Executive Director

Position Announcement

March 5, 2005

Improving Kids’ Environment is seeking a full-time executive director.  IKE anticipates selecting a new executive directive by the end of April to provide several months of transition time with Tom Neltner.

The executive director’s responsibilities are described below.  The salary will be commensurate with salaries of executive directors in Indiana’s non-profit, public interest organizations and include good benefits and vacation.  The executive director will have the option of working out of an office or out of a home office.  A Central Indiana location is important.

What is IKE?

Improving Kids’ Environment is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation that serves as Indiana’s primary advocate for children’s environmental health by working within the system to bring about important policy changes that protect children.  With the support of its Board of Directors and a cadre of volunteers and contractors, IKE works with stakeholders that include elected officials, agency staff, businesses, and other public interest organizations to find solutions that work. 

IKE was established in May 1999 by Tom Neltner.  IKE is a one-person shop with a network of supporting contractors.  Mr. Neltner has served as IKE’s full-time, contract executive director since its inception.  He will be leaving IKE by September 2005 to pursue other opportunities outside Indiana. 

IKE’s top issue has been preventing lead poisoning.  IKE is also a leader in Indiana to reduce sewer overflows and air toxics, promote healthy homes, schools and childcare, and to reduce asthma. 

IKE’s Executive Director updates a website that averages 450 independent hits a day, publishes two newsletters, participates in 15 workgroups and committees, hosts an annual Indiana Lead-Safe and Healthy Homes Conference, conducts action-oriented research, and supports legislative efforts. 

For more information about IKE, check out www.ikecoalition.org, contact Tom Neltner at mccabe@ikecoalition.org or (317) 442-3973, or contact IKE’s President, Dick Van Frank, at vanfrank@ikecoalition.org or (317) 442-2531.

What qualifications are needed?

IKE is seeking an individual who has at least five years of post-academic experience working with coalitions, businesses or government agencies in a leadership role.  The person must have:

·        Strong networking skills that reach across traditional stakeholders to form partnerships and coalitions;

·        Outstanding ability to write persuasively in a variety of formats including email, newsletters and reports;

·        Outstanding ability to speak persuasively in both workgroups and in traditional public speaking settings;

·        Demonstrated track record of bringing about change especially in a legislative or regulatory setting; and

·        A bachelor’s degree with course work or experience in a health or science field. 

A strong candidate for an executive director will possess one or more of the following strengths:

·        Legal Ability.  While IKE does not engage directly in litigation, it actively works on legislation as the opportunity and need arises.  It also supports litigation by other parties to pragmatically pursue specific advocacy tools.  An executive director who is licensed to practice law in Indiana would benefit IKE.

·        Technical Ability.  IKE has earned a reputation for getting the facts and building sound policy around those facts.  An executive director with a scientific, health, or an engineering background and who was conversant with statistics and health-based science would benefit IKE.

IKE expects that the new Executive Director will bring his or her interests and experiences, and, in cooperation with the Board, adapt IKE’s priorities to find the best fit.  Certain core values and priorities are expected.  These include:

·        Emphasizing the public’s right-to-know about environmental threats to children;

·        Working cooperatively with stakeholders while being firmly focused on tangible, policy-oriented improvements to systems that protect children.

·        Continuing work on lead poisoning prevention including publication of newsletters and hosting an annual conference;

Why the change?

After six years of demonstrated success, IKE has become a powerful voice for children’s environmental health in Indiana.  After laying a solid foundation and securing stable funding, Tom Neltner has decided to leave to pursue other opportunities outside of Indiana. 

How to apply?

Applications will be reviewed as they are received.  To be considered, IKE must receive the applications no later than March 30, 2005.  Applicants must provide IKE with:

·        A cover letter explaining why they are interested in becoming IKE’s executive director;

·        Resume or curriculum vitae’;

·        Three references along with contact information; and

·        Two examples of writing with one writing designed for the general public and another providing technical or legal analysis. 

Email and fax applications preferred.  Applicants should send materials to IKE by:

·        Email at vanfrank@ikecoalition.org

·        Fax to (866) 234-8505

·        Mail to 5244 Carrollton Ave, Indianapolis, IN  46220

Announcement in pdf format.