georgia Water Coalition – Director of Operations

How Hiring: Director of Operations for Georgia Water Coalition

The Director of Operations for the Georgia Water Coalition is a unique position that coordinates all aspects of the Coalition, including managing the Coalition’s member relationships, budget, fundraising, and communications, while working as a policy analyst and lobbyist for the Georgia Water Coalition and Georgia Wildlife Federation. This position is supervised by the Georgia Wildlife Federation President and CEO.

About the Georgia Water Coalition

The Georgia Water Coalition’s mission is to protect and care for Georgia’s surface water and groundwater resources, which are essential for sustaining economic prosperity, providing clean and abundant drinking water, preserving diverse aquatic habitats for wildlife and recreation, strengthening property values, and protecting the quality of life for current and future generations. The Georgia Water Coalition is comprised of over 260 member organizations that work collaboratively and transparently with each other to achieve specific goals based on a set of guiding principles.

The Director of Operations works closely with the Coalition’s Leadership Team, which is comprised of about 15 organizations. In coordination with the Leadership Team, the Director of Operations manages the following three areas of work within the Georgia Water Coalition:

• Organizing: member engagement, fundraising events, various committee meetings
• Financials: grant solicitation, writing, and reporting; management of budget
• Policy: ensures Leadership Team executes big picture policy work in alignment with strategic plan

Location

This position resides within the Georgia Wildlife Federation, which has its headquarters in Covington, Georgia, but this position may also work remotely. You will be required to travel around the state for various events and fundraisers as well as working on some weekends to perform this position effectively.

Salary and Benefits

• Competitive salary, commensurate with experience and education, starting at $60,000
• Paid vacation and sick leave will begin accruing the first day of employment

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Work closely with all Georgia Water Coalition (GWC) member groups to maintain relationships and recruit new members, as well as supporting the GWC Leadership and Legislative Teams, Budget & Fundraising Committee, and Equity, Recruitment & Engagement Committee, as well as other internal committees.
• Work closely with member organizations to expand the scope, scale, and reach of the GWC.
• Collaborate with GWC Leadership Team to update and execute a strategic plan that aligns with the GWC’s mission and goals.
• Work closely with member organizations and contract partners to create GWC publications including, but not limited to the Biennial Report, Clean 13 Report, Dirty Dozen Report, and membership updates.
• Research funding opportunities, draft compelling narratives, and prepare comprehensive grant applications to secure funding for organizational initiatives.
• Manage the GWC’s budget and financial planning, as well as collaborate with the GWC’s fiscal agent to distribute funds to appropriate member organizations.
• Oversee the payment and coordination of contract partners and, in partnership with GWC committee chairs, evaluate the performance of the contract partners.
• Plan and coordinate member meetings throughout the year as well as any other fundraising events.
• Ensure that the GWC is implementing the policy work identified in the strategic plan, including but not limited to the GWC’s legislative priorities. This work includes coordinating with committee chairs to ensure the GWC has the resources it needs to conduct its policy work.
• On behalf of Georgia Wildlife Federation, assist in identifying, researching, analyzing, and tracking policies, bills, resolutions, and rulemakings that Georgia Wildlife Federation has an interest in, and assist with developing lobbying strategies to support or oppose those government actions.
• Build and maintain relationships with legislators, government officials, and any other key stakeholders to advocate effectively on GWC’s and/or Georgia Wildlife Federation’s behalf.
• Assist with the management of GWC’s and/or Georgia Wildlife Federations’ social media accounts, including, but not limited to developing and writing content, blog posts, etc.
• Attend all necessary events for the GWC, Georgia Wildlife Federation, and any necessary events for other member organizations.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or related experience).

Required Skills, Expertise, and Knowledge

• Experience in fundraising, identification, and developing grant proposals.
• Highly organized and detail oriented with excellent time-management skills.
• Excellent communication skills, including persuasive writing, public speaking, and media relations.
• Ability to organize events with 60+ attendees.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Proficient in various software platforms, including Google Workspace products, Office 365, Zoom, Meta, CRM platforms, etc.

Preferred Skills, Expertise, and Knowledge

• Strong history of successful grant writing and proposal development, with a demonstrated ability to research funding opportunities, draft compelling narratives, and prepare comprehensive grant applications to secure funding for organizational initiatives.
• Interest and knowledge of the state legislative process.
• Understanding of campaign work and lobbying strategies, including grasstops, grassroots, direct lobbying, media, etc. with the ability to be integrated to an overall strategy.
• Background in environmental policy and/or water policy.
• Higher education focused in Environmental Studies, Political Science, or related fields.

Georgia Wildlife Federation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and we do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. We strive to make our roles and workplace accessible, culturally appropriate, and respectful of diverse needs and identities.

 

Submit resumes to info@gwf.org or apply on Indeed.com. Deadline to apply is August 9, 2024.