President

Background

The Mountain Association is a nonprofit that invests in people and places in Eastern Kentucky to advance a just transition to a new economy that is more diverse, sustainable, equitable and resilient. Our Lending team offers loans to existing and startup businesses and organizations. We are a Community Development Financial Institution, so we can offer greater flexibility and lend to those who may not otherwise qualify. Our Business Support program connects business owners and nonprofit leaders to consultants who can help them succeed. Our Energy experts help businesses, nonprofits, public agencies and homeowners find much-needed energy savings through utility bill analysis, on-site energy efficiency and solar assessments, financing and grant application support.

The Mountain Association also engages in research, communications and advocacy for policy and narrative change, and works with partners on a variety of projects to demonstrate what’s possible in Eastern Kentucky.

Summary

Mountain Association Seeks a new President

The Mountain Association’s Board of Directors is searching for a new President as our current President, Peter Hille, transitions to retirement. Peter has served Mountain Association in various capacities for more than two decades, and as President since 2015. To ensure a smooth transition, Peter will remain on staff as CEO for one year after a new President is hired. During this year of transition, the new President will work through a comprehensive onboarding plan with Peter and our staff. Both the President and CEO will report to the Board of Directors during this time.

Position Summary

The President of the Mountain Association is a visionary leader responsible for shaping the organization’s mission and engaging our staff, partners and allies in implementing that mission. The President leads Mountain Association’s efforts to deepen our analysis of the past, shape our understanding of the present and develop our vision for the future. The President ensures that Mountain Association’s programs are aligned with our five-year plan, that they are effective in advancing the implementation of that plan, and that the organization has the structure, funding and personnel to carry out those programs in service of our mission.

Responsibilities

Essential Functions

Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following areas:

Organizational Leadership

• Provide leadership for the ongoing implementation of the Mountain Association’s mission and vision.
• Provides strategic thought leadership for long-term planning and actively engages the board and staff in developing five-year plans.
• Direct the organization’s programs and ensure they are operating effectively and interacting productively to carry out the organization’s mission, in collaboration with the Chief Program Officer.
• Lead the organization’s strategies for fundraising in collaboration with the Chief Advancement Officer; maintain productive relationships with current funders and build relationships to engage new funding sources; ensure the financial success of the organization.
• Oversee the organization’s finances, including financial relations with affiliated and fiscally sponsored programs in collaboration with the Chief Finance Officer; participate on the Board Finance Committee.

Organizational Management

• Oversee the organization’s operations and personnel in collaboration with the Chief Operating Officer
• Plan and lead board meetings, ensure recruitment and onboarding of new members, and engage the board in key planning and decision-making processes.
• Lead the Executive Council, actively participates in the Leadership Council and supports leadership across the organization.
• With the Executive Council and Leadership Council, ensures the effectiveness of existing programs and oversees the development and implementation of new programs to advance the mission.
• Promote and ensure a strong organizational culture emphasizing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.

Regional and National Leadership

• Advance the narrative of Just Transition and utilize Mountain Association’s analysis, history and current work to inform the broader field of community economic development.
• Serve as the face and voice of Mountain Association, balancing individual voice with organizational representation.
• With the Communications Team, maintain a highly visible presence representing our work; respond to media requests and engagements; develop organizational response to significant events and opportunities.
• Effectively present Mountain Association’s perspective and work at a wide range of venues including national convenings, presentations to policy makers, and through regional and national networks.
• Maintains relationships with leaders, funders, partners and allies to track developments in the landscape of our work and share the perspectives that shape Mountain Association’s vision and mission.
• Participates in networks to leverage our work and support mission-aligned partners and allies.

Other/General

• Leading member of the Executive Council
• Promotes and participates in organization-wide Mountain Association activities and training programs as required.
• Performs all other duties, as assigned.
• Practices safety in all aspects of the job.
• Provides courteous, professional services.

Requirements

Critical Skills

• Judgement: Ability to treat sensitive information with confidentiality and professional discretion. Ability to make well-informed, thoughtful decisions that advance the mission and prioritize the interests of the organization.
• Workload management: Ability to prioritize and manage multiple complex projects and activities on an ongoing basis. Ability direct and monitor others to ensure goals and deadlines are met. Proactive in anticipating and alerting others to problems with projects or processes. Ability to balance moving important pieces of work with delegating to others as appropriate.
• Teamwork: Ability to work well in a team environment, as a team leader and as part of a team.
• Communication: Ability to communicate effectively and professionally in person, during online meetings, over the telephone, and through electronic communications. Ability to effectively communicate with a variety and diversity of individuals in different roles, both internally and externally, including a wide range of educational levels, socio-economic status, or world view.

• Outlook: Ability to hold a big picture perspective while also attending to important details. Willing to examine complex issues through the perspectives of others with respect and compassion.
• Interpersonal skills: Ability to participate in difficult conversations and address conflict with equanimity.  Ability to listen with discernment, receive criticism with grace, and embrace growth and learning with enthusiasm and a healthy sense of humor.

Required Experience, Education and Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree, master’s preferred.
• 10 years of work experience in management, organizational leadership, or related field with a demonstrated ability to:
  • Fundraise with private, public or other sources
  • Successfully direct the work of teams with project management skills
  • Analyze, understand and move complex pieces of work
  • Utilize financial analysis to inform decision making

Not sure you meet all qualifications? Research shows that women and members of other under-represented groups tend to not apply to jobs when they think they may not meet every qualification, when, in fact, they often do! If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. We are dedicated to considering a broad array of candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds. Please use your cover letter to tell us why you believe you are a great fit for the role.

Tools & Equipment

Proficient in basic computer skills, i.e., Microsoft Word, Excel, Internet usage (e-mail). Capable of learning company database programs.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to work proficiently with computers and other office equipment.
• Work is primarily in an office environment (at home or a Mountain Association office) with office equipment, sitting or standing for long periods of time.
• Extensive travel required, within the service region and beyond, for meetings, conferences, speaking engagements and fundraising.
• Some work will be on site and may require walking, bending, stooping, crawling, and climbing stairs.

[more info on our careers webpage]

Compensation and Benefits

This full-time position offers a competitive salary, along with a generous benefits package. Salary is determined by the Board after evaluating an individual’s education and experience above the minimum requirements of the position, along with review of comparable compensation levels from Form 990s of similar organizations and consideration of pay scales for positions with comparable responsibility, qualifications, and achievement in nonprofit and private sectors. The process involves benchmarking against industry standards to align pay with the scope of responsibilities and ensure fair compensation that attracts qualified leadership. The Board aims to provide clear procedures for evaluation and alignment with compensation norms in the sector.

This position’s main office location is flexible between Mountain Association’s offices in Berea, Prestonsburg, and Hazard, Kentucky, though our staff have a hybrid work schedule where they work from home as their position allows.

The Mountain Association is committed to principles of diversity and equity and encourages applications from all people.

The Mountain Association is committed to ensuring the safety of all employees and their families, our clients, partners, team members and other individuals that we come into contact with for business purposes. Our approach to COVID-19 is informed by science and aligns to recommendations established by the CDC and other applicable government health agencies. Our COVID-19 vaccination policy requires all prospective employees, prior to their start date, to: (1) become fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide proof of a vaccination, or (2) request and obtain approval for an accommodation for a medical or religious exemption. Should an accommodation for a medical or religious exemption be approved, an employee would work with the Mountain Association to develop a COVID-19 safety plan.

Employment is contingent upon meeting these requirements and the requirements of the position.

For more information about the Mountain Association, visit www.mtassociation.org. Please no drop-ins.

How to Apply

Please e-mail your resume and a cover letter specifically explaining why you are a good fit for this position to president.hiring@mtassociation.org. Please find background materials on the Mountain Association, such as our five-year strategic plan and impact reports here. We also encourage you to explore our greater website and social media pages for more information on our work.