Executive Director; RPSF

Flexible Location – California or New England preferred

Full Time - 80% considered

The Position

Do you want to cultivate the next generation of environmental change-makers? Are you dedicated to mobilizing a diverse set of leaders from all disciplines and building a network that promotes integrated solutions to environmental problems? The Robert and Patricia Switzer Foundation is seeking an Executive Director to oversee and grow its environmental fellows and leadership programs. With one foot rooted in vision and the other in implementation, the Executive Director will direct a small and talented staff in managing programs that entail awarding academic fellowships and project grants, sponsoring professional and leadership development activities, and fostering a growing national network of Switzer Fellows, environmental practitioners, and organizations.

In addition to leading the work to drive positive environmental change for the benefit of natural and human communities, the Executive Director cultivates an inclusive community among staff, Fellows and the broader Switzer Network that is committed to scientific integrity, and principles of equity and inclusion in the environmental field.

The Organization

The Robert and Patricia Switzer Foundation is a results-driven family foundation that invests in environmental leadership through fellowships to individuals and grants to organizations that drive positive environmental change. Founded in 1986 and with assets of $19 million, the Foundation is a grantmaking organization that trains and mobilizes leaders from diverse disciplines in the environmental field. Through the Switzer Environmental Fellowship Program and related grants, the Foundation supports a Network of over 600 Switzer Fellows who are leaders in the nonprofit, public policy, philanthropic, business, academic and government sectors working to solve today’s diverse environmental challenges.

The Foundation’s values include a commitment to environmental improvement through leadership development, justice and equity, and positive environmental impact. For more information on the Foundation and the Switzer Network, go to (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). .

The Executive Director reports to, and works closely with, the seven-member Board of Directors. The Board of the Foundation includes Switzer family members, former Switzer Fellows and individuals with expertise in the fields of science, policy, research and education. This unique composition creates a strong board that provides a solid foundation for the Executive Director’s direction.

The Executive Director is the lead staff person responsible for foundation management, Program operations and Board support. The Executive Director has lead responsibility for carrying out the annual goals of the Foundation as directed by the Board. Specific responsibilities generally include:

Leadership

• Provide clear vision and direction toward achieving the Foundation’s mission, setting and executing strategy.
• Set priorities, develop plans with the staff team, and establish and monitor benchmarks to gauge progress.
• Provide thought leadership and operational oversight for everything we do, from conception through execution.
• Recruit, retain and oversee a talented, mission-driven staff.
• Conduct annual staff performance evaluations and recommend pay or salary adjustments to the Board as required.
• Cultivate a strong relationship with the board, sharing opportunities and challenges and leveraging support.
• Represent the Foundation to stakeholders inside and outside the organization.
• Foster an inclusive culture of creativity, experimentation, excellence, and equity.
• Cultivate a collaborative learning environment that encourages and rewards novel and impactful individual and team initiatives.
• Help the organization evaluate and act on new ideas, directing resources as appropriate.

Growth and Sustainability

• Assume full P&L responsibilities, including developing long- and short-range financial plans, monitoring the budget, and ensuring sound financial controls.
• Work with Foundation legal counsel, accountants and other professional advisors to ensure that operations and practices are consistent…