Ohio Environmental Council: Southwest Regional Director

[MJ Eckhouse]

The Ohio Environmental Council family of organizations seeks a Regional Director in Southwest Ohio. The Regional Director will build power, presence, and relationships throughout priority areas of the Southwest Ohio region. The Regional Director will organize members, partners, and community groups to get involved and make protection of Ohio’s land, air, and water a priority of local and state leaders. The ideal candidate will be a rising community leader who can serve as the OEC ambassador to our expanding network, as well as build long-lasting relationships with our members in the region. This position is an opportunity to become the local resource on advocacy and the environment and to build strong relationships with elected officials, partner organizations, grasstops leaders, and champions.

Key Responsibilities

The Southwest Regional Director reports to the Managing Director and is responsible for the following:

• Building a strong and sustainable team advocating on energy, land, air, and water issues;
• Advocate for carbon reduction strategies as a part of the local fight on climate change.
• Developing authentic relationships with key, local opinion leaders, elected officials, and business leaders who can play important, strategic roles in the OEC family of organizations;
• Developing authentic relationships with and a deep understanding of diverse and disproportionately affected frontline communities.
• Organizing and attending community events and meetings in the community that build the OEC’s presence in Southwest Ohio.
• Training, organizing, and motivating community leaders and activists to help build power in the Ohio environmental movement.

Performance Expectations

• Work independently and as part of a team to achieve a broad set of goals related to campaigns, issues, organization development and growth, and policy solutions in the region.
• Communicate effectively through written and oral communications.
• Understand and work within the political landscape to build relationships and advance our agenda across a diverse set of individuals and organizations.
• Report on work and progress to goal on numerous projects.
• Adhere to the highest ethical standards. Convey a professional and positive image and attitude regarding the organization and our partners in the advocacy and environmental sector. Demonstrate commitment to continued professional growth.
• Develop and maintain valuable partnerships with businesses, government, and other organizations. Be creative about building bridges between and among competing interests.
• Will need to have access to a vehicle and valid license for travel within the region and to regular All Staff meetings and occasional organizational events.

Qualifications

• At least three to five years of relevant experience;
• A can-do attitude and ability to engage effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders; 
• A commitment to the region and raising the profile of environmental issues impacting the area and our state at large;
• A track record of inspiring action, building a team, and ability to break down complex issues into calls to action;
• Effective time management skills, including prioritizing and managing multiple projects, and demonstrated experience in developing personal work plans and goals;
• Ability to work long hours and weekends as required;
• Commitment and experience with diverse and equitable power building. Knowledge of social and environmental justice preferred. 

Compensation 

Salary for this position is $43,000-$55,000 for someone with 3-5 years of work experience minimum. Salary negotiable based on experience and internal band system. Excellent benefits include health, vision, dental, and life insurance, flexible and dependent care spending account, generous paid time off, and employer-matched retirement fund.

About the OEC

The Ohio Environmental Council is the state’s most comprehensive, effective and respected environmental advocate for a healthier, more sustainable Ohio. Our experts work daily to restore, protect, and strengthen the quality of life for families and communities — from the air we breathe and the water we drink to the food we eat and natural resources we enjoy. Find out more at www.theOEC.org.

The OEC is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to hire staff that reflects the diverse communities and perspectives that comprise Ohio. Qualified candidates of all backgrounds are highly encouraged to apply.

The OEC prohibits discrimination of employment, promotion, compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment on the basis of gender, disability, race, age, national origin, color, creed, sexual orientation, sex (including marital and parental status), gender identity and expression, religion, economic status, ethnic identity, veteran’s status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

Application Instructions

Send your cover letter, resume, and references to amor...@theoec.org with “Regional Director” in the subject line. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, but applicants should submit materials by March 1st for most favorable consideration.