Managing Director, Beyond Plastics

Location: Bennington,Vermont,United States

POSITION SUMMARY

Beyond Plastics is seeking a Managing Director with strong management and operations experience to lead the day-to-day operations of key program areas ensuring alignment and progress towards critical strategic goals. The Director will work in partnership with the President to further key strategic initiatives during a period of extraordinary growth and expansion. The Managing Director will manage and supervise the Policy, Organizing, and Operations staff. The Managing Director will report to Beyond Plastics’ President and Founder Judith Enck. 

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated success in leading teams, managing staff; understand nonprofit fundraising and management, as well as be a strong communicator. They will have the ability to collaborate effectively with people inside and outside the organization, and will have the experience, maturity and self-direction to work autonomously in this fully remote organization. An understanding of climate change issues, plastics pollution, movement building, and environmental issues is a major plus.

ABOUT BEYOND PLASTICS

Founded in 2019 , Beyond Plastics is a project housed at Bennington College with the mission to end plastic pollution everywhere. Currently a team of 14 deeply committed individuals working remotely, Beyond Plastics focuses on policy and advocacy, building a grassroots movement, and educating the public in order to further its mission. You will be an employee of Bennington College, working only on issues related to Beyond Plastics.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Oversee and manage the staff teams in ways that promote a positive, collaborative, and efficient working environment.

2. Interface with Bennington College to ensure a smooth working relationship. 

3. Serve as a key member of the Beyond Plastics leadership team. Work in close partnership with the President, Beyond Plastics, to develop key aspects of the day to day work of the organization.   As directed, oversee and monitor progress to ensure goals are executed and met (on time and within established parameters). Proactively provide updates to ensure the President is apprised of and aligned with progress.

4. Supervise, develop and guide the work of the designated team. Ensure alignment with the strategic vision of the organization, track/monitor progress of initiatives/projects (and realign with internal and external partners as needed), to ensure initiatives/goals are successfully met, develop internal talent, ensure optimal workflow and efficiency in support of the goals of Beyond Plastics and alignment with the broader Beyond Plastics and College policies and procedures.

5. Work closely with the President to take advantage of opportunities that will advance and increase the impact of the organization.

6. Establish relationships with key partners to be able to represent Beyond Plastics and/or the President effectively.

7. Identify opportunities for engagement and development; consider the impact on staffing (and organizational structure), funding, technology and other resources. 

8. Develop structures and processes that support critical thinking and decision-making but ones that do not unnecessarily impede/impair organizational agility. 

9. Manage the organization’s budget.

10. Implement a strategy for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. 

11. Provide strategic partnership on fundraising. Working closely with the President to take advantage of opportunities that will advance and increase the impact of the organization.

12. Ensuring the high quality of written and visual materials for the organization.

13. Diligent, thorough and highly organized with capacity for both intricate detail and broad vision. Able to translate meetings/ideas into actionable plans and timelines.

Bennington serves a diverse student population inclusive of members of ethnically/racially minoritized, international, LGBTQIA+, and disability communities as well as diverse gender identities, socioeconomic backgrounds, religions, and political beliefs. Our staff and faculty also reflect diverse and intersecting backgrounds and identities. All employees are expected to be respectful and responsive to these differences in the service of building community that promotes student and employee success and community cohesiveness. Each individual (faculty, staff and students) will be accountable for upholding these values.  The College’s approach to pluralism and inclusivity—both as fields of inquiry and practice—is to prioritize flexible thought, and to invite the examination of access, value, power, and privilege through its institutional policies and areas of study. We encourage applicants from diverse realms of interest, backgrounds, experience, and accomplishment to apply. 

QUALIFICATIONS

Commitment:

1. A strong interest in ending plastic pollution and a commitment to the goals of Beyond Plastics. 

2. A demonstrated commitment to social equity and racial justice and an eagerness to understand how these issues are related in communities impacted by plastic pollution.

3. Grounded in the connections between climate, economic, and racial justice and the ability to speak fluently about these issues. 

4. Ability to work well within a team of motivated individuals and take direction.

Education/Experience:

1. A bachelor’s degree and a minimum of minimum five years of experience in management, operations, preferable in a non-profit advocacy setting.

2. Minimum five years of experience leading and managing teams. Exceptional management stills. 

Skills:

1. Demonstrated experience working at the senior leadership level in non profit sector or government with a track record of innovative and inspiring leadership. Demonstrated ability to lead strategic development efforts and deliver a clear vision and plan. 

2. Demonstrated ability to build effective partnerships and demonstrated evidence of successful collaboration with senior leaders/multiple constituencies/ stakeholders to advance strategic goals. 

3. Results-oriented. Demonstrated ability to establish priorities and adjust to meet evolving needs; ability to manage multiple, critical projects simultaneously and to conclude projects within established deadlines.

4. Outstanding communication skills with the ability to forge strong relationships through and across lines and engage with high profile external stakeholders and interests. Careful listening and astute observation skills - a consultative leader who acts decisively when needed. Strong interpersonal skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills

5. Adept negotiation and mediation skills.

6. Experience managing within established budgets, including working closely with the Development Director on the financial needs of the organization in the future. Monitor cash flow and provide quarterly financial projections to the President.

7. Ability to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously and ensure the smooth operation of the organization.

8. Demonstrated experience and success in advancing diversity, equity, access, and belonging. 

9. Ensure a high quality of written and visual materials for the organization.

10. Highly organized; keen attention to detail. Exceptional ability to move people and projects successfully. Ability to independently plan, prioritize, and manage projects, take ownership of high-quality and timely delivery, and quickly surface and resolve roadblocks as they arise.

11. Politically savvy and diplomatic

12. Experience working effectively with internal and external stakeholders. 

13. Excellent problem-solving skills and a solution-oriented approach to work.

14. Ability to project a professional presence and conduct relationships in an ethical manner with a high degree of tact, sensitivity, confidentiality and respect. 

Working conditions and physical demands

80% of work performed in a home office environment with substantial activities completed using a computer; sedentary work. 20% of work will be in-person meetings and presentations. Periodic travel required. 

Note: The position requires the successful completion and acceptable results of a background check.

COMPENSATION:

$115,000-$120,000, commensurate with experience. Bennington College offers a comprehensive benefits package to full-time staff that includes medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life and long term disability insurance, retirement, generous time off benefits (4 weeks vacation, 10 sick days and 17 paid holidays) and educational benefits including Tuition Exchange.

TO APPLY

The position will remain open until filled; interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. Please submit resume, cover letter (addressed to Judith Enck, President) and the names/contact information for three current references (include at least two supervisory references).