Rachel’s Network President

Rachel’s Network, a nonprofit 501(c)(3), is a community of women environmental funders and advocates. Named for the courageous biologist and writer Rachel Carson, we elevate and support women leaders who work to repair environmental harm and injustice and advance a regenerative and equitable future. Established in 2000, the organization began as a networking and educational space for 18 philanthropists. Since then, it has flourished into a robust network of nearly 200 advocates and funders who are transforming environmental giving to be more accountable, responsive, effective, and joyful.

In 2019, we launched the Catalyst Award for women environmental leaders of color which significantly increased our collective grantmaking, providing over $2 million to 142 individuals and their organizations to date. The award has generated other programs aligned with trust-based philanthropy: community-led grantmaking through our flow fund, wellness retreats for frontline environmental leaders, a community resilience fund for climate emergencies, and more. We host 15-20 community-building events each year, to uplift the work of our members and other women leaders in the movement. Equity and justice remain central to our work.

By supporting women environmental leaders, we’re also supporting all the things they fight for: climate action, biodiversity, health, environmental justice, regenerative agriculture, and so much more. We seek a president who will carry forward our expansive vision set in motion by our committed staff, board, and members; a leader to grow the network and partnerships, engage and inspire our members, and be a thought-leader in a new vision of philanthropy.

The Position

Under the direction of the board, the president is responsible for leading organizational strategy, ensuring financial sustainability, fundraising, overseeing operations and programs, recruiting and retaining members, and motivating a capable board and staff to excel. We have a dedicated professional staff of five (not including the president) who all work in a self-directed and collaborative manner, and a committed board of directors.

Candidates should possess not only relevant experience and expertise, but an interest in multi-racial, cross-class organizing and dedication to our culture of care. We believe that caring for the people in our movement is the foundation of effective environmental work and build this into both our programming and our internal operations. We seek a leader who will cultivate a culture of curiosity, active listening, compassion, and collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

Organizational Leadership and Strategy Development

• Collaborate with the board and staff to strengthen the organization’s direction, processes, and programs. Advance the mission in a way that’s responsive to member and broader movement needs.
• Lead membership recruitment. Develop plans for prospective member cultivation to grow the network along with membership and development director.
• Serve as a thought leader and ambassador for Rachel’s Network. Amplify the work of the funders and Catalyst recipients comprising our membership to increase Rachel’s Network’s influence and impact.
• Foster and maintain relationships with members through regular communication and mutual learning. Help members, especially new members, connect meaningfully with staff, programming, partners, and their peers in the network.
• Identify and cultivate partnerships with aligned organizations and individuals working in the philanthropic and environmental fields.
• Practice and advocate for philanthropy that is more responsive, participatory, and grantee-centric. Facilitate member, staff, and board education on these topics.
• Partner with Rachel’s Action Network, a sister 501(c)(4) organization, where its mission and efforts are complementary.
• Infuse the work at Rachel’s Network with joy, rigor, care, and a commitment to continuous reflection and accountability.

Fundraising, Membership, & Financial Sustainability

• Lead organizational fundraising, including member and prospect appeals, general operating campaigns, and grant programs such as the Catalyst Award, in collaboration with the membership & development director.
• Lead membership engagement through 1:1 calls, emails, webinars, and in-person gatherings. Identify opportunities to connect members around shared interests and opportunities.
• Oversee an annual budget of approximately $2 million and review monthly financial statements with the finance director.
• In partnership with the board finance committee, finance director, and our independent financial advisors, ensure the organization’s investments are financially sound and mission-aligned.
• Ensure due diligence, reporting, and compliance for grantmaking programs.

Management & Operations

• Shape internal culture, staffing, policies, and processes. Ensure that staff have the support to do their jobs at a high level.
• Support and advise the staff with 1:1 meetings, annual performance evaluations, and job description audits. Assess capacity and oversee hiring processes for new staff positions or consultants.
• Ensure that Rachel’s Network is compliant with its 501(c)(3) nonprofit status and all applicable laws.

Board Support & Development

• Build and maintain relationships with board directors and partner effectively on core aspects of governance including mission, goals, risk management, and priorities.
• With the board chair, facilitate board meetings and communications, including drafting agendas, monthly staff updates, and board materials.
• Foster the collective and individual learning of the board through suggested readings, guest presentations, and other engagements.

Qualifications

• Professional experience in philanthropy, environmental protection, and/or women’s leadership, preferably in a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, with a minimum of two years managing and leading a professional team.
• A minimum of two years of leadership experience with nonprofit budget development and fiscal management and a demonstrated track record of working with development staff to secure annual five- and six-figured contributions.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills, preferably with experience engaging with a major donor audience and foundation partners.
• Ability to lead a self-directed and collaborative staff team. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build an easy rapport with grassroots environmental leaders and environmental funders.
• A commitment to creating an inclusive culture that embraces diversity of thought and experience. Be accountable to Rachel’s Network’s Commitment to Racial Justice and ongoing education and work upholding justice, education, diversity, and inclusion.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite.
• Familiarity with database/CRM software like Neon and OpenWater a plus.
• We encourage individuals who may not have all listed qualifications to apply, recognizing that bringing other strengths to this role may benefit the work and the organization.

How to Apply

To apply, email a cover letter and resume to search@rachelsnetwork.org by Tuesday, October 20 with “President” in the subject line.

• Rachel’s Network provides paid health, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage, as well as a 401k employer match up to 4% (vested after one year of employment). We also provide an annual wellness stipend of $1,000 and half-day Fridays off to support staff wellbeing.
• All employees receive 12 federal holidays, a two-week summer sabbatical, and a winter sabbatical. Full-time employees also receive 15 days of annual leave, 10 days of sick leave, and 4 days of personal leave. Full-time employees are eligible for family leave after one year of employment and 20 days of annual leave after three years of employment. Paid sabbaticals are available to employees with five and 10 years of service.
• Staff are expected to work in our Washington, DC office at least two days a week with limited, pre-approved exceptions. Our LEED-certified, Metro-accessible office building, located in DC’s West End, includes a gym, deli, Metro shuttle, parking garage for cars and bikes, and day-care facility.
• Rachel’s Network is committed to providing a fair, professional, and supportive workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer.