About Our Organization

Small-scale efforts to control invasive plant and animal populations in southeastern Wisconsin have been employed by dedicated individuals and organizations for decades, and in June 2007 a Cooperative Weed Management Area (CWMA) was formed in the region to integrate invasive plant and animal management resources across jurisdictional boundaries to benefit the entire region.  Functioning as a CWMA, the Southeastern Wisconsin Invasive Species Consortium, Inc. (SEWISC) became a broad-based coalition that promotes efficient and effective management of invasive species throughout an 8-county region (Sheboygan, Washington, Ozaukee, Waukesha, Milwaukee, Walworth, Racine, and Kenosha). SEWISC provides the opportunity for partners to share and leverage limited resources, raise awareness about invasive species problems, and provide a mechanism for collaborative problem-solving on both public and private lands.

General Summary of Position

The SEWISC Executive Director (ED) is responsible for the coordination and implementation of day-to-day administration of the organization and multiple grant and invasive control projects hosted by SEWISC. The ED works with the SEWISC Board of Directors and partners to implement grant programs and achieve grant deliverables. SEWISC is a trusted source of information on invasive species in southeastern Wisconsin, working to increase their prevention and management. The ED serves as the head of SEWISC, providing expertise, management, administration, and planning.

Work Hours

Work will be approximately half-time (averaging 20 hours a week), 1099 contract position with SEWISC. Work hours are flexible and will be determined largely by the ED unless meetings or scheduled appointments require work on specific dates and at specific times. Work hours and pay will increase if outside funding for program expansion or development is increased with associated staff budget. The ED is required to attend all annual (6) Board of Director Meetings and any special meetings scheduled. The ED will be responsible for recording hours worked and provide activity reports.

Duration

Two years, with renewal based on satisfactory performance evaluations and funding.

Office Location

SEWISC does not maintain office space. The ED works from a self-provided workspace  or other remote office space. SEWISC will provide Contractor with a laptop computer.

Area of Responsibility

Coordinating and implementing activities as defined under SEWISC’s Strategic Plan, established programs, and current grant requirements while working under the guidance of and reporting to the SEWISC Board of Directors.

Sources of Funding

SEWISC obtains a portion of annual revenue through member/sponsor fees and donations. Special fundraisers such as the “Garlic Mustard Pull-a-Thon” and workshops that SEWISC sponsors are another source of funding. However, government and private grant funding has been, and continues to be, the main funding source for accomplishing SEWISC’s mission. SEWISC has received a variety of grants for programs to control invasive species and cover contracted staff costs. The ED will be responsible for soliciting grant funding and administering those grant projects when awarded.

Service area of SEWISC

SEWISC serves an 8-county area in southeastern Wisconsin (Sheboygan, Washington, Ozaukee, Waukesha, Milwaukee, Walworth, Racine, and Kenosha).

Breakdown of Duties

Below is a breakdown of typical ED tasks. At this time, these are    the current major tasks. Duties change as funding opportunities to impact invasive species change.

Day to Day operations of SEWISC

• Respond to phone calls from the public
• Respond to paper mail and emails from the public, state and local government and CISMA partners
• Represent SEWISC at conferences and meetings and stocking/scheduling SEWISC displays
• Update the SEWISC website and social media
• Manage the SEWISC member/sponsor/donor database
• Communicate with members and donors
• Work with the SEWISC Board Treasurer to manage all accounts and the organization budget
• Compose and send quarterly E-newsletters and E-News Blasts
• Schedule bi-monthly Board Meetings; prepare and send meeting materials
• Compose and deliver ED reports during each Board Meeting
• Compose year-end reports in presentation and written formats
• Maintain federal government registrations (e.g. Grants.gov bi-monthly and System for Award Management annually)

Identify and apply for grant funds that will further SEWISC’s mission

• Funding generated through membership fees and revenue from special programs has historically been inadequate to support staff and the important programs that further SEWISC’s mission; acquisition of grant funding has been essential.
• The ED will identify sources of grant funding that can support SEWISC’s mission, compose and submit grant proposals
• Seek out and apply for additional grant funding from various sources to continue and expand SEWISC’s programs

Manage grant-funded projects and programs

• In coordination with the Board of Directors, hire and manage contractors as necessary to carry out project-related tasks
• Communicate with granting agencies to ensure compliance with grant guidelines
• Oversee the work of the grant to make sure it is completed within the appropriate timeframes
• Manage any databases required for the grant project; invasive species work often requires management of location and time data
• Prepare and submit regular, on-time reporting for all grants
• Track the approved spending of all monies associated with the grant
• Sort out expenses and making sure items are properly classified and charged to the correct grant or expense line item
• Track funding balances for each category to ensure we do not exceed the budget in any category
• Ensure we keep proper records/documentation and submitting them for reimbursement

Organize and Administer special SEWISC educational programs and fundraisers

• Work with the Board of Directors to identify and plan new educational and fundraising programs
• Coordinate the Annual Educational Symposium, two annual Invasive Plant Management Workshops, and annual New Invaders Webinar and Field Training Day.
• Coordinate the Annual Garlic Mustard Pull-A-Thon and Annual Member/Sponsor/Donor drive

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in natural resource, ecology, forestry, horticulture or related field and two years of relevant experience in the field.
• Sole Proprietor or Independent Contractor is responsible for self-provided, remote office (e.g. internet,  phone, printer, area to store office and traveling exhibit materials, etc.) which will not be reimbursed.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and a personal vehicle that is adequately insured and available for work-related travel.
• Experience in successful grant writing and reporting.
• Website management.
• Strong communication, presentation, and network building skills
• Strong organizational capabilities, both for programmatic and work plans as well as day to day communications and tasks.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Comfort with planning and implementation of grant work and long term planning.
• Comfort with managing project
• Self-motivated, able to work successfully with little to no oversight of day-to- day work.
• Ability to apply knowledge and concepts in a cross-disciplinary manor in order to teach, engage, and achieve buy-in from a large cross section of ages, interest groups, and

Additional Desirable Skills

• Proficiency in ArcMap GIS software.
• Familiarity and comfort with invasive species management and prevention.
• Experience in field planning and implementation of field data
• Familiarity with pesticide laws and
• Familiarity with various stakeholder groups such as anglers, farmers, gardeners,
• Proficiency in plant ID.
• Graduate level degree in Natural Resource or related field.

Compensation

$35 per hour contracted base rate ($36,400 annually) or commensurate with experience and skills. Additional work hours and compensation may be available under future awarded grants for program expansion and/or development when secured. ED will report and invoice via email to SEWISC Executive Committee bi-weekly.