Executive Director – Illinois Solar Energy Association

The Illinois Solar Energy Association (ISEA) is a 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1975 whose mission is to advocate the use of solar, wind and other forms of renewable energy and to educate Illinois citizens about their benefits. The ISEA is a chapter of the American Solar Energy Society(ASES)and has over 450 members, including nearly fifty businesses. The ISEA is operated by a Board of Directors elected by members, and currently functions on a volunteer basis.
The ISEA conducts bi-monthly membership meetings, maintains the www.illinoissolar.org website, publishes the Heliographs newsletter and the Illinois national Solar Tour Guide, conducts educational workshops and engages in a wide range of outreach activities.

The ISEA is seeking an Executive Director who will be entrepreneurial and passionate in assisting in the growth and development of the Association and carrying out its mission.

General Description:
The Executive Director is responsible for the day-to-day general management of the Illinois Solar Energy Association (ISEA) activities, issues and projects. The Executive Director will work closely with, and under the supervision of, the Board of Directors of the organization to design, develop and implement projects and activities that support and further the mission and objectives of the ISEA.
Responsibilities include directing the organization’s fundraising activities, developing contacts and alliances with a variety of organizations and individuals, developing and working with volunteers and the general membership, and participating in planning activities with the Board. The Executive Director is supervised directly by the President of the organization. The Executive Director will supervise and coordinate staff, volunteers and interns as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Issues and Project Management
The Executive Director is responsible for the management of ISEA’s policy and project agenda. This includes attending a variety of meetings, developing press releases and position papers, monitoring activities of local governmental entities, developing and implementing ISEA projects, and other duties. Some examples of representation include attending conference calls and meetings of the ISEA Board of Directors, ASES Chapter Caucus and the ASES Annual Conference. The Executive Director will work closely with the Board and the members on these activities.

The Executive Director will also be responsible for operating ISEA electronic systems, whether independently or through interns, staff or volunteers. Examples of these systems include but are not restricted to membership entry and renewal, workshop registrar, National Solar Tour and generic financial and management databases.

2. Public Affairs/Communications
The Executive Director will be the primary public spokesperson for the ISEA. The Executive Director will promote communication with a variety of groups and individuals, provide accurate and timely information about ISEA’s work and positions to members, the press and the general public, and maintain the highest level of professionalism in ISEA’s relationships with all people and organizations. The Executive Director will work with the Editor of the Newsletter (Heliographs) to furnish material for issues, as well as contribute content to the
ISEA website, as well as other relevant publications.

3. Membership
Members are the lifeblood of the organization and keeping members informed and involved is a key task of the Executive Director. The Executive Director will assist in recruiting and retaining ISEA members, especially in the business categories. The Executive Director will manage the ISEA’s members’ services, and work with the Membership Committee when one is formed.

4. Fundraising
The Executive Director will assist the Board of Directors to raise funds for the ISEA programs and operations through preparation of proposals to foundations, individuals, governments and corporations, direct mail campaigns to members and potential members, and design and organization of other special fundraising events. The Executive Director will help to ensure that primary ISEA activities such as the Education workshops and the Solar Tour Guide are significant revenue sources as well as programmatic successes.

5. Other Duties as Required
The Executive Director will have responsibility for other activities as they arise. Flexibility and openness to new tasks will be important.

Job requirements:
• Proven fundraising abilities.
• Creative ability. Aptitude for innovation and strategic thinking to find new solutions, methods and approaches to create projects and activities that achieve the mission of the ISEA.
• Time management skills. Ability to keep a number of activities moving forward simultaneously.
• Demonstrated knowledge of strategic (not necessarily technical) issues related to solar thermal and photovoltaic energy, wind power and other forms of renewable energy. Ability to analyze issues from an interdisciplinary perspective and to develop creative strategies and innovative solutions.
• Communication ability: Well-developed interpersonal, speaking, and writing skills. These skills would translate in personal and public events, including media interviews, testimony and published writings.
• People skills: Ability to meet constructively and work with a wide variety of members, volunteers, the general public, trade associations, advocacy groups and officials at the city, county, and state levels and in a range of private sector entities.
• Professional demeanor, especially in the face of controversy.
• Willingness to work odd hours, evenings and weekends to match the schedule of community organizations, local government meetings and volunteer members.
• Demonstrated commitment to the mission of the ISEA.
• Sense of humor and ability to thrive in a developing environment.

Compensation:
Compensation will be made on a contractual basis, with additional funds available for expense reimbursement as allocated by the ISEA Board of Directors. Compensation does not include benefits except for state mandated Workers’ Compensation. Compensation range: $2,500- $3,500/month. No moving or relocation expenses will be available. Contract will be made on a “level of effort” basis with benchmarks to be agreed upon and attained.

To Apply:
Resumes should be received either electronically, by fax or by postal mail no later than March 28, 2008. Please submit resume and cover letter via email to: stewartgulyas@gmail.com, fax to: (708) 524-0799,

or mail to:
Executive Director Search
Illinois Solar Energy Association
800 W. Evergreen Ave.
Chicago, IL 60622