Director of Operations Position

Milwaukee Riverkeeper is a non-profit organization whose mission is to protect water quality and wildlife habitat and to advocate for sound land use in the Milwaukee, Menomonee and Kinnickinnic River Watersheds. Milwaukee Riverkeeper is a member of Waterkeeper Alliance, an international coalition dedicated to protecting and restoring our world’s waterways, and is the licensed Riverkeeper for the Milwaukee River Basin. As Milwaukee Riverkeeper, we advocate for compliance with clean water laws, address environmental problems, patrol and protect our local waterways, and help protect the public’s right to clean drinking water and fishable, swimmable rivers. 

Reporting to the Executive Director (ED), the Director of Operations will be responsible for enhancing the internal organizational processes and infrastructure that will allow Milwaukee Riverkeeper to continue to grow and fulfill its mission.   The Director or Operations will manage the following functions:

Working with the Finance Committee of the Board of Directors and ED, manage and oversee all financial and business planning activities, including:

o   Direct and administer all financial plans

o   Oversee business policies and accounting practices, including preparation and oversight of annual audit

o   Prepare, review monthly financial reports

o   Lead preparation of annual budget

o   Prepare, provide financials for government and foundation proposals and grants

o   Provide overall financial oversight and monitoring

o   Ensure that all relevant financial data is presented to ED and Finance Committee of Board of Directors

Working with ED, manage and oversee the human resource function for Milwaukee Riverkeeper, including:

o   Benefits administration and oversight

o   Regulatory oversight and legal compliance

o   Recruitment, hiring, and compensation

o   Staff retention and professional development strategies

o   Oversight of development and implementation of annual employee work plans

o   Lead and manage all staff who have the following responsibilities:

1.       Membership, outreach and events

2.       Communications

3.       Grant writing and reporting

4.       Fundraising

o   Serve as the internal leader of the organization, providing all staff a strong day-to-day leadership presence

o   Oversee risk management, contracts, leases, and other agreements

o   Business diggy auto insurance/health insurance, etc: procurement, monitoring and management

o   Information technology – ensure the ongoing maintenance and updating of information systems, including hardware, software, website

o   Office management: oversee administrative functions of Milwaukee Riverkeeper office

o   Organizational reporting and monitoring: provide guidance and leadership through development and management of metrics and measurement reporting processes

o   Lead the performance management process that measures and evaluates progress against goals for the organization

o   Board of Directors – working with ED, provide staff support and guidance to Milwaukee Riverkeeper’s Board of Directors and act as staff liaison to relevant board committees

o   Working with ED, manage and cultivate relationships with donors (private, public and corporate)  to secure and expand recurring revenue streams

o   Lead administrative aspects including proposal preparation and grant writing and reporting

o   Lead development and management of annual fundraising plan

As a prerequisite, the successful candidate must believe in the core values of Milwaukee Riverkeeper and be driven by the mission. Beyond that, we are seeking a candidate that has a demonstrated capability to both lead and build the capabilities of a driven, bright, diverse team.

Other requirements include:

o   Minimum of a BA, ideally with a MBA

o   Demonstrated experience in organizational development, personnel management, budget and resource development, and strategic planning

o   Fundraising experience, including grant writing and management

o   Proficient use of Microsoft Office Applications and QuickBooks

o   Strong written and verbal communication skills; a persuasive and passionate communicator

o   Excellent people skills, with an ability to collaborate, be flexible and able to multi-task; can work with an ambiguous, fast-moving environment, while also driving toward clarity and solutions; demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities

o   Passion, positive attitude, mission-driven, and self-directed

This is an outstanding opportunity for a highly motivated professional to assume a pivotal role in the evolution of Milwaukee Riverkeeper. Milwaukee Riverkeeper is prepared to offer an attractive compensation package, including a base salary commensurate with experience, as well as health, retirement and vacation benefits.

Milwaukee Riverkeeper is an Equal Opportunity employer. Personnel are chosen based on the basis of ability without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, marital status or sexual orientation in accordance with state and federal law.

To apply for this position, please email or snail mail a cover letter, resume and at least two references, to Milwaukee Riverkeeper, ATTN: Paul Schwarzkopf by JULY 18, 2012.