NW Energy Coalition Executive Director opportunity

Executive Director Position Description

The NW Energy Coalition seeks an Executive Director who will bring a strong vision, leadership, demonstrated strategic planning, and fundraising success to take our organization to its next level in advancing clean, equitable, and affordable energy policies for the Pacific Northwest.

The ideal candidate will be an inspiring leader skilled at navigating a dynamic energy landscape, identifying priorities, working with nonprofit boards of directors, managing staff and contractors, engaging large and diverse coalitions or association members, and committed to equity and inclusion. They will bring an understanding of the Northwest energy landscape, proven fundraising capabilities, and a commitment to our mission. The ideal candidate will balance respect for the Coalition’s history with a dedication to innovations that will move the organization forward.

Organizational Background

Established in 1981, the Coalition is an alliance of more than 100 environmental, civic, and human service organizations, utilities, local government agencies, and clean energy and energy efficiency businesses in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, and British Columbia.

Our mission is to advance clean, equitable, and affordable energy policies by leveraging our analytic expertise and convening a broad alliance of people and organizations. We envision the Northwest comprised of communities that benefit from a carbon-free energy system that equitably meets the needs of people and preserves the region’s natural resources.

We promote the development of renewable energy, energy efficiency, transportation electrification, consumer protection, equitable and affordable clean energy services for all consumers, and fish and wildlife restoration on the Columbia and Snake rivers. The Coalition is committed to advancing Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and we are committed to addressing the harm that Black, Indigenous, and People of Color have endured due to the energy system, policies, and practices in the Northwest. We are mindful of the intersectional nature of race, economic well-being, and geography (urban/rural), and recognize that our commitment to racial justice will help with energy justice more broadly.

Position Overview

The Executive Director will support and complement staff in their policy, outreach, and communications work; build and maintain positive working relationships with coalition members, allies, funders, and policymakers; fully engage all members of our diverse coalition to create solutions to address today’s energy challenges; secure and manage the financial resources necessary for the Coalition’s success; and build a stronger and more efficient operation.

Key Relationships

Reports to: Chair of the Board of Directors

NWEC Team: Operations, Development, and two Program Director direct reports, with an overall staff of 11

Membership: Approximately 100 organizations and individuals

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Convening (approximately 25%):

Guide our vision and strategic planning, clarifying and strengthening our identity in the sector
Develop and engage the NWEC membership to support the organization’s mission
Work to ensure diverse voices are at the table and create an environment where culture and structure promote inclusion and equity
Promote member and interested party engagement in critical policy and regulatory issues
Strengthen and broaden the network of allies that support NWEC’s mission

Fundraising and Public Relations (approximately 30%):

With the Development Director and the Board of Directors, diversify funding sources, and expand outreach to donors and aligned corporate and philanthropic organizations
Develop and implement strategies to enhance fundraising and grow the NWEC budget
Maintain and foster relationships with funders and donors
Develop and nurture relationships and partnerships with social investors, aligned companies, and other energy interests
Work with the Development Director in the development of efficient and useful systems, processes, and tools for fundraising and constituency development
Represent the organization in the regional and national energy community, at policy making and implementation forums, and with media
Enhance and promote NWEC’s brand and value proposition, and ensure that NWEC communicates its achievements

Organizational Leadership, Management, and Development (approximately 25%):

Manage an active and productive relationship with the Board of Directors and serve as liaison between Board and staff
Provide timely, accurate, and complete information to the Board to support governance functions
Lead, manage, evaluate, and support staff to achieve defined performance objectives
Work with staff to further develop an inclusive culture and track benchmarks of success in outcomes, impacts, and commitments to equity and justice
Ensure organizational, operational, and technological tools are available and invested in to support a highly functioning and efficient organization
Ensure compliance with all legal requirements of a nonprofit corporation
Create the annual operating budget for Board approval, maintain and monitor finances for accuracy and transparency, and ensure annual clean financial audits

Policy and Program (approximately 20%)

Work with staff to develop policy priorities, strategies, and operating plans
Support staff in program activities and engage in high-level policy negotiations and discussions with executive-level decision-makers
Lead organization and membership efforts to spur innovative solutions to transform the Northwest energy system

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum of five years of executive-level experience managing staff and budget
Experience with best practices of nonprofit leadership and management including Board development and strategic planning
Deep expertise in convening and facilitating diverse perspectives toward shared goals
Expertise in leading change and transition within an organization and in a program field that is in the midst of substantial transformation
Achievements in nonprofit fundraising, large donor cultivation, and revenue generation
Demonstrated commitment to justice, equity, and inclusion within organizational management, strategic direction and mission execution
Exceptional writing, communication, and public relations skills
Understanding of Northwest energy and environmental justice, power sector issues, utility programs, policy and/or regulation

Preferred Experience and Qualifications

Experience with businesses or organizations pursuing a clean, affordable, and equitable energy future, ideally in the Northwest
Experience with innovative and sustainable nonprofit revenue models
Experience leading the implementation of efficient, sustainable organizational infrastructure systems and policies
Experience and/or degree in nonprofit or public administration, public policy, environmental studies, law, business, communications, marketing, public relations, or related fields

Salary and Benefits

Salary $130,000 – $160,000 dependent upon experience.

Excellent benefits include: 100% employer paid medical, dental, and vision insurance; four weeks paid vacation; 12 paid holidays; paid sick leave; paid family and medical leave; 401(k) plan and organizational match of up to 2% of annual salary.

Work Model

Flexible work arrangements and hybrid model
Resides in the Portland or Seattle area (or is able to relocate), with a regular presence at our Seattle headquarters
Requires travel along the I-5 corridor, with occasional travel to other locations in the Northwest and nationally

To apply, please share your cover letter & resume via LinkedIn by May 11, 2025.

NWEC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request.