About Columbia Insight
Columbia Insight is the only environmental news website focusing on the Columbia River Basin. Columbia Insight was founded in 2015, and now reaches tens of thousands of readers each week. We commission professional journalists to write our stories and generally publish two original stories a week that appear on columbiainsight.org and are emailed to 2500+ subscribers. Our founder and current Executive Director is stepping into a Board Member position, so we're seeking someone to lead us in the next phase of development.
High-Level View of the Executive Director Role
Columbia Insight seeks an experienced and dynamic Executive Director to oversee our operations, including editorial direction, audience outreach, financial management, fundraising, and community engagement. The Executive Director will also be committed to extending the reach of our stories into communities with limited access to traditional news outlets or who access information through social media.
This is a hybrid, full-time position. We're based in Hood River, and the ED can work remotely - but must live in the Portland (OR)/Vancouver (WA) region, or a Columbia River Gorge community. Why? Our stories, our donors, and a substantial part of our environmental focus is on the Columbia River Basin. Donors, journalists, readers, and granting organizations expect our Executive Director to have a real familiarity with the region - with its challenges and the unique ecosystem here. We'd describe the mix as about 80% remote, and 20% on-site in either Hood River, White Salmon, Portland... Vancouver... around the Columbia River Gorge and in the Portland/Vancouver area, essentially.
Responsibilities & Qualifications:
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Editorial Oversight - Work closely with the editor to maintain high-quality content that aligns with our mission and values. ... but you don't need a background as a journalist
- Strong understanding of environmental issues, policies, and trends, particularly within the Pacific Northwest region.
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Fundraising and Development - Lead fundraising efforts, including management of grant writing, donor relations, annual campaigns, events and sponsorship cultivation and explore other potential sources of revenue.
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Board Relations – Work with the board of directors to fulfill governance responsibilities and support the strategic direction of the organization.
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Strategic Leadership - Develop and execute strategic plans to advance our mission and objectives in partnership with staff and members of the board of directors. We're a non-profit, so leadership or work within that sector is a plus.
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Experience in financial management and budget oversight.
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Community Engagement - Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders, readers, and the broader community to enhance Columbia Insight’s impact and visibility.
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Commitment to journalistic integrity, ethical standards, and the mission of Columbia Insight.
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Bachelor’s degree in business administration, environmental studies, communications, journalism, or related field.
Additional Requirements:
MUST live in the Portland (OR) or Vancouver (WA) region, or in a Columbia River Gorge community. Although about 80% of the work will be done remotely, you will be expected to be available for in-person work at various locations in the region. That can include visits to current and potential donors, addressing fundraising groups, participating in Columbia Insight-sponsored events, meeting with the editor or reporters, etc.
Please attach a cover letter with your resume. If you're light on a few of the qualifications, tell us how you'll address those. We're readers, and we appreciate writers, so don't hesitate to share important information on why you'd be an enthusiastic and successful Executive Director.
Benefits
- Three weeks of paid vacation and retirement contribution.
- Opportunity to lead a respected environmental publication and make a meaningful impact on regional and national environmental issues.
- Professional development opportunities and a supportive work environment.
- Opportunity to work remotely from within the region (Hybrid - 80% remote)