Transition U.S., is the national, nonprofit hub of the Transition movement – a worldwide network of community-based initiatives engaged in building local resilience in the face of climate change, resource depletion, and economic instability. Currently there are 125 Transition Initiatives in 33 states across the country, with more than 300 others in formation.  

The Position:
We are looking for a dynamic, emerging leader who can help move Transition US boldly into the next phase of its development and catalyze the wide-scale spread of the Transition movement in the United States. The ideal candidate recognizes this position as a tremendous opportunity to grow an organization and utilize his/her entrepreneurial, communication, and strategic talents to address the most critical issues facing society in the 21^st Century.

Qualifications & Qualities:
The ideal candidate thrives in a dynamic, evolving, and innovative environment, sees a path forward and executes actions with inspiration and collaboration. He/she:

• Is knowledgeable about climate change, fossil fuel depletion, and the economic vulnerabilities communities face, and yet retains a strong, undaunted vision of a preferable future
• Has direct experience in community mobilizing or proven results in galvanizing others to implement community solutions
• Possesses a minimum of 3-5 years of strong organizational leadership
• Has practical expertise in fundraising, program planning, communications and media
• Has experience working successfully with nonprofit boards
• Has strong connections in the social landscape of the resilience/sustainability, social justice, and/or youth movements
• Is an excellent communicator, both verbal and written, and effective public speaker who has experience with the press, media and, if possible, marketing
• Is deeply passionate about localization and social transformation
• Reflects the values of Permaculture and the Sustainability or Transition Movement
• Exhibits a high level of integrity, honesty and respect both inside and outside the organization, coupled with a sense of humor and joy in the work.

Responsibilities:
This new co-director will have four primary areas of focus and expertise:

1. Management: He/she will work closely with Transition leaders in the US, Transition trainers, Transition Network co-founders and staff, funders, the broader community and TUS’s board and staff to co-lead this vital organization. He/she will utilize strong relational talents to inspire and galvanize board, staff, Trainers, as well as the public, with the vision, mission and programs of Transition US.
2. Mission Delivery & Strategy: He/she will passionately engage our mission, requiring a minimal learning curve in the political and cultural landscape in which Transition US operates. He/she is a solid program planner, able to execute the mission through well-planned intentional programs and be flexible to adapt to emerging trends and opportunities. He/she will increase TUS’s influence, impact, visibility and viability by adding his or her unique vision, passion, commitment and skills in communications, media and networking.
3. Partnerships and Collaborations: This candidate will be entrepreneurial, flexible, innovative and highly competent in advancing new, early stage and ongoing partnerships and collaborations. He/she is a dynamic networker, fluent and comfortable with a very diverse and expansive range of stakeholders. A person with a background in social movements or national organizations, possibly including campaigns, is optimal.
4. Fundraising: He/she will lead – or grow into leading – the organization’s development efforts.  Substantial experience with individual high donors as well as foundations is desirable.

Additionally, the Co-Director may be asked to travel locally & regionally to give talks and presentations as well as conduct phone and written media interviews.  Travel may include longer trips 2-3 times a year, or as needed. This position will grow into supervision of staff, volunteers, operations and administration. Strong procedural and analytic skills and budget oversight desirable.

An estimated 2/3 of the job is externally facing on: Mission delivery, partnerships and collaborations and about 1/3 internally facing toward sustaining the internal organizational needs through fundraising and management.

Salary and Benefits:
This is a growth position.  We envision the position growing to full-time with higher salary as candidate gains expertise within the organization and the field. Transition US is based in Sonoma County, California.  Ideal candidates outside of the region will be considered.

Transition US offers health and vacation benefits.

How to apply:
Interested candidates must apply by sending a complete packet of cover letter and resume with current contacts for three references to jobs@transitionus.org.

Cover letters, which must be no longer than 2 pages,should detail your qualifications for the position and your salary requirements, and must address the following questions:

1. What is your vision for the future of the Transition Movement in the United States and what is the role of Transition US in furthering those aims? 
2. What inspires you to work with Transition US particularly, and how might you inspire the staff, stakeholders and the community at large?
3. How have your experiences, both professional and personal, prepared you to meet the opportunities and challenges that you imagine Transition US might be facing at this time?

Concise cover letters and resumes are encouraged.

Be sure to send your materials to us as clearly labeled file attachments in Word.doc (not .docx) or Adobe.pdf formats. Other formats will not be reviewed.

No telephone inquiries. All questions and complete applications with current contact information for yourself should be addressed to jobs@transitionus.org.

We will not consider incomplete submissions.

Timing:
Transition US will review applications as they are received and will continue to accept applications until the right candidate has been hired. Please email the address above to inquire about status, prior to applying. We anticipate hiring for this position by end November.