Job Opening: Funders Workgroup for Sustainable Production and Consumption: Deadline Oct. 1, 2008

Job Announcement

Workgroup Coordinator

Funders Workgroup for Sustainable Production and Consumption

The Funders Workgroup for Sustainable Production and Consumption (the Sustainability Funders) is a collaborative effort of foundations committed to building a sustainable and just society by increasing awareness of the impacts of production and consumption on the environment, human health and social equity; identifying and highlighting efforts to reduce the negative environmental, health and social effects of current production and consumption patterns; expanding funding in this area; identifying leverage points and opportunities for strategic funding; and facilitating information exchange and collaboration among grantmakers. There are more than 20 foundation members in the Workgroup with potential for growth. A member-based Steering Committee and Executive Committee provide regular direction.

The Sustainability Funders Workgroup is seeking a Coordinator. This is a senior level position that requires someone with both strong facilitative and individual leadership skills. To be successful, the Coordinator must be comfortable working both by committee and by exerting individual leadership in project planning and implementation.

Job Title: Sustainability Funders Workgroup Coordinator

Reports to: the Workgroup Executive Committee

Compensation: Competitive, commensurate with skills and experience

Hours of Employment: Monday-Friday; some weekends & travel with advance notice

Location: Flexible

Duties:

Workgroup Coordination: Facilitate participatory process with workgroup members to develop and implement a long-term strategy to advance the Sustainability Funders?s mission and promote its vision to environmental philanthropists and other interested parties, e.g. other grantmakers, policymakers, nonprofit leaders, business leaders and the media. Specific tasks include leading the workgroup planning process, strategic communications, event planning, and networking among grantmakers, the NGO sector and public and private sector decision-makers. Coordinate regular funder education activities; regular phone calls and in person meetings of the working group; respond to member requests for information. Plan an annual steering committee retreat and an annual meeting for sustainability funders and practitioners. Encourage a participatory, engaging and fun workgroup culture.

Outreach & Recruitment: Develop a long-term organizational development plan and informational/recruitment materials for the workgroup. Identify potential new members and forums for targeted outreach to new funders. Moderate listserve and manage e-newsletter and website. Lead workgroup fundraising efforts through recruitment of new members, prepare funding proposals, and maintain relations with current funders. Represent Sustainability Funders at meetings, conferences and other events.

Regional Convenings & Briefings: Research and screen emerging production and consumption issues, both national and international, for presentation to the working group; lead the working group in selecting topics to explore further in funder calls, papers or in-person meetings. Work with other NGOs and EGA affinity groups, manage the planning and execution of issue-related briefings and conference calls. Attend the convenings of allied affinity groups and NGOs for research and networking purposes. Coordinate planning of workshops and events at the annual EGA retreat and other philanthropic gatherings. Some travel (mainly within the U.S.) will be required.

Research and Analyze Production and Consumption Issues: Plan and implement a participatory systems mapping project, engaging contracted facilitation support, workgroup members, allied funders and experts from NGOs and academia, to deepen our collective understanding of strategic leverage points for transforming production and consumption systems.

Sustainability Coordinator's Time Allocations:

55% Implementation and Coordination of Activities, Program and Outreach

20% Administration

25% Research, analysis and writing

Anticipate about 20 % travel

Qualifications:

Demonstrated knowledge of sustainable consumption and production issues and the leading organizations in this field
Excellent research, writing and oral communication skills
Five years exposure to grantmaking processes and institutions
Five years event planning and coordination experience
Excellent interpersonal, organizational and time management skills
Strong facilitation skills
Experience, or interest in, systems thinking and application
Fluency in Microsoft Office Suite applications; knowledge of web-based applications a plus
College degree, Master's level preferred
Ability to multi-task with patience and a sense of humor

Application Process:
Please send a letter of interest, resume and brief writing sample to: Allison Cook, Sustainability Funders Workgroup at SustainabilityFundersPosition@gmail.com by October 1, 2008. Position opened until filled. Target starting date: As soon as possible.