WiserEarth Editors

Associate Director, Partner Network

Global Footprint Network is seeking a full-time Associate Director for our Partner Network to work in our global headquarters office in Oakland, California.

Global Footprint Network is a growing, international non-profit organization that promotes a sustainable economy by advancing the Ecological Footprint, a tool that makes sustainability measurable. The Ecological Footprint has become one of the most widely used sustainability metrics worldwide. It is the only tool that comprehensively measures human pressure on the planet against what the planet can supply, and it is therefore critical to the success of sustainable development.

Global Footprint Network’s founders, Susan Burns and Mathis Wackernagel, recently won a Skoll Award for Social Entrepreneurship and Global Footprint Network received the 2008 Gulbenkian Prize, both of which have put the organization in front of new international audiences and are creating unprecedented opportunities for growth.  Global Footprint Network’s international partner network continues to expand in both number and influence.

Position Summary

To make the most of this critical time, Global Footprint Network is seeking an Associate Director to lead our international Partner Network, which is currently comprised of over 100 members ranging from leading sustainability organizations and businesses to national government agencies to Ecological Footprint practitioners and users. The ideal candidate for this position will have a natural talent for networking and recruitment, proven experience building and cultivating strategic partnerships, excellent facilitation skills and written communication skills, and proven experience developing thriving online networks and communities. 

This is a position with potential for growth.

Performance Profile

As the Associate Director of our Partner Network, you will report to the Director of Strategic Initiatives and your responsibilities will include:

-          Implementing plans for delivering enhanced programs and services to our international Partner Network of over 100 members

-          Growing membership by 25% in 2009

-          Developing an active and highly functional online partner community

-          Producing and managing an annual partner conference, The Footprint Forum

-          Facilitating partner meetings, dialogs, and events

-          Planning and leading strategic recruitment and networking efforts

-          Supporting partners—responding to inquiries, requests, and ideas—and creating opportunities for increasing partner engagement

-          Developing and facilitating the activities of three new partner groups:

o       The Corporate Circle, for global business leaders working to transform their companies in ways that support the goal of living within the means of one planet

o       The Working Group on National Competitiveness, for individuals stationed all over the world who are using the Ecological Footprint to guide national policy decisions

o       The Thought Leadership Program, for international thought leaders working in a range of sectors and industries to put an end to global, ecological overshoot

-          Implementing and managing a new organizational initiative called, Global Footprint Dialogs

-          Working with communications and marketing staff to develop and produce new Partner Network promotional materials

Qualifications

-          Willingness to travel internationally

-          Passion for sustainability and global resource issues

-          Proficiency in program development and management

-          Proven experience facilitating large and small group meetings

-          Proven experience developing and managing online networks and communities

-          Excellent writing skills

-          Preferred, experience managing business accounts and/or client relationships

-          Preferred, fluency in European languages

-          Preferred, background in quantitative metrics and/or sustainability indicators

Salary and Benefits

Salary is commensurate with experience. Health insurance, 403(b) and other benefits are provided. Our collegial, open-plan office is located in an attractive neighborhood with good transit access. Our daily communal lunches are light-hearted and often delicious.

Application

Send resume and cover letter that directly addresses 1) your facilitation training and/or experience and 2) your experience building networks and/or online communities to rachel@footprintnetwork.org; subject line MUST include the term “Associate Director, Partner Network.” Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Global Footprint Network is committed to diversity in the workplace.

For more information about Global Footprint Network and the Ecological Footprint visit www.footprintnetwork.org.