Job Opening: Walla Walla Community Council

Executive Director position available in Walla Walla, Washington -- the place so nice they named it twice. Beautiful community and good people there -- please pass the announcement on to anyone really good you think might be interested.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Lead and build a Community Council in Walla Walla region. New citizen-driven, problem solving non-profit needs experienced, degreed non-profit executive. Live and thrive in state’s most exciting region. For details: jobs@wallawallavitalsigns.org

The Board of Directors seeks an Executive Director for the newly founded Community Council located in Walla Walla, Washington. The mission of the Community Council is to foster a civic culture that inspires a citizen-driven, consensus-based, problem-solving process to prepare the greater Walla Walla area, from Milton-Freewater, Oregon to Dayton, Washington, for future growth, change, and challenges to enhance the quality of life for everyone. The vision for the Community Council is to be publicly accepted as an effective, trusted, nonpartisan, and inclusive civic organization that engages diverse citizens in open dialogue, research, consensus building, and advocacy to achieve the highest quality of life for everyone in the greater Walla Walla area.

The Community Council pursues its mission through a community improvement model pioneered by JCCI, the Jacksonville Community Council, Inc and outlined below.

Implementation of this model has begun in earnest. A working set of values and vision have been developed through a series of community forums. A set of web-based indicators is ready to deploy to assess the condition of area communities and build knowledge about the region the Council serves. A program committee has already set about identifying its first research program.

It is now time for a capable leader to join this dynamic enterprise for community improvement. Along with the Board of Directors and the inputs of the region’s citizenry, the Community Council is positioned to create enduring value in the face of significant change for people who live in the Greater Walla Walla area. More information about the Community Council can be found at http://www.wallawallavitalsigns.org/.

The Walla Walla Valley

Nestled at the foot of the Blue Mountains, this community is steeped in history and blessed with beauty. Walla Walla has often been called an “oasis in the desert” because of the abundance of trees in this generally arid region.

There are outdoor activities of almost every type to be found. Whether it’s camping, hiking, mountain-biking, snowmobiling, snow skiing, golfing, or picnicking and relaxing with the family, you’ll find the perfect spot in the Walla Walla Valley.

Agriculture has always played an important role in the local economy. As a group, Walla Walla County’s farms are the oldest in the state. Wheat, peas, strawberries, wine grapes, alfalfa hay and world famous Walla Walla Sweet Onions grow in the region’s rich volcanic soil.

Whether you’re dropping in for the weekend or looking for a place to put down some roots, you’ll find uncommon vitality in the Walla Walla Valley. With nearly 300 days of sunshine each year, you’ll encounter bright summers, crisp yet moderate winters, and spectacular springs and falls.

Location

Walla Walla County is located in the southeastern corner of Washington State, near the borders of Oregon and Idaho. It is at the geographic center of the rapidly growing Pacific Northwest region. This central location allows businesses to move goods and services to regional, national and international marketplaces in a convenient and economical manner. The West Coast and Pacific Rim are easily accessible by truck, train, river barge and air transportation.

Land Area
1,261 square miles

Distance from Walla Walla to…
Seattle, WA 273 miles (Northwest)
Boise, ID 254 miles (Southeast)
Portland, OR 248 miles (West)
Spokane, WA 181 miles (North)
Yakima, WA 130 miles (Northwest)
Lewiston, ID 98 miles (East)
Tri-Cities, WA 50 miles (Northwest)
Pendleton, OR 41 miles (Southwest)

Support

The Community Council has in its ranks for Directors and volunteers the best of the regions leaders. Hundreds of people have turned out to participate in the public activites the Council has developed and hosted. The Council is networked to a strong base of regional and national experts. Local and National funders have stepped forward throughout the Council’s development and created a base of support upon which a sustainable organization can be forged.

Description

The executive director is a full-time exempt employee responsible for administrative leadership and all operations of Community Council. The director reports to the Board of Directors through the President. Salary range $55,000-$60,000 with benefits. Position subject to continued grant funding.

Major responsibilities include:
· Supports the governance structure of the Community Council Board of Directors and manages the Council’s other volunteer efforts
· Advances the Council’s mission and programs through the implementation of the Council’s community improvement model
· Leads the administration and finance functions of the Council including personnel, budgeting, operations and information technology
· Implements marketing programs that lead to active support of individuals, businesses and other agencies in the life of the Council and manages communication efforts to share outcomes of Council programs with it many and varied constituencies.
· Engages in development efforts from increasing membership, raising sponsorship support, writing grants and seeking gifts from individuals

Attributes and Characteristics:
· Strong interpersonal, facilitation and conflict resolution skills
· Demonstrates commitment to inclusiveness and ability to work effectively with diverse groups, including key community leaders and organizations.
· Maintains a strong understanding of inter-organizational relationships and ability to build effective work teams and establish consensus.

Required skills and experience:
· A Masters Degree or equivalent long-term experience in appropriate field of endeavor
· A minimum of five years of administrative and supervisory experience
· Strong background in public policy
· A proven ability to work effectively with governing boards, volunteers, committees and the public and private sectors
· Excellent research skills, strong analytical and interpersonal skills, excellent writing and verbal skills
· Excellent skills in oral presentations to large and small group settings as well as speaking to the media
· Demonstrates experience and willingness to assess, plan and implement fund raising strategies

Application Process:
Candidates should submit a resume together with a letter of application addressing how their education and experience has prepared them to meet the position qualifications and responsibilities.

For first consideration, applications should be submitted by June 16, 2008 to:

Community Council
Search Committee
PO Box 2936
Walla Walla, WA 99362

The position will remain open until filled. Screening of applications will be completed by June 30, 2008, with interviews to be scheduled in early July.