About the Council: The Hood Canal, located in Washington State, is a spectacular natural, glacier-carved fjord more than 60 miles long that encompasses a high-quality, interactive system dependent upon the continuing cycle of clean water and nutrients to sustain its biological character. The Hood Canal Coordinating Council office is located in historic Poulsbo, Washington, on the scenic Kitsap Peninsula, a short ferry ride from west Seattle. The Hood Canal Coordinating Council was established in 1985 as a “Council of Governments” consisting of five general-purpose governments in the Hood Canal watershed: Jefferson, Kitsap and Mason Counties and the Port Gamble S’Klallam and Skokomish Tribes. The council was formed in response to community concerns about water quality problems and related natural resources issues in the watershed. The Board of Directors consists of the county commissioners from the three counties and elected tribal council members from both tribes. It also has ex-officio members from various state and federal environmental and natural resource agencies. It is a Washington State Public Benefit corporation (RCW 24.03) and a non-profit under IRS Code 501(c)3. For more information please visit www.hccc.wa.gov.
Position Challenges and Opportunities: Political/policy related--the new Executive Director will capitalize on this auspicious time in the council’s history by working with the council governments to achieve consensus on the mission, agenda and work plans. Political acumen to collaborate with policy makers to develop and implement public policy that benefits the natural environment, while maintaining it within a context of people and working landscapes is vital to the success of the position. This position also requires working closely with technical staff of the council and state and federal agencies to help build policy that is supported by science; connecting with the various public groups within the Hood Canal watershed to gain support for council initiatives; and working with Members of Congress, the State Legislature, and governments and agencies outside the Hood Canal to advance Hood Canal issues and issues that the council has in common with other organizations. Business related—the Executive Director will manage all aspects of business affairs of the council including human resources (six employees), financial resources, annual audit, grants and contracts. Responsible for planning, developing, prioritizing and communicating business strategies, as well as deliverables under all contracts and as assigned by the Board of Directors.
Qualifications of the Ideal Candidate: A Bachelor’s degree in public or business administration, planning, public policy or other related area is required; a Master’s Degree is preferred. Five years management experience and/or management of non-profit organization, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, experience, knowledge and skills sufficient to perform the job, and familiarity of the subject matter of the council is preferred. Regional knowledge of the Puget Sound and Hood Canal and its unique issues (salmon recovery, habitat restoration, water quality, education and outreach, etc.) is important to the success of this position; however, candidates with other similar watershed experience will be considered. Environmental and natural resources issues and applicable laws and science familiarity is pertinent. Intergovernmental experience and ability to work with technical staffs and Northwest Indian tribes are essential. Experience in human resources and personnel management; managerial accounting and finance and budget development; and writing and managing grants are required. Must be skilled in written and oral communication to explain, justify, persuade or discuss a variety of public issues and technical material requiring logical presentation of facts, information and analysis. MS Office software proficiency. Salary mid-$80's. Flexible schedule. Apply to jobs@hccc.wa.gov