Job Announcement: Feet First Executive Director

Application Deadline:  10 December 2007 *CLOSED*

Feet First, the leading nonprofit organization advocating for the rights and interests of pedestrians in the Greater Seattle area, seeks a dedicated and self-directed person as full-time Executive Director. 

The Executive Director is responsible for furthering our goal of promoting walking as a healthy and environmentally sustainable form of transportation that increases the livability of our communities, enhances public life, and improves public and environmental health.  Feet First is dedicated to improving the area's walking environment through activism and policy work which educates and informs residents, city agencies, and elected officials regarding the need for streets that are more pedestrian-friendly.  Feet First also manages several programs working with schools and communities to promote walking and help them identify ways to improve their pedestrian environment.  Our organization's priorities include:  reducing pedestrian deaths and injuries, increasing funding for pedestrian-friendly transportation planning and projects, promoting walking, and encouraging the design of human-scaled, environmentally-sustainable, pedestrian-oriented communities.

Major Duties:  Working in collaboration with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for overall organizational leadership, visioning, and long-range planning.  Specific responsibilities include:

·       Program Development – Requesting funds from major donors, soliciting grants and contracts for future work, and overseeing and evaluating existing and future programs.

·       Education and Advocacy – Educating government officials, attending and testifying at public meetings, communicating with news media, creating and giving presentations, engaging transportation professionals, and promoting pedestrian improvements in diverse neighborhoods.

·       Organizational Management and Development – Soliciting membership and fundraising, supervising staff and volunteers, managing finances, improving member involvement and communication, working with the Board of Directors, and monitoring implementation of the strategic plan.

Qualifications:

·       Experience managing a small organization or large program.

·       Excellent written and oral communication skills (second language a plus) – must possess public speaking skills as well as the ability to write clearly for media publications and the general public.

·       Demonstrated fundraising ability (grant writing and soliciting from major donors a plus).

·       Experience in advocacy, particularly promoting transportation alternatives.

·       Experience in community outreach and organization.

·       Ability to supervise staff and organize volunteers.

·       Ability to create coalitions with outside groups, and to work with diverse communities, including communities that are underserved or where English is not the primary language.

·       Knowledge of, and commitment to, alternate transportation and livable city issues.

Compensation:  DOE, plus medical benefits and four weeks annual paid vacation to start.

Due to Feet First's growing clout, this position is a rare opportunity for someone to have a significant influence on pedestrian and transportation-related issues in the Greater Seattle area.  To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to applicant@feetfirst.info by December 10, 2007.  Materials can also be mailed to: 

Feet First

4742 42nd Ave SW # 246

Seattle, WA 98116

For more information on Feet First, see our website at http://www.feetfirst.info