Executive Director

The New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (NYCOSH) is a membership organization of workers, unions, community-based organizations, workers’ rights activists, and health and safety professionals. NYCOSH uses training, education, and advocacy to improve health and safety conditions in our workplaces, our communities, and our environment. Founded in 1979 on the principle that workplace injuries, illnesses and deaths are preventable, NYCOSH works to extend and defend every person’s right to a safe and healthy workplace. NYCOSH is a non-profit 501c3 organization.

Overview of position

The NYCOSH Executive Director provides overall direction, management and leadership to the organization. They represent the organization to the outside world and are responsible for securing political, public and financial support. The Executive Director envisions and directs its public policy, fundraising and educational work. They are accountable to the Board of Directors.

Over the past decade, NYCOSH has doubled its operating budget to nearly $3 million annually. The organization has twelve staff, including management. NYCOSH has a three-person executive team and a nine-person bargaining unit.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and lead Board and staff planning and implementation of the NYCOSH organizational agenda, priorities, strategic plan, and activities including assignment of resources to achieve selected objectives.
• Represent NYCOSH to a range of organizations involved in the occupational health and safety movement and to government stakeholders. Represent and maintain a NYCOSH presence at national and regional meetings.  
• Coordinate the overall work of various NYCOSH policy/advocacy campaigns, including serving as the chair of committees. Lead and participate in coalition activities with a wide variety of community and interest-based organizations.
• As the primary staff liaison to the Board of Directors, arrange monthly Board meetings, serve on the Board personnel committee and other committees as requested. Promote active involvement of Board members in carrying out their policy oversight and fiscal responsibilities.
• Oversee financial direction of the organization: support budget preparation, communication with auditors, signing of checks and setting of priorities for cash flow.  
• Secure financial stability for the organization. Direct and conduct long range fundraising and financial planning. Ensure that the organization’s books meet general accounting standards. Oversee grant management and reporting. 
• Cultivate funding sources of all types (city, state, and federal government; union; foundation; individual) and serve as the lead grant writer for all funding.
• With advice and counsel from the Board, oversee the hiring, dismissal, and evaluation of all staff members; negotiate contracts with the staff union; process and hear grievances; participate in labor management meetings; oversee and guide supervision of all staff; delegate work tasks as appropriate to key staff members such as the Associate Director. Recruit and promote staff in keeping with DEI goals. Build staff collaboration and enhance staff skills and proficiencies.
• Supervise the Finance and Associate Directors and lead the team with a collaborative management approach. Supervise additional staff as needed.
• Develop resources and new programming for the organization; expand services and maintain programs in New York City, Westchester County, and Long Island.
• Write and develop relevant press releases, media advisories, and social media posts as they relate to organization’s campaigns.
• Maintain suitable office facilities and equipment including databases, computers and computer programs including social networking programs.

Desired Qualifications

• At least five years in a position of leadership of an advocacy/social justice organization. 
• Organizing, political, and interpersonal experience and ability.
• Skilled at managing diverse coalitions among labor, community, and government.
• Excellent communication, writing skills and computer literacy including social media. 
• Knowledge of worker health and safety issues.
• Experience working with unions. 
• Availability for evening and weekend work.
• Demonstrated successful track record in fundraising.
• Experience in non-profit management.
• Knowledge of non-profit budgets of more than $1 million.
• Ability to represent NYCOSH in public forums and speak with the media.

The salary for this position is $135,000 - $145,000.

Employee will receive health and dental benefits with both individual and family plans available; paid vacation time, holidays and sick days; life insurance; and a pension plan. Work is performed on a hybrid work schedule, with in-person work required in the Financial District of Manhattan.

NYCOSH is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and is a union shop, with its staff represented by USW Local 4-406. This position is a managerial role not included in the bargaining unit.

Application Process

Interested candidates should email a copy of their resume and cover letter to nycoshjobs@gmail.com.  

The deadline for receipt of all applications is October 7, 2024.