About Global Greengrants Fund

In the Global South, environmental degradation often has the worst impact on impoverished communities.  As a result, citizens around the world have been organizing community-based groups to address these issues, despite the lack of financial support.  Meanwhile, many donors in the North do not know how to approach international giving.

Global Greengrants Fund was founded to bridge the gap between those who can offer financial support and grassroots groups in developing countries that can make effective use of that support. Greengrants help donors overcome the barriers to grassroots grantmaking by identifying worthy organizations and moving funds efficiently and at minimal cost.

Working through an international volunteer network of 120 advisors, Greengrants has a built-in system of peer review and accountability that is committed to supporting movements for social and environmental justice around the world.

Since 1993, Greengrants has awarded over 4,000 grants in 128 countries.  These are small grants – typically between $500 and $5,000.  The grants help protect biodiversity, encourage sustainable livelihoods and promote environmental justice.  In 2007, the organization made 650 grants totaling $3.5 million in 81 countries.  The Council on Foundations has recognized Greengrants for its creative grantmaking.

The Position

The founder and Executive Director of Greengrants, Chet Tchozewski, is transitioning to the role of Founding President. In this position he will focus externally, continuing to strengthen the field of progressive philanthropy and advancing the overarching goal of Greengrants. This goal is to increase the amount of money available for grassroots environmental and social justice groups in countries around the world where funding is scarce.

Greengrants is seeking a Chief Executive Officer to succeed the Executive Director. The ideal candidate is a passionate professional, who is committed to the Greengrants mission and will provide outstanding leadership to the organization. He/she will be responsible for all aspects of the program, budget and staffing. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive will serve as a key spokesperson for the organization and will play an instrumental role in fundraising and resource development efforts. She/he will develop and implement strategic and operational plans to provide for strong organizational growth. The Chief Executive Officer will manage the current budget of $5 million, with the goal of growing the budget and increasing the number of annual grants. This person will provide leadership for strong and effective program development, ensuring that Greengrants identify emerging issues vital to the work of the organization. Central to this position will be the responsibility for building teamwork by empowering 14 talented and committed staff in Boulder, as well as an international network of 120 advisors with deep local grassroots experience.

Responsibilities

• Manage and empower staff.  Build an organizational culture that attracts, sustains and motivates a diverse staff of top quality people devoted to the mission. Oversee the development of sound human resource practices, including the recruitment of new staff and regular performance evaluations.
• Motivate and inspire the global network of advisors. Stay abreast of relevant international grassroots needs and ensure that Greengrants is responding appropriately.
• Lead the development of strategic and operational plans, in collaboration with the management team and the board.  Execute these plans and monitor their progress. Advance the organization’s mission and direction.
• Direct the preparation of the annual budget and ensure that the organization operates within budget guidelines. Responsible for developing and maintaining sound financial practices and overseeing legal compliance.
• Working with staff and board of directors, raise funds necessary to carry out the mission and to grow the organization. Oversee the development and implementation of the annual fundraising plan for Greengrants. Engage directly in donor cultivation and solicitation.
• Act as a public spokesperson for the organization and direct the development of all communication efforts.
• Strengthen the engagement of the Board of Directors in both fundraising and program development.  Serve as the liaison between board and staff and guide board development.

Qualifications

• At least ten years senior management experience in a complex environment, ideally with international operations.
• A firm grasp of the principles and practices involved in effective and inclusive leadership and management. Specifically, an inspiring leadership style that engages the support and talents of the staff, leads by example, and encourages creativity and productive, high-quality work.
• Experience working in a non-hierarchical leadership position, in a network-based organization consisting of more than 100 people.
• Proven experience in preparing an annual budget and in financial and operations management.
• Demonstrated experience in raising $5 million annually from institutional donors, foundations and major donors.
• A superb ability to chart strategic directions that result in clear operational goals.
• Track record of successful work with a board of directors.
• Previous international work experience, especially in the Global South.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills. Ability to articulate the vision of Greengrants.
• Firm commitment to the mission of Greengrants and to growing its resources and impact on grassroots grantmaking.

Desired characteristics

• Believes in and utilizes a collaborative style of leadership and management with board and staff respectively.
• Ability to be both strategic and analytical.
• An innovative thinker, able to generate creative ideas and also receptive to new ideas.
• Understands key international environmental issues.
• Passionate about social and environmental justice.
• International credibility and multi-cultural sensitivity.
• Entrepreneurial, with openness to working with the private sector.