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Southern Regional Director

Organization 

The mission of MountainTrue is to champion resilient forests, clean waters, and healthy communities in the Southern Blue Ridge. MountainTrue works across 26 counties in Western North Carolina and North Georgia and has 23 staff and a $1.7 million budget. For more information, please visit our website.

MountainTrue is committed to the principles of equity, inclusion, and non-discrimination. We do not discriminate against individuals, communities, or organizations on the basis of race, color, sex, age, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or physical/mental disability. 

We recognize and honor diverse cultures and traditions and proactively seek individuals for all aspects of our work from varied backgrounds for the greater enrichment of the organization. To address structural bias, MountainTrue intentionally invests in diverse leadership within our programs, staff, board, volunteer base, and membership. We strongly encourage applicants from historically and currently marginalized groups to apply for open positions. 

We are looking for enthusiasm, a can-do attitude, and real-world experience above formal accreditation. If you have a hobby or volunteer in a role that is relevant to the position, we would like to learn about it. 

The Position 

MountainTrue seeks a director for its Southern Region, based in Hendersonville. This will be the organization’s primary representative in Henderson, Transylvania, Polk, Rutherford, and Cleveland counties. This person will build public support for identified environmental and community issues in the region, focusing on MountainTrue’s programmatic priorities. Specific priorities include water quality, land use, public lands, energy, and advancing equity. They will increase membership; expand and strengthen relationships with communities, key stakeholders, and donors; and manage most programmatic activities in the region. This position reports to the Co-Directors and is supported by other program, development, and communications staff. This position supervises two positions, the Broad Riverkeeper and an Americorps Water Quality Administrator supporting water monitoring and education activities across the southern region. 

Regional directors serve the following functions in their respective regions: 

  • To be a resource for the public and advocate on community, health and environmental issues.
  • To engage, organize, and lead residents in work/advocacy on local, state and federal issues that are priorities for the organization. 
  • To organize membership engagement and fundraising events. 
  • To build and maintain relationships with elected officials at the local and state levels.
  • To engage with regulatory agencies by reporting pollution issues, commenting during permitting processes, and relaying information and concerns from the public.
  • To engage with and support relevant local government boards and commissions.
  • To build and maintain relationships with community leaders and partner organizations (especially in traditionally marginalized communities) and communities of faith.
  • To actively seek funding and build/manage relationships with major donors.
  • To represent and promote MountainTrue’s work on social media. 

Qualifications 

  • Significant experience working on environmental and community issues.
  • Demonstrated commitment to racial equity and inclusion. 
  • Demonstrated experience building relationships in historically marginalized communities.
  • Ability to organize and lead advocacy efforts and campaigns with partners, members, and the public. 
  • Self-reliant, good problem solver, results-oriented. 
  • Ability to make decisions in a changing environment and anticipate future needs.
  • Energetic, flexible, collaborative, and proactive. Team player. 
  • Excellent written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills. 
  • Ability to work across political, social, and economic lines. 

The following are preferred: 

  • College or advanced degree in a field related to the environment, health, or community development 
  • Policy advocacy experience 
  • Fundraising and membership engagement experience 
  • Experience with online communications tools 

Compensation: Mid-50s. Benefits package includes 20-25 vacation days per year, 12 holidays, sick leave, sabbatical after five years, health insurance, simple IRA with employer contribution of up to 3%. 

How to apply 

Email cover letter, resume, and three references to Bob Wagner, Co-Director, wagner@mountaintrue.org. The subject line should read: “Southern Regional Director”. The cover letter should include answers to the following questions in 600 words or less:

  1. Why are you interested in this position?
  2. Why do you think you would be good at it?
  3. Do you have a demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion? If so, please describe.

Application deadline: February 18, 2022