Posted on February 1, 2013

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Network CEO

RE-AMP, a collaborative network of over 160 Midwestern nonprofits and philanthropies focused on reducing carbon pollution, seeks an exceptional individual to direct the Network and lead its partners to increased success. RE-AMP Network members share one audacious goal: to reduce regional global warming emissions 80% (from 2005 levels) by 2050. The Network has used systems analysis to inform its strategic approach to help solve the biggest energy challenges in the Midwest.

Since its founding in 2005, RE-AMP has operated as a virtual network anchored by an elected Steering Committee of 12 member representatives and 23 full- and part-time professional and support staff embedded in member organizations throughout the region. RE-AMP works in the states of Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. The Network CEO is a new senior level post established by RE-AMP’s Steering Committee—a strategic decision to find a leader that can move RE-AMP to the next level of growth and effectiveness. The virtual nature of the organization offers significant room for innovation and flexibility for the new Network CEO for the work ahead.

The RE-AMP Network has a focused agenda directed at: restricting dirty coal;

advancing clean renewable energy, energy efficiency and carbon policy; and making progress in the transportation sector. With a current annual operating budget of $4.5 million, RE-AMP facilitates the strategic collaboration of its members to organize, develop and analyze policy, advocate, and conduct research that will advance the collective goals. RE-AMP staff supports the work of member organizations to advance the Network’s agenda through five regional workgroups and caucuses. Key Network supports include a centralized on-line learning community and $2-$3 million in grants each year for member and collaborative projects.

The Network CEO will be able to build on RE-AMP’s success to date, which is well documented by independent research (see RE-AMP website for recent reports: reamp.org/history). During its first seven years RE-AMP members, with staff support, have collaborated on the following achievements:

• Stopped the building of over 30 coal plants and reduced overall coal usage in RE-AMP states by 5.8 percent.
• Supported the adoption of state Renewable Energy Standards in five member states, and Energy Efficiency Resource Standards in six member states, and the passage of new transportation legislation to decrease emissions in three states.
• Created a strategic plan and coordinated approach that allows funders, activists and other like minded colleagues to join forces and leverage change in the region.

Responsibilities:

The Network CEO will be accountable to the RE-AMP Steering Committee. He/she will lead the development of network strategy, structural adaptations, and fundraising.

• Maintain and advance the RE-AMP Network’s collective vision and long-range strategy;
• Act as the “networker in chief”: a relationship builder and alignment facilitator who will deepen, develop and expand member, funder and other partners’ engagement;
• Provide leadership based on a systems approach to solving the climate crises, embraced by the RE-AMP Network;
• Scale up the work and impact of the Network, which includes shaping a highly efficient and productive institutional infrastructure, increasing both the type and geography of members and developing a robust programmatic agenda that keeps members connected and engaged;
• Grow the Network’s financial resources and impact by developing and implementing an annual fund raising plan that meets the needs of an evolving Network;
• In close coordination with member groups, represent RE-AMP in relevant national climate and energy discussions;
• Oversee management of budgets, income and expenses, and report financial performance to the Steering Committee;
• Manage geographically dispersed staff into a high performance coordinated team;
• Ensure consistent timeframes for internal evaluations and mid-term assessments to measure progress; and
• Report to the RE-AMP Steering Committee (SC) and engage it to inform and develop Network strategy and innovations.

Requirements:

As the RE-AMP Network is unique among climate efforts, it seeks an equally distinguished candidate. Successful Network CEO candidates will:

Demonstrate strategic leadership skills, including:

• Prior success in cultivating relationships and building support (political, financial, coalition, team) to progress toward high-level goals
• Visionary, insightful, motivating
• Charismatic, convincing presentation skills

Demonstrate superior management skills:

• Organization, campaign and/or large project management experience
• Knowledge of network structures and operations – Experienced at creating “community” among geographically dispersed and diverse staff and members
• Demonstrated success raising funds for comparable campaigns or initiatives
• Problem solver and comfortable with complexity
• Ability to assess and adapt processes and tactics
• Be familiar with climate change, the energy sector, and/or the Midwestern political landscape
• Have an advanced degree and/or extensive relevant experience
• Be able to comfortably manage extensive travel demands. Given the virtual nature of this geographically dispersed network, the CEO must be located somewhere with ready access to a major airport.

Application Instructions

RE-AMP has hired Sheila Leahy with SAL Consulting, Inc. to manage the search. RE-AMP will review applications on a rolling basis and interested parties are encouraged to apply early and ideally no later than mid to late February. Applications must:

1. Include a resume;
2. Include a cover letter that speaks to how your experience meets the needs outlined above; and
3. Be sent to REAMPNetworkCEO@gmail.com with only YOUR NAME in the subject line. If you do not receive a confirmation of receipt within 24 hours of submitting your application please contact Sheila Leahy at salcon@salcon.cnc.net.

The RE-AMP Network knows that climate and energy issues must become pressing concerns for a broader cross-section of the Midwest public and invites people with diverse backgrounds, experience and perspectives to apply.