EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

POSITION CHARTER
The Executive Director is an at-will employee appointed by the Board of Directors and reporting directly to the Board President. She/he oversees the day-to-day operations of the organization; formulates and implements WAGV's strategic plan with supporting goals and objectives; develops and administers the annual budget; coordinates and collaborates with other community groups, law enforcement agencies and elected officials;   and cultivates positive working relationships with the media.

RESPONSIBILITIES
The Executive Director is responsible for the overall leadership, strategic direction and management of the organization's programs, resource development, finances and personnel in accordance with the organizational mission and operational policies.

The Executive Director is responsible for possessing a comprehensive understanding of the issue of gun violence, including:

• Gun violence as a pervasive public health issue  
• Past and current community-based efforts or programs to prevent or reduce gun violence    
• Past and current legislative efforts to prevent or reduce gun violence/effects
• Emerging issues related to the prevention of gun violence

Specific responsibilities include:

Mission, Strategy and Business Planning

• Engage the Board, staff, volunteers, and other stakeholders in refining and implementing the mission, strategic plan, programs and activities.
• Serve as an inspirational and motivational force to engage a broad network of supporters in fulfilling the mission.
• Consistently analyze operations and evaluate programs to ensure alignment with the organization's mission.
• Regularly lead the organization through long and short term evaluation and planning cycles.

Program Oversight

• Oversee thoughtful and comprehensive evaluation of community and advocacy programs; strive for continuous program improvement.
• Through strategic planning in collaboration with the Board, support appropriate prioritization and selection of projects.
• Leverage programmatic content to maximize impact within limited resources.
• Support staff in overseeing their respective programs and responsibilities.
• Develop and maintain relationships with partners, promoting collaborative efforts whenever reasonable and valuable.

Fund Development and Marketing

• Work closely with the Board of Directors to leverage connections, maximize fund development, and diversify funding sources.
• Identify new foundations and develop and nurture mutually beneficial relationships.
• Attract financial supporters to the organization through active and personal solicitation of foundations, individual donors and corporations.
• Work with the staff and Board to develop an effective pool of volunteers to support the organization's programs and operations.
• Act as WAGV's spokesperson and advocate with a wide variety of constituents (elected officials, policy makers, advocacy organizations, funders, media, etc.)
• Develop clear and strategic marketing goals and oversee implementation.
• Oversee the development, marketing, and distribution of effective educational materials.

Financial and Organizational Management

• Assists the Board with long-term organizational sustainability through diversified income streams and financial controls.
• Exercise sound budgeting in collaboration with the Board to ensure financial integrity and viability of the organization.
• Analyze financial information and trends and provide recommendations for changes as necessary and appropriate.
• Regularly assess and refine organization's structure and staffing to ensure maximum effectiveness and appropriate operational capacity.
• Lead and direct all employees and volunteers of WAGV.
• Maintain sound human resource policies and practices to support optimal staff and volunteer performance.
• Perform all HR duties, ensuring compliance with relevant federal and state labor laws.
• Work closely and directly with the Board to support ongoing Board evaluation & development, fund development and organizational growth.
• Ensure that WAGV's programs, operations, and professional image are supported by sufficient technology and physical infrastructure.

QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of successful and progressively responsible experience in management, relationship building, and resource development. The individual will be creative, strategic, and pragmatic and will foster best practices in organizational development and human resource management. This person must demonstrate solid leadership qualities and be able to motivate and inspire people to support WAGV. The successful candidate will demonstrate a clear passion for the mission of WAGV, an appreciation of its history, and excitement about its potential.

Required experience and skills:

• At least 5 years executive-level experience
• Strong computer skills
• Experience developing newsletters
• Experience managing a website and donor database
• Ability to multitask and meet project deadlines
• Proven experience in building consensus, developing and implementing a strategic plan
• Proven track record in generating new resources and revenue streams
• Understanding of legal issues, the legislative process and policy making
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Political savvy and diplomacy
• Financial and operational acumen sufficient to grow an organization
• Experience working with a Board of Directors or other governing body
• General nonprofit management experience
• Valid driver's license and current insurance required

Preferred experience and skills:

• Degree in relevant field (Public Health, Political Science, Business, etc.)
• Content-specific experience with the gun violence prevention movement
• Experience developing and maintaining an effective volunteer program
• Working knowledge of Quick Books accounting program
• Spanish speaking a plus

Personal Characteristics:

• Dedicated to the issue
• Action oriented and resourceful
• Organized
• Strategic thinker
• Consensus builder and problem solver
• Committed to staff development
• Exceptional interpersonal skills

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
WAGV provides a competitive compensation package, including medical and dental insurance, contributions to a retirement plan, vacation, personal days and sick leave. Salary commensurate with experience

Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume and salary history to: jobs@wagv.org
No calls please.
Location: Los Angeles, CA
WAGV is an equal opportunity employer.