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Company Description

350 Deschutes’ mission is to confront one of the greatest threats to human lives—climate change—by caring for the people and places we love most. We are dedicated to a safe, just, and equitable transition to clean energy in Central Oregon and across Oregon, so that every community can benefit from healthier homes, cleaner air, and a stable climate. We work with individuals and families, teachers, community organizations, and local and state leaders to expand access to solar, wind, energy storage, and clean transportation, while preventing harmful new gas infrastructure. Through policy advocacy, community education, hands-on campaigns, and youth-focused workforce development, we build deep relationships and create lasting change toward a more equitable, sustainable future for all.


Role Description

The Executive Director (ED) is the chief executive of 350 Deschutes and is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and fundraising needed to advance the organization’s mission. This is a full‑time, exempt position, and the ED is expected to work a flexible schedule, including some evenings and weekends, to meet organizational needs. The role is based in Central Oregon (Bend/Redmond), and the ED must reside in the region. Work is primarily remote, with flexibility to work from home, but proximity is essential for regular in‑person meetings and events. The position also includes occasional travel to conferences and partner gatherings.


A central responsibility of the ED is revenue generation: raising approximately $170,000–$200,000 annually through grants, individual donors, sponsors, events (including the Go Clean Energy Conference), and contracts to sustain and grow programs. The ED oversees daily operations; supervises and supports staff (currently one FTE) and volunteers; manages budgets, payroll, and accounting; ensures timely completion of required legal, tax, and organizational filings; and represents 350 Deschutes with community partners, funders, and policymakers. Current program areas include workforce development, local and statewide climate and energy policy, and electric vehicle and charging deployment.


Key Responsibilities

Fundraising and Resource Development

  • Lead creation and execution of an annual fundraising plan to meet or exceed revenue targets ($170,000–$200,000/year).​
  • Research, cultivate, and solicit support from individuals, businesses, foundations, and public agencies, including major gifts, sponsorships, and planned giving opportunities.
  • Write and manage grants, including proposals, reports, and relationships with program officers.
  • Plan and oversee fundraising events such as the Go Clean Energy Conference and other campaigns, ensuring strong ROI and donor engagement.​
  • Steward donors through personalized communication, recognition, and ongoing relationship-building.

Leadership, Strategy, and Board Relations

  • Work with the Board to develop and implement a clear strategic vision and annual work plan for 350 Deschutes.
  • Provide regular updates on program, financial, and fundraising performance; support the Board in effective governance and recruitment.
  • Lead or support strategic planning processes, including setting goals, metrics, and evaluation methods.

Program and Advocacy Management

  • Oversee development and implementation of programs in workforce development, clean energy deployment, and climate/energy policy at the local and state level.
  • Ensure programs align with the organization’s mission, equity commitments, and strategic plan, and that they are evaluated using clear metrics and data.​
  • Represent 350 Deschutes in policy and advocacy coalitions, with local governments, tribes, and state agencies on issues such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, transportation electrification, and gas infrastructure.

Operations, Finance, and Compliance

  • Manage organizational finances, including annual budgeting, cash‑flow monitoring, financial reporting, and oversight of bookkeeping and accounting systems.
  • Ensure compliance with nonprofit regulations, grant requirements, contracts, and state/federal laws, including ethics obligations.​
  • Oversee administrative systems, insurance, vendor contracts, and technology needs; propose and manage an annual travel and operating budget.​

Staff Supervision and Organizational Culture

  • Supervise, support, and evaluate staff and key contractors; lead recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and, when necessary, performance coaching and termination.​
  • Foster a healthy, inclusive, and collaborative organizational culture that centers climate justice, equity, and staff wellbeing.​
  • Coordinate and support volunteers and interns engaged in events, outreach, and program work.

Community Relations and Communications

  • Serve as the primary public spokesperson for 350 Deschutes, including media interviews, public speaking, and written communications.​
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with community partners, local governments, tribes, businesses, and other nonprofits to advance shared goals.
  • Oversee communications and marketing, including newsletters, social media, website content, and campaign materials, to grow awareness and engagement.

Learning and Mission Alignment

  • Invest ongoing time in learning about renewable energy, environmental and social justice, electric vehicles, and climate policy to strengthen the organization’s impact.​
  • Work with the Board to identify training and learning opportunities that deepen the ED’s and staff’s capacity in these areas.​

Qualifications

Required

  • Strong commitment to climate justice, equity, and a just transition, including experience working with frontline and underserved communities.​
  • Proven nonprofit leadership experience, including staff supervision, board collaboration, and organizational planning.​
  • Demonstrated success in fundraising (grants, major donors, sponsorships, and events) and diversifying revenue streams.
  • Financial management skills, including budgeting, cash‑flow oversight, and familiarity with nonprofit compliance and reporting.​
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills; comfort with public speaking, media engagement, and representing the organization with partners and policymakers.​
  • Experience in climate, energy, or environmental justice advocacy, campaigns, or policy at the local or state level, or a strong willingness to learn quickly.
  • Ability to build and sustain community partnerships with local governments, tribes, businesses, labor, and other nonprofits.
  • Comfort using data and metrics to guide strategy, evaluate programs, and report impact to funders and the community.​
  • Skill in nurturing an inclusive organizational culture and navigating conflict in ways that advance the organization’s DEI commitments.​

Preferred

  • Existing connections in Central Oregon and Oregon’s climate and clean energy landscape, or demonstrated ability to quickly build them.​
  • Knowledge of clean energy technologies and sustainability initiatives (solar, wind, storage, EVs, building efficiency), or a strong desire to gain this knowledge.
  • Experience with fundraising and CRM software and proficiency with Google Workspace.​
  • Bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent experience in nonprofit management, public policy, business, environmental studies, or a related field.

Compensation and Benefits

  • Full‑time exempt position with an annual salary between $70,000 - $80,000, with potential for annual increases based on performance and organizational health.​
  • QSEHRA health insurance plan $400 per month = $4,800.
  • Eligibility for an annual performance bonus (1–3% of base salary) based on financial and programmatic results, as determined by the Board.​
  • Retirement contribution through OregonSaves, with an employer post‑tax contribution starting at $1,500 annually after the first full year of employment, plus optional employee contributions.​
  • 15 days of PTO per year (accrued monthly) plus 17 paid holidays, including a winter break from December 22–31; PTO does not carry over year to year.​
  • Additional benefits such as mileage reimbursement for qualifying travel, reimbursement for work‑related expenses and approved business travel. A work computer owned by 350 Deschutes will be provided.

This description is intended to reflect the core responsibilities and qualifications of the Executive Director; specific duties may evolve in consultation with the Board as the organization grows.


To be considered for this position please e-mail the following documents in .pdf form to info@350deschutes.org.


  1. Cover Letter, explaining why you're a good fit and interested in the role.
  2. A resume (or CV).
  3. One reference letter.