Description

Citizens for a Better Flathead’s mission is to foster citizen participation and champion sustainable solutions needed to keep the Flathead ecologically and economically healthy.

BACKGROUND
Do you want a job where you have a direct opportunity to help residents shape how the spectacular Flathead Valley grows? Are you ready to help lead a small but dynamic organization and leadership team with a 34-year legacy of successful grassroots advocacy? Are you looking for a position where you can invest and grow your talents while making a positive difference in the place and community you call home—let’s talk.

Since 1992 Citizens for a Better Flathead has been at the forefront of addressing the challenges that rapid growth brings to this extraordinary valley in Northwest Montana, which is now home to around 115,559 residents, a nearly 10% increase over the past decade. Flathead County, where our work is focused, lies between Glacier National Park and Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. Approximately 94% of the land in Flathead County is National or State Forest Land, wilderness, agricultural, and corporate timber land, thus largely confining development to the remaining 6% of the area.

Citizens for a Better Flathead works to alert and inform the public of opportunities to be actively involved in critical decisions shaping how the Flathead grows. Our work focuses on influencing policies that shape land use planning, the protection of water quality, climate-friendly transportation planning, and waste reduction and recycling. CBF advocates for solutions that respect the well-being of the whole community, the environment, and future generations. We provide critical analysis and research to inform the public and decision-makers. We work with neighborhoods and residents for sound planning, and network broadly to achieve our goals.

JOB SUMMARY
The Co-Executive Director will work collaboratively with our current Executive Director who, as a founding member of CBF, will move into the position of Co-Executive Director. The Co-Executive Directors (Co-EDs) serve as equal partners in providing strategic leadership, operational management, and vision for the organization. This model is designed as a collaborative, supportive, and accountable partnership to facilitate shared leadership for the fast-paced and often complex policy work we do . The Co-EDs report to the Board of Directors, and are supported by this board and a set of volunteer committees who assist in the work of the organization.

The Co-EDs will work together to initially identify individual strengths, leadership preferences, and experience. Within three months of employment they will provide the board a plan for their key areas of collaboration, as well as divisions of labor, and accountability. This will include a plan for staff meetings and board check-ins. The overall goal is to create a collaborative shared work model given that we are a small nonprofit with limited staff at this time. Together the Co-ED’s will have overall strategic and operational responsibility for CBF’s programs, staff, fiscal management, and revenue generation. Together they will lead, build, and champion unique opportunities to collaborate on creative planning solutions for this area with residents and community leaders. Passion for justice, persistence in the drive for sustainable solutions, and an ability to learn as you go, are essential in this leadership role.

The Co-Executive Director is a full time, professional staff person. As the primary face of the organization, the Co-Executive Directors must be able to effectively articulate and inspire engagement in CBF’s mission and the challenges that rapid growth is bringing to this region. These positions are supported by our Administrative Director. The Administrative Director is currently a three days per week position. The CBF Board is currently working to put in place more active work-groups/committees to support the overall work of the Co-EDs and Administrative Director..

Growing this organization, its committees, and its staff is an important goal of our strategic plan.

Knowledge and experience implementing the principles and practices associated with land-use planning is a plus, as is knowledge of local issues, but so is the ability to envision and build this planning capacity within the organization moving forward. If you feel you are somewhat underqualified or overqualified for the position as described, but still feel you could be a good fit, please apply.

Requirements

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT 55%

• Research, analyze, and develop CBF’s positions on planning and policy decisions shaping the Flathead’s future. Secure additional support for this work as needed. Provide information, testimony, and represent the organization at public hearings and committee meetings.
• Assist in the review of permitting activities and rule proposals that may impact water quality and quantity.
• Encourage active and informed public participation in local government through outreach to the public on our research and policy positions.
• Reach out to and collaborate with local government officials, agencies, organizations, and community members in keeping with CBF’s mission.
• Coordinate strategic planning efforts and ongoing assessment of the CBF’s program priorities.
• Monitor the organization’s performance through incorporation of benchmarks, developed in cooperation with Board and staff, to assess organization, program, and staff effectiveness.

ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT 30% 

• Attend all regular monthly and, as requested special, Board meetings. Prepare reports for board meetings including program and policy issue updates and work plans.
• Establish and maintain effective communication with the Board and staff. Work closely with Board committees as requested.
• Provide creative and visionary leadership that inspires and guides program staff and board.
• Lead organizational strategic planning efforts. Grow our volunteer capacity.
• Monitor progress in achieving the organization’s strategic plan and overall mission.
• Maintain an accurate and detailed record of time/work projects
• Work with the Board to develop an annual budget and report to the Board monthly on the organization’s financial status in relation to budget.
• Lead grant writing efforts of the organization.
• Lead and work with the CBF Board to create and oversee a comprehensive development plan with hard number goals and deadlines to engage, grow and diversify CBF’s fundraising strategies—including events, membership, major donors, website engagement, direct-mail and email appeals, planned giving and social media campaigns.

OUTREACH 10% ~ STAFF MANAGEMENT 5%

• Assume primary responsibility as a spokesperson for the organization; Work with staff and board to develop clear messages.
• Oversee preparation of print and social media outreach in collaboration with staff.
• Lead, inspire, manage, and encourage staff, interns, and volunteers, in daily work and long-term projects. Conduct staff evaluations and identify training opportunities for skill development.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A can-do positive attitude fueled by a passion for securing sustainable solutions needed to keep the Flathead ecologically and economically healthy.
• A Bachelor’s degree, ideally in planning, law, or a related field and two to four (2-4) years of experience in a professional position.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Highly motivated, a self-starter, and able to effectively manage multiple demands/deadlines.
• Experience in fundraising, nonprofit administration.
• Demonstrated achievement in creating and managing innovative and distinctive programs.
• Confident, positive, and comfortable in the public arena. Has an understanding and passion for the mission and goals of CBF.
• Operates well in a team and collaborative environment. Experience with networking, organizing, and collaborating.
• Proficiency in basic computer usage and email communications. Programs we use include: Google Docs, Microsoft Office, WordPress, QuickBooks, Adobe Creative Suite, and database programs.
• Ability to work evenings, usually no more than once a week, to represent CBF at hearings, and occasional weekend events.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT 

• Full-time starting salary of $60,000-$65,000 depending upon experience. CBF has positioned itself well for growth and expansion over the next few years and this will ideally allow for this staff position to increase funding for salaries and add additional staff positions. 
• Employee health benefit stipend ($200 per month), ten (10) paid holidays, fifteen (15) vacation days per year for full-time employees, and five (5) days sick leave. 
• This is an Executive position whose duties and responsibilities allow them to be exempt from overtime pay provisions as provided by the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and any applicable state laws. 
• This position will allow for a mix of at home and in office work. Our small office is in Kalispell.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

 Please combine a cover letter describing your interest and how your skills and experience are well suited to this position, a resume, a writing sample, and at least three references into a single PDF and email it to Mayre@Flatheadcitizens.org The position is open until filled, but we will begin reviewing applications on Monday, February 16th. The preferred start date is March 16, 2026 or sooner, but please know we want to make sure this start date is not an obstacle to your finding your dream job. Any questions regarding applications should be addressed to the above email address. We are willing to provide a pre-interview or pre-application-submission meeting to discuss the position in more detail and the organization’s history and potential---CBF wants this to be your dream job—so reach out to learn more. You are also encouraged to visit our web site https://www.flatheadcitizens.org/ (Note we have a priority goal to redo our website as soon as possible.)