for
Executive Director
ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND
Wisconsin Climate Change Action Initiative (the Climate Initiative) is a new non-profit
corporation established under the auspices of Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle to
implement a recommendation of the Governor’s Task Force on Global Warming. Formed
in July, 2009 with initial funding of $5 million, the purpose of the Climate Initiative is to
inspire and facilitate significant, voluntary reductions in greenhouse gas emissions arising
from behaviors and choices of individuals, communities and businesses in Wisconsin.
The Climate Initiative will achieve its purpose through strategic programs designed to
induce changes in behavior and the provision of education, tools, and expertise.
The mission for the Climate Initiative is to encourage voluntary behavior change to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Wisconsin. This mission will be accomplished, in
part, through social marketing initiatives. The Climate Initiative will plan its activities to
be complementary to and not duplicative of, existing initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions in Wisconsin. The Climate Initiative will develop and implement empirical
methods of measuring the impact of its activities. The Board’s goal is that through the
work of the Climate Initiative, Wisconsin will be recognized as a national leader in
achieving voluntary greenhouse gas emissions reductions.
105 Fifth Avenue South, Suite 512 • Minneapolis, MN 55401 • 612.375.8900 • www.keystonesearch.com
Position Profile
Fall, 2009
Page 2 of 4
POSITION OVERVIEW
Because the Climate Initiative has just been launched, the Executive Director will play a
key role in establishing the organization, defining its mission and priorities. He/she will
report to the Board of Directors and will be responsible for overall leadership, direction
and general management of the organization. He/she will have primary responsibility for
working with the Board to develop a strategic plan for the organization. Once the plan is
approved, the Executive Director will be responsible for designing and implementing a
business plan, developing and delivering programs and directing day-to-day operations,
with the objective of establishing a solid foundation for outstanding performance and
success in meeting the mission of the organization. The performance of the Executive
Director will be measured on the basis of meeting the objectives and establishing a
reputation of excellence for the organization in all of its operations and activities.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
105 Fifth Avenue South, Suite 512 • Minneapolis, MN 55401 • 612.375.8900 • www.keystonesearch.com
Position Profile
Fall, 2009
Page 3 of 4
• Reach out to other organizations in Wisconsin and nationally that are engaged in
related activities in order to develop relationships and enable the organization to
leverage its activities through close coordination with others rather than
duplication.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with political, business and community
leaders in Wisconsin on the mission of the Climate Initiative and its programs,
and develop a public communication strategy.
• Develop and implement a staffing, outsourcing and contracting plan for program
implementation.
• Work with the Finance Committee, establish and implement strong financial
policies and procedures to protect the assets of the organization, provide
transparency, and enable effective Board oversight.
• Draft and propose the administrative and general policies of the organization for
Board approval.
• Develop a program and messaging strategy to establish the public image of the
Climate Initiative, including an excellent website that will be a resource for the
program activities.
• Develop an effective system for benchmarking and evaluation of the programs
and activities of the organization.
• Together with the Board President, develop procedures to enable effective Board
meetings that focus on priorities and policy, and make good use of Board member
expertise.
• Support the activities of Board-established committees.
QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate for this position is an experienced and visionary professional with a
passion for the environment that includes helping Wisconsin significantly reduce
greenhouse gas emissions. The successful candidate will be a person of integrity and
stature in the community with proven leadership experience, exemplary business and/or
nonprofit management skills, and a strong commitment to collaboration with other
climate change initiatives. Fundraising, community relations and partnerships, and board
development are all key components of this challenging role. Other essential skills and
experience include:
• Demonstrated ability to lead, inspire and motivate, and ability to provide and
portray a sense of vision for the Climate Initiative to its stakeholders.
• A track record of building strong, mutually beneficial relationships and achieving
results through empowering people.
• A broad understanding of issues related to climate change, a strong commitment
to helping individuals and businesses reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and
knowledge of the significant challenges of achieving behavioral change.
• Successful experience in developing and executing strategic and business plans.
105 Fifth Avenue South, Suite 512 • Minneapolis, MN 55401 • 612.375.8900 • www.keystonesearch.com
Position Profile
Fall, 2009
Page 4 of 4
• Experience working effectively with a broad range of external constituents
including individuals, businesses, local governments, foundations and community
programs.
• Significant project management experience in areas related to the mission and
anticipated programs. Since the organization is not likely to have many
employees in the early years, strong experience in contract negotiation,
developing requests for proposals and contract administration will be important.
• Successful experience working with a diverse Board of Directors.
• Substantial experience with demonstrated success in fundraising from a variety of
donor types.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills. The individual should be
comfortable in presenting to the public and discussing issues with political,
business and community leaders.
• Strong facilitation skills - a proven record of working in coordination and
partnership with other organizations to achieve mutual objectives.
• An understanding of financial statements and issues and proven ability to be able
to run an organization in a transparent, effective and efficient manner.
COMPENSATION
The Climate Initiative Board is committed to providing a competitive salary and benefit
program.
CONTACT
105 Fifth Avenue South, Suite 512 • Minneapolis, MN 55401 • 612.375.8900 • www.keystonesearch.com