Executive Director

Reports to Bridging The Gap Board of Directors

Status Full-time, exempt

Job Purpose
Bridging The Gap, Inc. (BTG), founded in 1992, is a well-established, respected, and
effective environmental non-profit with a broad slate of programs designed to remediate
climate change, restore natural systems, and create strong and resilient human
communities. At BTG, we see social justice as deeply intertwined with environment, and
thus part of our mission. The Executive Director must be committed to fostering an
equitable, sustainable future for all, and a workplace that is equitable, just and inclusive.

Along with the team, the Executive Director will serve as a champion for people
experiencing environmental injustice, raising awareness in city, state and federal
governments about climate change, unjust energy bill burdens, declining natural systems
and lack of access to nature, and the real-world solutions to these problems.

The Executive Director directly supervises four senior leadership team positions at BTG,
plus a communications manager; these in turn supervise BTG’s 30 employees. BTG is
financially sound and conservatively managed, with revenues of nearly five million this
year. At Bridging The Gap, you can share your passion at a forward-thinking organization,
and help create a fairer, greener tomorrow.

Director’s Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director (ED) will have overall strategic,
financial, and operational responsibility for Bridging The Gap’s staff, programs, expansion,
and mission execution. The Executive Director embodies the BTG mission, brand, and
culture, and serves as a visible leader on important environmental initiatives.

Responsibilities
Leadership, Management and Advocacy:

• Create a positive, strengths-based, adaptive culture for BTG as a whole.
• Lead, coach, develop, and retain a talented team of employees to carry out BTG's

plans, scanning the horizon for new opportunities and relationships and pursuing
them as assigned.

• Develop and embody the organizational culture, promoting a positive work

environment, mutual respect, equity, inclusion, transparency, and collaboration
throughout the organization.

• Ensure ongoing local programmatic excellence, rigorous program evaluation, and

consistent quality of finance and administration, fundraising, communications,

and systems; with input from team leaders, set timelines and resources needed to
achieve the strategic goals.

• Selectively engage in issues which require special advocacy efforts, such as

recognition of the value of trees and prairies, undue utility bill burdens, and the
effects of climate change. Work with the senior leadership staff and other leaders
to campaign publicly for these issues. Evaluate establishment of an environmental
justice advisory committee for KCMO.

• Lead in the development of community relationships, resources, community

outreach, and education. Ensure that all can benefit equally from program
services and that all voices are heard and represented.

• Ensure employees' and non-profit practices comply with regulatory and legal

requirements. Ensure that BTG policies, procedures, and protocols are current
with best practices, and followed.

• Continue to invest in Racial, Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion training for all

staff, as part of BTG's mission and for the effectiveness of its programs.

• Ensure effective systems to track and measure progress.
  

warm relationship, transparent communication and accountability. Identify and
present programming to potential private funders, existing and new.

• Expand revenue generating and fundraising activities to support existing program

operations and possible regional expansion.

• Deepen and refine all aspects of communications—from web presence to external

relations, with the goal of creating a stronger brand and educating about
sustainability and justice issues.

• Be present at greater Kansas City events and use external presence and

relationships to garner new opportunities for BTG to advance its mission.

with city leaders and reviewing contracts to ensure goals are being met and
funding properly spent.

• Identify and pursue grant opportunities to support program initiatives and

expansion. Write or supervise the writing of compelling grant proposals and
ensure timely follow-through and reporting on all grant requirements.

• Evaluate the possibility of regional expansion and develop a strategic business

planning process for expansion into new markets. Begin to build partnerships in
new markets.

• Be an external local, state, and even national presence that publishes and

communicates program results with an emphasis on the successes of the local
program as a model for regional and national replication.

• Identify potential risks and opportunities within the organization and its

environment to protect business interests.

Community Education/Engagement/Partnerships/Relationship Building

• Develop, maintain, and support a strong Board of Directors; seek and build

board involvement with strategic direction. Collaborate with the Board of
Directors to update and implement strategic plans to actualize
organizational objectives and mission.

• Actively engage and energize board members, partnering organizations,

funders, and other volunteers.

• Develop partnerships with company stakeholders, shareholders, industry

regulators, and other relevant parties. Represent BTG at social and
corporate events in ways that strengthen the brand and communicate the
organization’s message.

• Develop and maintain positive relationships with state and local government

officials, non-profit organizations, neighborhood organizations, private industry
associations, community agencies and coordinate outreach and services in the
community. Collaborate with these other entities to achieve program and overall
BTG strategic goals.

Other job-related duties as requested and subject to reasonable accommodation.

All of the statements in this position description are intended to describe the general
nature of the work being performed and are not intended to be construed as an
exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. This document describes
the position currently available. The organization reserves the right to modify job duties or
job descriptions at any time.

Qualifications
We welcome candidates who possess most of the required skills and demonstrate
potential for growth. Bridging The Gap values lived experiences and prioritizes a
willingness to learn. Applicants from historically under-resourced communities that do
not typically have a presence in conservation are strongly encouraged to apply; their
knowledge of these communities is considered a valuable contribution to this position.

• 5 years of experience as an executive director, or relevant experience in a

related sector.

• A master’s degree is strongly preferred; a bachelor’s degree is required.
• Strong strategic vision, coupled with attentiveness to detail and follow-

team members towards achieving common goals. Ability to build and maintain
positive relationships with staff, community members, and stakeholders.

• Inclusive leadership skills, including the ability to foster an inclusive work

environment, encourage diverse perspectives, and build diverse teams.

• Demonstrated experience in managing people and multiple programs.
• Grant-writing and/or other fundraising experience.
• Innovative problem-solving skills and the ability to foresee and address potential

negotiations preferred.

Working Conditions
The Executive Director will work in an office setting and spend considerable time in the
community.

Positions Supervised
Four senior leadership team positions at BTG, plus a communications manager

Salary & Benefits
Benefits include 90% of health, dental, vision, and life insurance, and 100% disability
insurance, two (2) weeks of paid vacation, paid holidays including the week between
December 24th and New Year’s Day but may be adjusted to meet your cultural or
religious preferences, supportive team atmosphere, some schedule flexibility, and a dog-
friendly office.

Salary range is $100,000 - $120,000, commensurate with experience.

Bridging The Gap is an equal opportunity employer and understands the value of having a
team with a diversity of experiences and perspectives to optimize our potential for
compassion, collaboration, creativity, and excellence in service. BTG encourages people
from all backgrounds to apply. BTG firmly supports the principle and philosophy of equal
opportunity for all individuals, regardless of age, race, gender, creed, national origin,
disability, veteran status or any other protected category pursuant to applicable federal,
state or local law.

To apply: Please submit (email preferred) a cover letter* and resume outlining your
qualifications for the position including work background, education, experience, and
other skills that may qualify for this position to:

Bridging The Gap
Attn: Glenda Swinton
1427 W 9th St, #201
Kansas City, MO 64101
glenda.swinton@Bridgingthegap.org

*A cover letter is required to be considered for this position.