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Open positions

Executive Director

THE ORGANIZATION

Collective Action for a Water Secure World (C4W) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization established to foster, support, promote and conduct programs and activities intended to facilitate and build partnerships to advance progress towards a water-secure world. The vision of C4W is a world in which there is global availability of an acceptable quantity and quality of water for production, livelihoods, health and ecosystems, all achieved with an acceptable level of water-related risks to people, environments and economies. C4W will bring together financing and partnerships needed to advance the vision of a water-secure world and support grant making to organizations that share this vision.

ROLE AND PURPOSE

The Executive Director (ED) will lead C4W’s start-up with the support of the Board of Directors. The ED will initiate and lead engagement with North American foundations and other donors to secure funding to support the objectives of the organization, while facilitating the strategic development of programs in collaboration with implementing partners. The ED will lead the formation and implementation of a grant-making facility to manage and distribute funds to implementing partners of C4W.

The primary responsibilities of the Executive Director include: (i) implement a North America Foundations and Donors Fundraising Strategy; (ii) develop a Partnership Strategy with expectations of the different groups of partners that C4W will have (donors, implementors, communities); (iii) cooperate with implementing partners to grow a viable funding pipeline for C4W through North American Trusts, Foundations and Donors, initially with IWMI; (iv) represent the organization in relevant Trust and Foundation networking events and forums; (v) establish and make operational a grants management system for the C4W; (vi) manage the organization in line with requirements for 501(c)(3) organizations, ensuring effective financial management, governance and risk management; and (vii) build and manage collaborative networks with implementing partners to develop programs and a funding pipeline.

During the start-up stage of the C4W, the Executive Director will work closely with the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), as C4W’s founding implementing partner. IWMI is providing initial financial, strategic and implementation support as well as technical excellence and insights.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Fundraising
  • Refine and implement a North America Foundations and other Donors Fundraising Strategy, as needed, focused on building and managing a portfolio of donors, building strong relationships and focused on implementing creative solicitation plans to maximize opportunities and income.
  • Coordinate with strategic donor partners to grow a viable funding pipeline.
  • Research, develop and secure income from North American Trusts, Foundations, companies, donor-advised funds and other philanthropic funds and entities, with a strong focus on funders with a potential to give US$500,000+ grants.
  • Provide Guidance to Implementing Partners with respect to writing high quality funding proposals.
  • Write high quality fundraising reports.
  • Build excellent external working relationships at all levels with donors, their staff and networks, to directly influence their decisions.
  • Manage and coordinate engagement of Board members and specialists with representatives from Foundations and other Donors.
Organizational development, management and governance
  • Lead the start-up of C4W in close cooperation with the Board of Directors and build upon support from partner organizations.
  • During the start-up phase, collaborate closely with the relevant IWMI functions in accordance with the memorandum of understanding.
  • Manage the finances and administration of the organization and staffing as growth of the organization permits.
  • Provide support to ensure that the Board of Directors is able to grow and operate effectively and efficiently.
  • Ensure compliance with legislative requirements and reporting required for 501(c)(3) organizations (including financial management; governance and risk management).
Partnership development
  • Develop and implement a Programs and Partnership Strategy.
  • Build collaborative relationships with implementing partners to build programs that are strategic, of high quality and responsive to priorities shared by donors.
  • Develop an excellent knowledge of the research, policy and action agenda related to water security and liaise with staff and leadership of key implementing partners to prepare and present high quality information such as tailored presentations and proposals for donors.
  • Work closely with implementing partners to support donor stewardship and to manage prospective and existing donors effectively.
Grants management
  • Develop and administer grants management appropriate to the operations, scale and growth of the organization.
  • Manage the disbursement of funds to implementing partners, ensuring that all reporting requirements are fulfilled. 

QUALIFICATIONS

  • A master’s degree with at least 8 years of relevant work experience holding positions of increasing responsibility.
  • Demonstrated success in fundraising from North American institutional donors, such as foundations and other donors.
  • Experience working closely with donors to execute grants, preferably in the water and/or environment sectors.
  • Entrepreneurial mindset who believes in an externally focused and proactive approach with the energy and passion to engage people, negotiate and persuade.
  • Successful experience collaborating with senior stakeholders using tact and diplomacy.
  • Proven track record of relationship building and successful grant proposals / reports for grants above $US500,000.
  • Exceptional communicator with demonstrable skill in adapting written, verbal and visual communications for a philanthropy audience.
  • Proven ability to build and manage donor income streams, maximizing the value of existing and prospective supporters.
  • Ability to understand diverse donor motivations and deliver a bespoke relationship to meet these.
  • Excellent numeracy and attention to detail, with the ability to analyze and prepare budgets.
  • Experience managing the complexities of restricted and unrestricted income projects.
  • Organized and methodical approach to planning, delivering and meeting strict deadlines while managing competing priorities under your own initiative.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to manage people, establish and maintain effective working relationships with other stakeholders in multicultural settings, with sensitivity and respect for gender and diversity.

LOCATION

  • The Executive Director will be based in the United States and must possess a right to work in the USA.
  • This position is fully remote with flexible core working hours.
  • Some domestic and international travel will be required. The anticipated travel schedule is approximately 15–25 days per year, depending on the successful candidate’s home base.

COMPENSATION

C4W offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, retirement plan offerings, generous paid time off and more. The starting salary range for this position is $140,000–160,000 per year and is based on a number of factors including, but not limited to skillset and number of years of previous/applicable experience.

COMPETENCIES

The successful candidate will demonstrate high levels of the following competencies:

Strategic leadership
  • Shows drive and commitment to achieving the vision and mission of the organization.
  • Entrepreneurial mindset with a demonstrated ability to manage people.
Communication
  • Demonstrates effective oral and written communications skills. Shares information with others, adapting messages to diverse audiences.
  • Communicates and responds promptly to meet the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
  • Externally focused and proactive attitude, with the energy and passion to engage people, negotiate and persuade.
 Stakeholder focus and impact orientation
  • Develops realistic plans with available resources; establishes high standards of performance and demonstrates a commitment to quality and excellence; empowers people; focuses on results and delivers on time and within budget.
  • Drives for results by being proactive and setting high standards for self and others; takes ownership and responsibility for maintaining a strong focus on both stakeholder needs and expectations.
Collaboration and teamwork
  • Promotes collaboration; shares knowledge and information; builds partnerships and creates an environment for learning and continuous innovation.
  • Creates an environment conducive to inter-disciplinary teamwork across organizational boundaries; builds C4W and promotes open communication and collaboration to achieve joint objectives.
Influencing and resolving differences
  • Gains support and commitment from others; resolves differences by determining needs and forging solutions that benefit all parties.
  • Displays flexibility and respect for differences of opinion; demonstrates transparency and objectivity when negotiating with others.
Promoting diversity and inclusion
  • Respects and values differences, listens with an open mind and enables people to contribute actively and visibly. Challenges preferences in self and others that may affect workplace decisions. Models behaviors that promotes an inclusive organizational culture.

TO APPLY

To be considered for this exciting opportunity, send your resume, letter of introduction and the names and contact information of three (3) references to careers@c4water.org. The review of candidates will begin immediately and continue through May 6, 2024.

Collective Action for a Water Secure World (C4W) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. We encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of the Collective Action for a Water Secure World (C4W) background screening process.