Kanu Hawaii
Executive Director Position Opening

Background:

Kanu Hawaii is a non-profit organization whose mission is to empower people to build more environmentally sustainable, compassionate and resilient communities rooted in personal commitments to change. Launched in 2008, Kanu Hawaii was founded out of concern for the degradation of natural resources, growing economic insecurity and fading of tolerance and aloha – a loss of the very things that make life in Hawaii special. Hope for Hawaii’s future emerged as Kanu Hawaii’s vision of islanders leading the way toward environmentally sustainable, compassionate and economically resilient communities.

Kanu Hawaii is known for the collective commitments of its members – from pledging to buy local produce and products to using reusable shopping bags – these commitments define the nature of our hope for Hawaii’s future and the path to achieve our vision. We embody a new kind of activism rooted in kuleana (responsibility and privilege) – an activism that says we are willing to “be the change” even as we work to change people and institutions around us. Thousands of Kanu members have made personal commitments and have taken part in collective action, speaking out on Hawaii’s energy and food security, affordable housing, education, waste and, most recently, civic engagement through voter registration and participation efforts in the 2012 election.

Executive Director:

Kanu Hawaii is seeking a self-motivated professional with senior-level experience in the non-profit, business or government sectors and keen knowledge of the issues facing Hawaii’s communities. The Executive Director acts as a chief ambassador, spokesperson, advocate and leader of Kanu Hawaii. He or she should have a proven track record of leadership and must possess excellent people skills to build and maintain strong relationships with the organization’s members, funders, community partners and other stakeholders.

Key responsibilities include:

• Strategic planning – work with the Board of Directors to define the vision and strategy for the organization, including but not limited to annual strategic plans
• Communications and public relations – serve as the “face” of the organization, crafts and delivers key messages to critical audiences including members, funders and the public
• Fundraising and friend-raising – oversee identifying, soliciting and securing new sources of funding, key staff or volunteers and new partners for the organization
• Human resources – manage the staff team, define management goals and success measures for staff members; provide coaching and mentoring to staff, volunteers and community campaign partners.
• Financial manager – monitor financial condition to ensure compliance, forecast financial issues, ensure the organization is using fiscal resources efficiently and for maximum impact

The ideal candidate will possess the following skills and attributes:

• Personal commitment to Kanu Hawaii’s values and vision
• Significant and proven leadership skills developed through years of experience in community organizations
• Success at fundraising
• Excellent verbal, written and presentation communications skills along with group facilitation and critical thinking skills
• The ability to foster a positive work culture that encourages teamwork and collaboration
• Excellent organizational skills, the ability to multi-task, is flexible and action oriented
• Ability to work well with diverse groups and communities

The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors of Kanu Hawaii.

To apply, please email a resume and cover letter with references and salary requirements to hr [at sign] kanuhawaii [dot] org. Information about Kanu Hawaii can be found at http://www.kanuhawaii.org.