Executive Director
The Recycling Association of Minnesota
ORGANIZATION SUMMARY:
The Recycling Association of Minnesota (RAM) is committed to promoting resource conservation through recycling, waste prevention, reuse, composting, and purchasing practices using the most cost effective and environmentally sound methods available in Minnesota.
RAM carries out their mission by holding an annual conference, convening educational forums, creating networking opportunities, disseminating timely information, providing public education, creating unique recycling programs, and initiating cooperative dialogue among a diverse membership.
RAM provides outreach activities to the public through the America Recycles Day campaign, unique recycling programs, the website (recycleminnesota.org), recycled product educational kits, and educational events. RAM is the state affiliate of both the National Recycling Coalition and Keep America Beautiful, and is also the state organizer for America Recycles Day. RAM serves on statewide committees and task forces such as the Recycling Education Committee and the Recycling Market Development Committee.
RAM has more than 250 members from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
RAM is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization.
Location: Twin Cities Metro
Job Type: Full Time
APPLICATION DATES:
Deadline: December 23, 2019
HIRING SALARY RANGE AND BENEFITS:
$50,000-$60,000 which includes a benefits package and potential for additional performance bonuses. Starting salary is dependent on experience.
POSITION INFORMATION:
The Executive Director is a full-time position that is responsible for managing a small staff currently comprised of an Operations Manager and intern. The Executive Director is responsible for the day-to-day activities and financial management of the organization and reports to the 15 to 19-member Board of Directors and its five-member Executive Committee (EC). Working together, the Executive Director, Board of Directors and various Committees establish and execute the strategic direction of the organization.
JOB DUTIES:
- Organizational: The Executive Director implements RAM’s programs that carry out the organization’s mission, strategically plans, with coordination from the Strategic Planning Committee, to ensure that RAM can successfully fulfill its mission into the future, and enhances RAM’s image by being active and visible in the community and by working closely with other professional, civic, and private organizations.
- Administration: The Executive Director hires staff in coordination with the RAM EC, manages, supervises, and provides direction to all organizational staff, reviews all administrative needs and makes recommendations to the RAM EC, directs intern and volunteer duties, and provides a year end organizational report.
- Program Administration: The Executive Director administers RAM programs such as the annual compost bin and rain barrel sales event, the annual RAM member Free Bin Grant, and creates and manages new programs deemed pertinent and viable in coordination with the Program Committee. The Executive Director also researches and locates grant opportunities on a year-round basis, develops and submits proposals in response to Request for Proposals, assures adequate staff and time to implement the grant work, and prepares reports.
- Annual Conference & Show: RAM, in partnership with the MN SWANA Chapter, holds an annual conference and trade show which is attended by over 450 members, vendors, and other interested parties. The Executive Director works with the RAM/SWANA Conference Planning Committee to provide direction and oversight to members of the Committee and to any privately contracted conference planning organization and to help staff this event annually. The Executive Director organizes the RAM awards and annual meeting report and booth display for the conference and works with the RAM Conference Planning Committee members to plan RAM portions of the conference.
- Financial: The Executive Director raises at least $100,000 annually for the organization through membership dues, program revenues, corporate contributions, sponsorships, government grants, foundation grants, earned income (e.g., product sales), and conference revenue. In addition, the Executive Director works with the Operations Manager, Treasurer, and Finance Committee to develop an annual budget. The Executive Director provides monthly financial statements to the board with a provided reporting format. Responsibilities also include making sure that all worker’s comp, sales, and annual tax filings are properly prepared and submitted in a timely manner.
- Member Services: The Executive Director keeps its members up to date on the latest developments in the recycling industry both locally and nationally. The Executive Director, in conjunction with the Operations Manager, will assure the composition and dissemination of a bi-weekly member e-mail regarding recent news items, announcements, information resources, etc., maintains the RAM website, and produces an annual membership directory.
- Government Affairs: The Executive Director is expected to monitor legislative activity and report to the membership on a regular basis. Depending on the wishes of the Board of Directors, the Executive Director may be asked to talk to legislators about recycling, product stewardship, market development, composting, and other resource conservation issues. The Executive Director may also be asked to be a registered lobbyist at the Minnesota State Legislature and spend a portion of their time tracking legislative issues.
- Media: RAM fulfills a critical need in communicating regularly with print, radio, social, and TV media to promote recycling. The Executive Director is expected to maintain media lists, prepare press releases, and follow-up with interested media outlets.
- Public Outreach: The Executive Director provides recycling education and materials to the general public by coordinating with local and state governments, trade associations, industry, retail establishments, educational institutions, and the media.
EXPERIENCE:
The ideal candidate for this position will be a nonprofit leader with at least five years management experience of a similar staff and budget level ($100,000-$500,000) and will demonstrate working knowledge, passion, and commitment to recycling and the environment. The Executive Director is the key strategic leader within the organization and must bring a broad perspective, the ability to develop partnerships, a can-do entrepreneurial attitude, and a great deal of energy and creativity to the position. In addition to a proven ability to lead and manage an organization, this individual must have proven success in fundraising at all levels. Strong public policy skills are important, as well as public speaking and media relations and other outreach functions. He or she must embrace the mission of the Recycling Association of Minnesota and have the credibility to enlist others in that effort. Strong leadership abilities and experience, as well as outstanding interpersonal and communication skills are essential.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor’s degree. Background in recycling, product stewardship, public policy, business management and environment in general is strongly preferred.
- Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
- Ability to lift 30 pounds.
- Travel to meetings and events statewide with a personal vehicle
- Ability to work occasional evening and weekend hours.
- Legally eligible to work in the United States.
TO APPLY:
Please submit cover letter, resume and references electronically in one document to:
Michael Reed, Chair of the Recycling Association of Minnesota
michael.reed@co.ramsey.mn.us
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Please direct all inquiries to Michael Reed, RAM Chair at Michael.Reed@co.ramsey.mn.us or 651-266-1181 (direct) or 651-239-9420 (cell)