What is DERT?

The Deschutes Estuary Restoration Team (DERT) was organized in 2009 and became a Federally Recognized 501 c 3 nonprofit organization in 2011. DERT’s primary mission is to restore the Deschutes River Estuary by removing the 5th Ave dam in downtown Olympia, Washington to support clean water in South Puget Sound and the Salish Sea. DERT supports protection and restoration of the Deschutes River watershed and recognizes a need to expand our mission to include other watershed-based programs in the area.

In 2020, DERT became an affiliate of the Puget Soundkeeper Alliance and a member of the national Waterkeeper program. DERT works with many Watershed Partners including and most closely with the Squaxin Island Tribe and the State of Washington to protect, restore and preserve the Deschutes Watershed. DERT’s programs have expanded our presence in the watershed. DERT is currently developing citizen science, on the ground projects to enhance the evaluation and monitoring capabilities of our restoration partners.

Position Description

The Executive Director (ED) of the Deschutes Estuary Restoration Team reports to the Board of Directors for guidance. The ED serves as the senior contractor for DERT, works closely with other contractors and interns, and, with the Board of Directors, is responsible for mission achievement and meeting financial objectives.

The ED maintains a close relationship with the Board and shares responsibility for budget, fundraising, program development and implementation of strategic planning with other contractors. The Executive Director maintains a team with other contractors and works with them in developing, implementing and administering strategic objectives to achieve the organization’s mission and objectives, maintaining compliance with all applicable funding and corporate requirements, and to pursue partnerships and collaborations to ensure the long-term viability of DERT and its programs.

Program development, implementation and administration

The Position will:

• Provide leadership in achieving the organization’s mission. Work in a team with contractors to develop and implement programs and financial plans to support advocacy, education, research, communication, cooperation, monitoring and legal initiatives. Develop and implement communication strategies to keep supporters and policy makers informed of DERT’s initiatives and decisions.
• Promote broad participation by partner organizations, members and volunteers in all areas of DERTs work.
• Lead legislative advocacy initiatives with Board and volunteers.
• Develop a legal strategy for potential future litigation that includes sufficient funding and staff.

Budget, Finance and Fundraising

• Work with staff and Board in preparing an annual budget and ensure that the organization operates within the approved budget.
• Serve as primary grant writer and fundraiser to meet Board developed annual goals.
• Manage bookkeeper contract to ensure all contracts, accounts and preparation of financial statements and reporting documents are conducted in accordance with best management practices and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee with the Board of Directors the development, implementation and reporting of fundraising plans to meet program and financial goals; and
• Provide leadership and assist other contractors in representing DERT to all funding sources and prospects.

Policy Development

• Work with the Board and staff to develop and implement a long-range strategy with plans, policies and procedures to guide DERT to achieve our mission.
• Inform the Board of all important developments affecting the condition of the organization and its activities.
• Serve as overall science policy lead in coordination with DERT’s technical advisory committee.

Team recruitment and management

• Recruit, retain and coordinate contractor team; and
• Establish goals and standards for program performance and systems of accountability and evaluate contractor performance on an annual basis.

Board Development

• Work with Board President to oversee the recruitment and development of new board members.
• Ensure Board members have materials, meeting information and tools they need to be productive in their role.

Communications

• Ensure that all communications media are used to their fullest capability to promote the organization’s work in an accurate and timely manner.
• Develop and maintain community partnerships to leverage media coverage of the organization; and
• Assist Board members and contractors to represent programs and points of view of the organization to supporters, agencies, organizations and the general public
• Work closely with Communications Coordinator to ensure up to date social media presence through the web site and other tools.

Qualifications

Skills:

Basic understanding of watershed ecosystems and how they function; proven fundraising abilities including grant writing, event planning and donor relationship building and maintenance; experience working in collaboration with partnership organizations; experience working with elected officials and staff of public agencies and Tribes; partnership development; volunteer recruitment and training; excellent ability to communicate both verbally and in writing; Board of Directors development.

Education:

Minimum of BA or BS with emphasis on watershed health, environmental science, business administration, or leadership. Master’s degree a plus but not required. Outstanding skill set could substitute for some education if evidence and references were provided.

Work Location:

DERT's office is located in downtown Olympia WA. ED is expected to work remotely and may use office space if needed for meetings.