Job Description

Got Passion? We’re Hiring! Let’s talk.

DIRECTOR OF PLANNING AND POLICY

 Interview Process Ongoing: Position Open till filled  ~  FT with benefits

Location: Potential Hybrid (Kalispell, MT) – Flexibility available for working from home. Must reside within commuting distance of Kalispell office for in-person meetings and events.

Anticipated Start Date: June-July preferred, early fall required 2024

 BACKGROUND:  Citizens for a Better Flathead works to alert and inform the public of opportunities to be actively involved in critical decisions shaping how the Flathead grows. Our work focuses on influencing policies that shape land use planning, the protection of water quality, climate-friendly land use and transportation planning, and waste reduction and recycling.  CBF advocates for solutions that respect the well-being of the whole community, the environment, and future generations. We provide critical analysis and research to inform the public and decision-makers and network broadly to achieve our goals.

Since 1992 Citizens for a Better Flathead (CBF)  has been at the forefront of addressing the challenges that rapid growth brings this extraordinary valley in Northwest Montana, which is now home to 108,386 residents, a nearly 15% increase over the past decade. Flathead County, where our work is focused, lies between Glacier National Park and Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. Approximately 94% of the land in Flathead County is National or State Forest Land, Wilderness, Agricultural, and Corporate Timber Land, thus largely confining development to the remaining 6% of the area.

Our Mission is to foster citizen participation and champion sustainable solutions needed to keep the Flathead ecologically and economically healthy. Are you a land use planner, attorney, community organizer, or perhaps someone with other applicable job experience, eager for an opportunity to help residents shape how the spectacular Flathead Valley grows? Are you ready to help lead a small dynamic organization and leadership team with a 32-year legacy of successful grassroots advocacy? Are you looking for a position where you can invest your talents and make a positive difference in the place and community you call home—let’s talk.

JOB SUMMARY:  The Director of Planning and Policy for Citizens for a Better Flathead (CBF) has knowledge, experience, and a passion for learning on the job as well, while provide strategic leadership in implementing the principles and practices associated with land-use planning. CBF offers a collaborative, team-oriented workplace. You will have the unique opportunity to craft and collaborate on creative planning solutions for this area with residents and community leaders, and to enjoy the satisfaction and successes of working daily to keep the Flathead an incredible special place. The Director of Planning and Policy is a full time, professional staff person who is accountable to the Executive Director and works closely with the executive director to support and provide executive oversight with the CBF Board for all aspects of CBF’s operations. As a primary face of the organization, the Director of Planning and Policy must be able to effectively articulate and inspire engagement in CBF’s mission and the challenges that rapid growth is bringing to this region.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT 60%

• Research, analyze, and develop CBF’s positions on planning and policy decisions shaping the Flathead’s future. Provide information, testimony, and represent the organization at public hearings and committee meetings.
• Encourage active and informed public participation in local government through outreach to the public on our research and policy positions.
• Reach out to and collaborate with local government officials, agencies, organizations, and community members in keeping with CBF’s mission.
• Coordinate strategic planning efforts and ongoing assessment of the CBF’s program priorities.
• Monitor the organization’s performance through incorporation of benchmarks, developed in cooperation with Board and staff, to assess organization, program, and staff effectiveness

ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT 25%

• Attend all regular monthly and, as requested, any special Board meetings. Prepare reports for board meetings including program and policy issue updates and workplans.
• Establish and maintain effective communication with the Board and staff. Work closely with Board committees as requested.
• Maintain an accurate and detailed record of time/work projects
• Support work of the Ed and Board to develop an annual budget.  Work with the Finance Committee as asked and report on the organization’s program work in relation to budget.
• Support grant writing efforts of the organization and participate in major donor cultivation.

OUTREACH 10%  ~  STAFF MANAGEMENT 5%

• Assume a major responsibility as a key spokesperson for the organization; Work with staff and board to develop clear messages.
• Support as needed preparation of print and social media outreach in collaboration with staff.
• Work closely with the ED to lead, inspire, manage, and encourage staff, interns, and volunteers, in daily work and long-term projects. Identify training opportunities for skill development.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A Bachelor’s degree in planning or a related field and/or two to four (2-4) years of experience in a related leadership position.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Highly motivated, a self-starter, and able to effectively manage multiple demands/deadlines.
• Experience in fundraising, nonprofit administration.
• Demonstrated achievement in creating and managing innovative and distinctive programs.
• Confident, positive, comfortable in public arena. Has an understanding and passion for the mission and goals of CBF.
• Operates well in a team environment. Experience networking and collaborating.
• Proficiency in basic computer usage and email communications. Programs we use include: Microsoft Office, Google Office, WordPress, Square Space, QuickBooks, Adobe Creative Suite, and database programs.
• Ability to work evenings, once or twice a week, to represent CBF at hearings, and occasional weekend events.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Full-time starting salary of $50,000-$65,000 depending upon experience.
• Employee health benefit stipend ($200 per month), ten (10) paid holidays, ten (10) vacation days per year for full-time employees with increased time after two years, and five (5) days sick leave.
• This is an Executive position whose duties and responsibilities allow them to be exempt from overtime pay provisions as provided by the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and any applicable state laws.

How to Apply

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: To apply for the position, please submit the following:

1. Resume
2. List of at least three professional references
3. Letter of interest describing how your skills and experience address the job description

MATERIALS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO: [email protected]

The position is open until filled. Interviews are ongoing. Any questions regarding applications should be addressed to the above email address. We are willing to provide a pre-interview or pre-application-submission meeting to discuss the position in more detail and the organization’s history and potential---CBF wants this to be your dream job—so reach out to learn more. You are also encouraged to visit our web site https://www.flatheadcitizens.org/ (Note we are in the process of redoing our website.)

Job Categories: Land Use. Job Types: Full-Time. Job Tags: Got Passion--Lets Talk and Montana. Salaries: See posting for details.

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