Spokane River Forum and Lake Roosevelt Forum Executive Director

Organizational Overview:

The Spokane River Forum (SRF) and Lake Roosevelt Forum (LRF) are two independent non-profit organizations. They are seeking to jointly fund an Executive Director to provide leadership and manage both organizations.

Each organization has the following in common:

• Activities are non-partisan, meaning neither engages in policy or regulatory advocacy.   
• Information sharing, exchanging ideas and encouraging collaboration among and between the public, agencies, tribes, user groups and others.
• Providing public information and encouragement of community engagement via:

o   Development and posting of digital and social media.

o   Publishing electronic newsletters.

o   Development and distribution of print materials.

o   Development and maintenance of web sites.

• Convening conferences and community meetings.

Each organization is focused on the environmental and community needs of the region they serve.

Lake Roosevelt was created in 1942 when Grand Coulee Dam was built and the Upper Columbia was impounded. It encompasses 125 square miles, stretches about 150 miles from Grand Coulee Dam to below the U.S.—Canadian border, and has over 600 miles of shoreline. Lincoln, Stevens and Ferry counties border the lake, as do the Spokane Tribe of Indians and Colville Confederated Tribes Indian reservations. The lake is managed under a five-party agreement that includes the Spokane Tribe of Indians, Colville Confederated Tribes, the National Park Service, the Bureau of Reclamation, and Bureau of Indian Affairs.

The Spokane River is 111 miles long, stretching from the outlet of Coeur d’Alene Lake to the Columbia River (Lake Roosevelt). The river drains an area of about 6,640 square miles that includes four unique watersheds (the Middle Spokane River, Hangman Creek, Little Spokane River, and Lower Spokane River) that feed into the Spokane River.

The river flows through rural, suburban, and urban areas. Shoreline and related land ownership is a mix of state, county, municipal, tribal and private property.

Both feature diverse environmental concerns (e.g.--water resources, water flows, water quality, fishery, and habitat protection). At the same time, each has unique and popular recreational opportunities that are critically important to their regional economy.  A broad spectrum of sovereigns and stakeholders, e.g.—federal, state and local agencies; local tribes; business and industry; non-government organizations; user groups; and universities, are keenly interested in one or more of these interests.

While the interest areas of both regions have similarities, program and outreach activities reflect the specific concerns and needs of each. The ideal candidate will be deeply committed to the recreational, environmental, cultural, and natural resource interests of both regions; passionate about information sharing and collaboration; and skilled at developing diverse sovereign and stakeholder relationships. Experience in the non-profit sector and demonstrated fundraising ability is preferred.

Administrative support and contractor assistance in managing both organizations are available.

Position Description:

The Executive Director will independently report to the Spokane River Forum and Lake Roosevelt Forum boards. A “joint committee” with representatives from both boards will meet with the Executive Director to review common administrative and funding needs.

For each organization, and with oversight from each board, the Executive Director will:

• Provide general administration.  This includes:
• Being the authorized legal representative.
• Prepare annual and program budgets for board approval.
• Maintain insurance certificates, financial accounts, and records, including actions required to meet fiduciary and legal responsibilities.    
• Facilitate Board and other meetings necessary to conduct business.
• Conduct, plan and oversee implementation of activities, including grant reporting.   
• Maintenance of all databases, including rosters and electronic newsletter mail lists.
• Develop and/or order stationery, cards, digital media, equipment and other materials necessary.   
• Respond to requests for information.     
• Lead publication of social/digital media as well as electronic newsletters.
• Lead web site development and maintenance.
• Lead convening of conferences and other public events.
• Lead fundraising, including grants, sponsorships and events.
• Maintain and/or develop programs unique to each organization. Currently, this includes:
• Spokane River Forum: The Spokane River Water Trail, EnviroCertified, Spokane-Kootenai Waste and Recycle Directory, Outdoor Watering Nerds Conservation and River Cleanup and Restoration.
• Lake Roosevelt Forum: K-12 Classroom Activities; Houseboat/Bus Tours; Bi-annual Newsletter.  
• Other Duties as Assigned