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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ARIZONA METH PROJECT

Overview

The Arizona Meth Project seeks a proven leader for the position of Executive Director. The Executive Director is responsible for the overall management of the Arizona Meth Project including fundraising, strategy, operations, marketing and public relations, partner management, and administration.

The Arizona Meth Project is a large-scale prevention program, aimed at significantly reducing first-time Meth use through public service messaging, public policy, and community action. The Arizona Meth Project's messaging campaigns leverage TV, radio, outdoor advertising, newspapers, and the Internet.

The Project also organizes and participates in a broad range of community action programs that mobilize communities to assist in Meth awareness, prevention and education activities. The community action initiatives strive to educate teens on the consequences of Meth use, increase the awareness of the critical nature of the Meth problem, and increase public dialogue to find solutions.

At the core of the Arizona Meth Project's efforts is research-validated, high-impact advertising that graphically communicates the risks of Meth use. Using consumer marketing strategies as the basis for its outreach, the Meth Project aims to inform potential Meth consumers about the product attributes and consequences associated with methamphetamine.

The Meth Project has been repeatedly cited as a powerful private sector response to a devastating social problem. It was recognized by the White House as one of the nation's most powerful, creative anti-drug programs and by Barron's as one of the five most successful philanthropic projects in the world. The Meth Project has won 45 advertising awards, including 11 Gold ADDY Awards, 19 Silver ADDY Awards, 2 Gold Effie Awards, and the Cannes Lions Award at the Cannes International Advertising Festival.

First launched in Montana as the Montana Meth Project in 2005, the Meth Project has achieved substantial results. Meth use among teens in Montana has declined 63%, Meth-related crime has dropped 62%, and workers testing positive for Meth have declined 72%. The Arizona Meth Project has shown similar results. The Arizona Criminal Justice Commission's 2008 Arizona Youth Survey is a bi-annual assessment of substance abuse and other high-risk youth behavior in Arizona. After eighteen months of the Arizona Meth Project campaign, the report shows past month teen Meth use declined 56%1 and lifetime teen Meth use declined 48%2.

The Montana Meth Project, Idaho Meth Project, Illinois Meth Project, Wyoming Meth Project, Hawaii Meth Project, Colorado Meth Project, and the Georgia Meth Project, have chosen to implement the Meth Project in their respective states.

Position Description

The Executive Director will provide overall leadership and management of the Arizona Meth Project. The Executive Director will work collaboratively with the Arizona Meth Project Board and Advisory Council, the Meth Project staff, and community stakeholders to execute the Arizona Meth Project's strategic plan.

Responsibilities

  • Fundraising: Develop and execute programs to achieve fundraising goals. Build capacity to access private and public revenue sources, including private donor and local and state government funding programs. Write grant proposals and reports, and maintain accountability to, and communication with, funders.
  • Program and Staff Management: Oversee organizational development and day-to-day operations of the Arizona Meth Project. Develop and implement community action plans to promote awareness and prevention. Cultivate and maintain positive and productive relationships with key constituencies in Arizona. Ensure access to schools for community outreach and survey program execution. Recruit, train, and mentor staff. Build a network of active volunteers to deliver Meth prevention programs in communities across the state.
  • Public Relations and Communications: Serve as the primary spokesperson for the Arizona Meth Project in all dealings with the community and the media. Actively promote the Arizona Meth Project through community presentations, bylined articles, and press relations. Provide access to community contacts for story development.
  • Financial Management and Operations: Manage all aspects of organizational finances to ensure short- and long-term fiscal health, including preparation of annual budget, oversight of accounting activities, and monitoring of cash flow.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Passion for the mission of the Arizona Meth Project is essential. Candidates will not only possess outstanding management and communications skills but will also be a strong advocate for the Project's mission and vision.
  • Minimum of 7 to 10 years experience in senior level management, strategic planning, program development, and staff management.
  • Successful track record of fund raising from private and public sources to secure funding in excess of $3 million.
  • Experience in community development and/or youth education and domain expertise in substance abuse, treatment, or prevention desirable.
  • Solid financial management skills with a track record of managing budgets preferably in excess of $3 million annually.
  • Proven operational and project management skills are critical, including the ability to manage diverse projects and multiple priorities under aggressive timelines and expectations.
  • Strong networking skills and the ability to work with a variety of partners, including governmental, nonprofit, educational, faith-based, and corporate agencies.
  • Demonstrated communications expertise, superior public speaking skills and a clear and persuasive writing style required.
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to inspire and lead staff and volunteers.
  • Bachelor's degree required, MPA, M.Ed. or related degree or equivalent level of education desirable.
  • Statewide travel required.

Compensation

  • Compensation will be commensurate with experience and competitive in the industry.

Email resume and cover letter to ERaden@arizonamethproject.org

1 Arizona Criminal Justice Division, 2008 Arizona Youth Survey, Shining Light on Arizona Youth.
2 Ibid.