MAEOE seeks new Executive Director

Bronwyn has decided to move on – heading home to New Orleans (all are welcome to visit). Please help MAEOE find a good leader.


Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE)

Jessup, Maryland

Annual Salary Range: $45,000-50,000

Anticipated Start Date: February 10, 2011



BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The current board structure allows for up to 21 sitting directors. They are elected by fellow board members and have no set term limits. The board meets in alternate months. Like many nonprofits of similar size and history, the MAEOE Board is rapidly evolving from a founder’s mentality to a professional Board. Ultimately the Board reports to the membership of MAEOE. The Board of Directors has the following committee structure:

· Executive Committee: Out-going President, Board President, President-Elect, Secretary, Treasurer and 2 Members At Large

· Conference

· Maryland Green Schools

· Schoolyard Habitat

· EE Certification

· Communications

· Membership

· Research

· Ad hoc committees currently focus on by-laws



THE OPPORTUNITY: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The next Executive Director of MAEOE will have an opportunity to take the helm of a vibrant, growing, respected organization and lead it to the next level. We seek an individual with proven leadership skills who can continue to grow and strengthen the organization. The new ED will lead a collaborative, high functioning team in fulfilling MAEOE’s mission. We seek a passionate individual who can embody and effectively communicate the importance of the organization’s work.

The successful candidate must be a team leader and have experience managing and mentoring a staff of at least 2 direct reports. It is imperative that this person has financial management skills required to manage a budget of $400,000. The next Executive Director of MAEOE will possess excellent communication skills, fundraising acumen, personnel management experience, familiarity with environmental education policy issues, the ability to conduct all aspects of a growing business, knowledge of non-profits, team-building expertise, flexibility, a willingness to work long hours and a dedication to the mission.

The organization is coming to the close of its current strategic plan. The new executive director will collaborate with the Board and staff to implement a new strategic plan in 2011. The next set of milestones in the areas of membership, fundraising, programs and staff development will be the charge of the incoming Executive Director. The ED reports to the Board President, currently Elena Takaki, and the Executive Committee. The ED must be comfortable taking policy direction from and working with a group of diverse backgrounds and concerns. This is an active Board and the ED must foster a strong working relationship with Board Members. The ED provides essential input to the Board of Directors as a catalyst for new ideas and ways in which the organization can achieve its mission and ultimately fulfill its obligation to its members and the environmental education community. Specific duties include:

Staff Management

The new ED must be a calm and steady leader, grounded by a deep passion for the mission of MAEOE. The ED promotes an attitude of high energy and excellent teamwork in a collaborative and mutually supportive and respectful environment. The ED supervises and coordinates the duties and actions of the professional staff. Currently the ED has three direct reports: Maryland Green School Coordinator, Chesapeake Conservation Corps Volunteer and the bookkeeper. During the summer months, MAEOE hosts high school volunteers. The ED leads by example and fosters excellent communication within the staff. She/he serves as a mentor and inspiring leader, guiding a seasoned staff poised for additional responsibility and career growth.

· Ensure staff performs its job responsibilities and meets goals and deadlines, by supporting and facilitating the work of each program area.

· Work with and mentor staff to identify strengths, provide training, develop skills and increase responsibility and ownership of projects.

· Assume responsibility for all staffing decisions.

· Assure that performance goals are in place for all staff members Provide annual performance and salary reviews for all direct reports.

· Empower staff to make decisions in their respective areas.

· Maintain human resource employee files.

· Contribute to solutions through creative problem-solving skills.

· Act as the primary point of contact between the staff and Board.



Board of Directors

· Provide monthly updates on the status of all components of the organization to the Executive Committee

· Assist and advise the Board of Directors with policy issues, debate and decisions.

· Present and advocate for operational and staffing decisions at Board meetings and Executive Committee meetings.

· Assist in the work of Board committees.

· Inform the Board of any issues through periodic updates.

· Develop task forces or ad-hoc committees as needed on special issues and projects.


Development and Membership

· Work with staff and board to develop a diversified revenue base, strengthen relationships with key donors and funders, and increase MAEOE’s membership.

· Assist in the creation of a long-term fundraising plan.

· Maintain a portfolio of major donor prospects. Lead and participate in face-to-face solicitation meetings.

· Build relationships with major donors by participating in events and activities.

· Reach out to and develop additional corporate partnerships.

· Manage and develop existing and future foundation collaborations.


Long Term Strategic Planning

· Collaborate with the Board and staff in development of strategic vision.

· Work with the Board to facilitate annual updates of the strategic plan.

· Align the annual budget with the Strategic Plan.

· Anticipate and position the MAEOE for strategic changes.

· Recognize emerging issues and position the MAEOE to effectively respond to them.


Finance

· Oversee all financial matters of MAEOE.

· Assure long-term financial viability and implement long-term financial strategy in conjunction with the Board and its officers.

· Create and manage the annual budget.

· Assure implementation of appropriate financial controls.

· Assure proper cash management procedures.

· Provide regular reports to the Treasurer and Board President.

· Facilitate the annual audit/review as required.

· Oversee the management of contracts and related insurance


Policy and Partnerships

· Represent MAEOE and environmental education interests within the greater environmental and political landscape.

· Work with advocacy staff and board committee to develop and promote MAEOE positions on policy issues that affect environmental educators.

· Build relationships and create partnerships influencing the directions of policy that impacts environmental educators.

· Maintain executive level contacts with EE policy makers including


Administration

· Prepare press releases

· Manage professional development calendar

· Regularly update website

· Manage MAEOE Facebook and Link’d IN presence

· Field calls and email inquiries

· Prepare annual report


COMPENSATION

The ED will be compensated with a base salary commensurate with experience and expertise and will participate in the MAEOE benefits plan. Salary Range: $45,000-50,000


Location

The ED will work out of the MAEOE offices located within the ENVIRO CENTER at 7761 Waterloo Rd, Jessup, MD 20794 (near Columbia)



Email cover letter, resume, and a writing sample to Elena Takaki, MAEOE Board President at president@maeoe.org (preferred) or mail to:

7761 Waterloo Rd

Jessup, MD 20794



THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS - November 19, 2010

GOOD NEWS:MARYLAND ENVIRONMENTAL LITERACY SUMMIT A SUCCESS!STATE BOARD VOTES TO MOVE FORWARD ON E-LIT GRAD REQUIREMENT!

On Tuesday October 26, 2010 the Maryland State Board of Education voted unanimously to publish the final language for an environmental literacy high school graduation requirement so that it appears in the COMAR regulation (13A.03.02 ) that summarizes high school graduation requirements! In November (date TBD), MSDE will open a 30 day public comment period, followed by a final vote on the environmental literacy graduation requirement at their January 2011 state board meeting. This is a huge step toward ensuring that our high school graduates are environmentally literate. We are thrilled with this development and applaud the state board members for their visionary action. We will be contacting you as soon as we have more information on the specific language and the opening date of the comment period (anticipated for late November), and will once again be asking for your supportive comments during this critical last step toward a historic decision. In the meantime, celebrate & share the good news!

Susquehanna Greenway Partnership Seeks Communications Outreach Coordinator

SGP seeks to hire a qualified candidate for the position of Communications & Outreach Coordinator. This position will play an important role in advocating for environmental stewardship to protect the natural resources of the Susquehanna River and its tributaries. Focus areas include: web content creation and management, newsletter production, publicity, email outreach to constituents, constituent relationship management, volunteer and member recruitment, coordinating and staffing of outreach events, and fund raising.

Responsibilities:

Report to the Partnership’s Program Director and work closely with the rest of the staff in communicating about the organization’s mission, educational and technical assistance programs, awards, and grants.

Assist Program Director in developing an effective membership and volunteer recruitment program.

Work with Partnership staff, organizational partners, and external consultants to maintain schedule for print, email, and web communications.

Draft press releases, conduct media outreach and track press coverage.

Consolidate and maintain Partnership’s media and stakeholder contact database.

Manage and update Partnership’s web and social media sites.

Compose print materials, including brochures, fact sheets, annual report, and fund raising appeals.

Coordinate composition and distribution of monthly e-newsletter.

Serve as staff photographer and develop and maintain photo library of Partnership activities for outreach and promotional purposes.

Work with staff to identify, frame, and create profiles of exemplary greenway projects and community stewardship efforts.

Assist with coordination and execution of press, outreach, and fund-raising events.

Act as Partnership representative at outreach events statewide.



Skills and Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree, communications, marketing, or related field.

1-3 years professional work experience in communications.

Knowledge of environment, sustainability, and community engagement issues desired.

Strong skills in writing, graphic design, media outreach, and web content production and management.

Demonstrated ability to work effectively with deadlines.

Experience with web and email communications tools required; experience with new media technologies, such as blogs and online social marketing strongly preferred.

High-energy, positive, “can‐do” attitude, flexibility, teamwork, and attention to detail; high degree of initiative required.

Strong organizational skills and ability to keep up‐to‐date records.

Strong computer literacy is essential: MS Office; Access (or similar database); Adobe (Photoshop); familiarity with website content management systems.

Experience with IT troubleshooting, photography, and videography preferred.

Some travel required, with some weekend hours.



Compensation: 35,000 - $40,000 depending on experience. This is a one-year contract position with excellent opportunities for renewal as a full-time employee with benefits.

Application Deadline: November 15, 2010

To Apply, please submit: Please email cover letter, resume, and short writing samples (preferably communications and/or PR-related related rather than academic) to tcarothers@susquehannagreenway.org and include “Communications and Outreach Coordinator” in the subject line of the email.

26th Annual MAEOE Confrence Registration is OPEN!!!!

Early Bird Registration is now open for the 26th annual MAEOE Conference scheduled for February 10-13, 2011 at the UMUC Marriott Inn and Conference Center near College Park, MD. REGISTER EARLY AND REGISTER OFTEN. This is the largest state EE conference in the nation and the only one of its kind in Maryland. Prepare t...o have your Capacity Built, your Knowledge Increased, your Network Expanded, your Professional Developed??? Questions? Contact Daisy at the Conference Hotline (443) 733-1220 or conference@maeoe.org.

http://www.maeoe.org/conference/brochure/documents/2011registrationfinal.pdf

Community Supported Apiary -CSA- 2011 Memberships now available

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One CSA Share is one pound B’More Hon E Micro-Local Honey for 2011 A limited number of 2011 CSA Membership shares are available.
CSA@BaltimoreHoney.org
Make check out to: Baltimore Honey
Mail check to: 2054 Druid Park Drive
Baltimore Maryland 21211
Fostering Local Honeybee Pollination for Food Security
MD State Fair Blue Ribbon Honey Award

Visit Cuba!!!

Cuba Exchange and Global Exchange Reality Tours invites you to join us on this very special tour for environmentalists and environmental educators in Environmental and Sustainable Development fields: Environmental Education in CUBA February 12 - 20, 2011 Cuba's nation-wide community and school-based environmental ...education programs have been internationally praised for over two decades. In 2006, the World Wildlife Foundation declared Cuba to be the only nation living sustainably due to its high Quality of Life indices and low Carbon Footprint. Travel with us and meet the policy makers and practitioners who make it happen!


http://www.globalexchange.org/

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)& Organic Landcare Free Training

11/4/2010 Sponsors: The IPM in Health Care Facilities and Community Outreach Project, Md Pesticide Network. Training on technical aspects of least-toxic structural IPM and natural landscape management that minimize health and env impacts while achieving... enhanced pest management.
Register by October 20 sfried@beyondpesticides.org or 410-605-0095

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY MANAGER, HASHAWHA ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER

Manages the operation of Hashawha Environmental Center, a residential center which can accommodate up to 180 people and Bear Branch Nature Center. A Carroll County Gov't job app is required for this position and must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. 11/5/10. contact ccgovernment.carr.org or call (410) 386-2020 to request an employment application.

Help Urge EPA to Boost the Budget for Environmental Education - Sign on to letter

Dear Colleagues, We are writing to request your organization’s signature and support in urging the Administration to increase funding for the Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Environmental Education from the President’s FY 2011 funding level of $9M to $14M in FY 2012. As you know, environmental education is increasingly critical as our nation moves towards a clean energy economy and addresses the challenges of global climate change. While the benefits of and bi-partisan support for environmental education are well documented and continue to grow, the overall level of federal support for environmental education is woefully inadequate at EPA. Although we appreciate the inclusion of environmental education in the President’s FY 2010 and FY 2011 budget at $9M for the first time in several years; there is an overwhelming need to increase funding levels to $14M for 2012. Please email me with your NAME, TITLE, ORGANIZATION, and STATE if you are not a national organization to sign on to the attached letter. The DEADLINE to sign-on is Wednesday 10/13/10. Thank you in advance for your support. Best,Danielle Moodie-Mills Danielle A. Moodie-Mills Senior Manager Environmental Education Campaigns National Wildlife Federation National Advocacy Center 901 E Street NW, Suite 400 Washington, DC 20004 P 202-797-6634moodied@nwf.org

National aquarium job

Job Description:
The National Aquarium is looking for an Education Specialist Youth Programs to teach, lead and help develop a variety of after-school and summer programs for youth inside and outside the Aquarium. This position supervises and mentors students during all phases of the programs.

Responsibilities of this position include helping to select youth for the programs, scheduling students and programs and teaching the youth programs which help youth pursue interests in science and conservation. This position also assists with the college internship program and works with community and visitor programs.

Required Skills/Experience:
A Bachelor's degree in science, education, youth development or related field along with 2 years experience working with youth is required. Some extended days and weekend work is required. Computer literacy, CPR certification and an understanding of the principles of youth development are desired.

http://aqu.hrdpt.com/cgi-bin/highlightjob_aqu.cgi?file=US_MD_10720_only_765.shtml

Enter the It's Academic Reusable Bag Design Contest!

It's Academic is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and in honor of this landmark event, Giant is sponsoring a reusable bag design contest! The contest is open to high school students in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. The winning entry will be printed on reusable bags and will be used at upcoming It's Academic events.

Plus! Reusable bags printed with the winning design will be also be sold at Giant stores to benefit Giant's A+ School Rewards program, which has been helping support area schools for 20 years!

The Guinness Book of World Records notes It's Academic as the longest running television quiz show in the world. Each year, hundreds of high school students compete on the program, answering questions about history, literature, science, math, religion, mythology, sports and current events.

Enter your design today, and you could be a part of the It's Academic long, illustrious history.

http://www.giantfood.com/savings/promotions/academic.htm

NOAA teacher at Sea Application due 11/30/10

Please direct questions to Elizabeth McMahon (elizabeth.mcmahon@noaa.gov)


NOAA's TEACHER AT SEA PROGRAM NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR 2011 FIELD SEASON
Apply at http://teacheratsea.noaa.gov/


ARE YOU AN EDUCATOR INTERESTED IN DOING RESEARCH ON A SHIP?
If so, we encourage you to explore the opportunities offered by the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Teacher at Sea program, now accepting applications until NOVEMBER 30, 2010.


ABOUT NOAA's TEACHER AT SEA PROGRAM
The mission of NOAA’s Teacher at Sea program is to give teachers a clearer insight into our ocean planet, a greater understanding of maritime work and studies, and to increase their level of environmental literacy by fostering an interdisciplinary research experience.


Since 1990, NOAA’s Teacher at Sea Program has enabled nearly 600 teachers to gain first-hand experience of science and life at sea by working on research ships. Teachers have enriched their classroom curricula with a depth of understanding made possible by living and working side-by-side, day and night, with those who contribute to the world's body of scientific knowledge. No matter which type of cruise you embark on, you are bound to learn an array of new things!


APPLICATION DEADLINE: Tuesday, November 30, 2010


ELIGIBILITY
NOAA's Teacher at Sea program accepts applications from currently employed, full-time educators in these categories: K-12 teachers and administrators; community college, college, and university teachers; museum and aquaria educators; and adult education teachers. We regret that we cannot accept applications from part-time, substitute, or pre-service teachers. Teachers will be selected to fill approximately 30 openings available.


TYPES OF CRUISES
Participants are assigned a cruise aboard one of NOAA's 18 ships (or a chartered partner ship). NOAA conducts three main types of cruises. Fisheries research ships perform biological and physical science studies in support of fisheries research. Oceanographic and coastal research ships perform physical science studies in support of scientific studies to increase our understanding of the world's oceans and climate. Hydrographic survey ships scan the coastal sea floor with side-scan sonar and sophisticated bottom sounding systems to locate submerged obstructions and navigational hazards for the creation or update of the nation's nautical charts.


TIME
COMMITMENTParticipants can expect to be at sea anywhere from one week to one month, with the average cruise lasting 12-14 days. Most of our participants try to sail on cruises offered during the summer vacation, but cruises take place throughout most of the year on a space-available basis.


COSTS
All necessary travel costs associated with teacher participation in the program are covered by the program, including transportation to and from the ship, lodging, and per diem allowance. While airfare is paid for up front by the government, all other costs are reimbursed, including non-airfare transportation costs, lodging, and per diem allowance.


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
More information about NOAA's Teacher at Sea Program including eligibility requirements, expectations, and frequently asked questions, is available at http://teacheratsea.noaa.gov/

The National Wildlife Federation just released a superb report linking environmental education with psychological, cognitive, and educational outcomes. It's available at:http://www.nwf.org/Get-Outside/~/media/PDFs/Be%20Out%20There/Back%20to%20School%20full%20report.ashx