Northwest Hydroelectric Association

Executive Director Position Description

The Northwest Hydroelectric Association seeks an exceptional leader ready to champion clean energy. This is your chance to lead a thriving, member-driven association amplifying the voice of hydropower at a defining moment in the region’s energy future. If you are a bold, relationship-driven executive who thrives at the intersection of community, leadership, and programming, this is the role you have been waiting for. 

Organization Overview

The Northwest Hydroelectric Association (NWHA) was established in 1981 and incorporated in Oregon as a 501(c)(6) non-profit trade organization. NWHA unites passionate hydropower leaders through knowledge sharing and collaborative networking, so that together we are the recognized authority on hydropower in our Northwest communities. 

NWHA members include 146 organizational members representing all segments of the hydropower industry – independent developers and energy producers, public and private utilities, manufacturers and distributors, water and irrigation districts, consultants, financiers, and contractors. Current members own and provide services to hydropower facilities in the states of Alaska, California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Western Canada.

The association is governed by a 21-member Board of Directors. NWHA is in a strong membership and financial position with a current annual operating budget of nearly $750,000. NWHA’s member volunteers are the moving force of the association, contributing their efforts through the Board of Directors, serving on various committees, and participating in our annual conference and other association-sponsored events. Visit www.nwhydro.org for more information.

Executive Director

The Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief executive of NWHA in accordance with the By-laws and its policies and directives. The ED is the face and spokesperson of NWHA, responsible for the active management of the day-to-day operations and interactions with members, trade associations, agencies, and external contacts. The ED reports to the President and Board of Directors and takes a leadership role in the implementation of the Strategic Plan and annual strategic initiatives.

Through program and fiscal management, the ED strives to achieve quality in services and strategic growth in membership, while assisting the all-volunteer Board in maintaining a leadership role in promoting hydropower.

The ED must possess a high level of comfort with assessing both current and emerging issues, developing communications materials, and advocating on behalf of the industry’s interests. The ED must be committed to operating in a volunteer-staff partnership, working effectively with volunteers and outside services to meet the needs of NWHA’s membership and partners. The ideal candidate is highly relational, working with internal and external stakeholders with confidence and ease. The ED has a strategic mindset to identify priorities of the industry and implement programs to address industry needs. The position requires a highly organized executive who can operate autonomously with demonstrated ability to perform as a self-starter.

This is a full-time exempt position. The ED works remotely and may supervise contracted or other services remotely. Living within the region is highly desirable.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

Under the general direction of the President and Board of Directors, the Executive Director seeks to meet the needs of the membership across the following areas:

Membership

• Work with prospective companies to create new membership opportunities; recruit new and retain existing members
• Develop communications to ensure member engagement; provide to Admin for publishing
• Sustain member engagement at a high level to strengthen committee activities
• Engage and communicate frequently with the membership through broadcast email announcements, social media, and at conferences and workshops

Strategic Leadership

• The ED identifies strategic priorities and then works with the board and staff to implement priorities to develop both programming and revenue to support those activities
• The ED works to identify emerging topics, conversations, and programming to represent the association and region in meeting the mission of the association

Board Coordination

• Prepare board communications, including minutes, agendas, and documents related to the board and permanent record
• Prepare financial reports and other documents for board discussion
• Prepare all support documents needed for the board’s annual retreat
• Work with the board on strategic plans
• At the request of the President, schedule conference calls with the Executive Committee to discuss emerging issues, progress on past action items, and new action items

Team Management

• Nurture and develop staff and consultants to ensure they are well supported
• Hiring and termination of staff and consultants
• Review performance for staff and consultants
• Coordinate and administer contracted services and staff resources

Event Oversight

• Provide strategic direction and oversight of staff and consultants to ensure that the event budgets are appropriate
• Provide thought leadership and accountability to events to ensure smooth execution of the Annual Conference and regional events

Sponsorships

• Develop and secure sponsorships for annual programs and regional events
• Hand off tasks once secured to the events manager

Committee Support

• Coordinate and cooperate with Committee Chairs and Vice Chairs to assist committees in carrying out their ongoing functions and strategic initiatives
• Support the President and Executive Committee in determining the direction of NWHA through identification and implementation of annual strategic initiatives in accordance with the Strategic Plan
• Work with the Executive Committee and the Legal/Regulatory Committee to advocate for NWHA’s interests in policy and regulatory venues at the national, regional, and state levels

Recordkeeping

• Maintain permanent records according to Oregon law (NWHA incorporated in Oregon)
• Maintain IRS Form 990 tax returns and related materials
• Manage state and federal registrations required by law
• Maintain “registered agent” status in Oregon and report transactions required by the Attorney General’s office or the Revenue Department
• Maintain the Association’s corporate records and ensure compliance with all applicable laws and legal requirements
• Oversee NWHA website content and site maintenance

Accounting

• Make deposits; check PO Box
• Provide financial reports to the treasurer and interactively communicate on financial issues
• Operate bill pay online with oversight from the treasurer
• Prepare annual budget draft for board approval and manage expenses within budget categories
• Oversee development of IRS filings
• Work with the treasurer and executive committee on investing reserve funds
• Review bank accounts and credit cards online regularly; the treasurer also has access for oversight
• Oversee risk management: updates to insurance programs and onsite event coverages
• Prepare spreadsheets as required for association programs
• Provide up-to-date financial information to the Treasurer and Executive Committee to help manage strategic, technical, operational, and financial needs

External Activities

• Be the voice and face of NWHA priorities on regional and national associations, congresses, and forums
• Steward strategic partnership with stakeholders that promote NWHA’s mission

Communications

• Help prepare communications materials and disseminate to the media
• Develop and publish member-facing communications; coordinate with Admin for distribution
• Set up, conduct, and document web-based conference calls for organizational matters, executive-level issues, and technical committee activities

Requisite Background, Experience, and Qualifications

All highly qualified candidates for the Executive Director position should possess the following:

• A minimum of 5 years of proven successful executive leadership and management experience in a diverse and decentralized nonprofit association or other relevant executive leadership and management experience
• A bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution in a relevant area such as public administration, business management, law, science, engineering, or other fields related to the hydropower industry
• Strong collaborative, knowledge-based leadership qualities and the ability to operate in a constantly changing environment with a largely volunteer organization
• Well-developed communications skills, both written and verbal
• The vision to anticipate the future needs of the organization and the ability to recommend and initiate productive actions to meet those needs
• A proven track record in successfully dealing with complex issues and relationships
• Strong strategic planning and operational implementation experience
• Experience working with policymakers and government agencies to educate and influence policy
• Event experience in planning and executing events
• Broad knowledge of the hydropower industry specifically, and the electric power industry generally
• Computer literacy for administrative, technical, and communications needs and general business knowledge
• Ability to work remotely with the Executive Committee, Board, members, and affiliated associations
• The ability to set up, conduct, and document web-based conference calls for organizational matters, executive-level issues, and technical committee activities
• Ability to work independently with efficiency, flexibility, and self-motivation
• The ability to travel, nationally and regionally, in support of NWHA’s objectives and external alliances

Compensation, Availability, and Location

NWHA will provide a competitive compensation package to attract the right candidate.

• Compensation Package: The compensation package starts at $100,000+ based on qualifications and experience, as well as the ED’s geographic location. Compensation will include personal leave and options for health benefits and retirement contributions
• The Executive Director will work remotely; living within the region is highly desirable

Submittal for Consideration

Please send a cover letter describing how your qualifications and interests align with the expectations of the position, a current resume, compensation expectations, and three professional references to: ED@nwhydro.org. Interested applicants need to apply by May 11^th to be considered for this position. 

Please do not contact NWHA staff or Board members regarding the position. Please send any questions to the above email address; responses will be shared with all candidates.

NWHA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to dive