Cultivating Sustainable Communities (CSC) is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Executive Director.  CSC’s mission is to foster sustainable development that empowers individuals and institutions to manage resources in the short term so that natural assets remain available and reproducible in the long term.  CSC has worked both in urban and rural environments.  In Los Angeles, CSC recently incubated a Community Land Trust to preserve affordable and environmentally sustainable housing.  CSC has also worked with Maya villages in Guatemala to create sustainable economies based on traditional crops from rainforest trees.  Initially started by a group of graduate students in 2001, CSC is at an exciting turning point.  Whoever is hired as Executive Director will have the opportunity to shape CSC’s future direction with the Board of Directors by engaging in a strategic planning process.  We encourage recent graduates to apply and grow in this full-time position (the board is also open to a candidate who wants to start part-time and work up to full-time). 

Executive Director Responsibilities:

Programs

• Support the mission and work with the Board to develop programs that advance it
• Report regularly to, and work with, the Board to implement and evaluate programs
• Implement the organizational policies and priorities that the Board sets
• Communicate with supporters, the media, policy makers and the public about programs

Fundraising

• Work with the Board to develop and implement a fund development plan
• Research, cultivate, solicit and steward donors
• Develop the website as a fundraising tool

Nonprofit Infrastructure

• Oversee all general administrative matters including the budget and financial operations, contracts, audits, insurance, tax requirements, website management and grant compliance
• Partner with other nonprofits and governmental agencies on joint projects
• In the long term, hire and manage other staff and outside contractors

Desired Skills and Experience:

• Passion and energy for implementing urban sustainability in Los Angeles
• Experience in urban planning, economics, policy and/or related sustainability issues (preferably a Masters degree in one of these areas)
• Strong leadership ability and an entrepreneurial spirit that thrives in a start-up environment
• Experience in the non-profit sector, including leadership, program management, fundraising, budgeting and accounting
• Fluency in Spanish and other languages spoken in greater Los Angeles