Executive Director: Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia

The Executive Director position at the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia offers an exciting opportunity to lead a dynamic and growing organization dedicated to promoting safe and enjoyable bicycling throughout the Greater Philadelphia area. The role entails implementing the organization’s Strategic Roadmap 2023-2028 with a focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion while leading a team of 13 employees, and overseeing various programs, fundraising, and community outreach efforts. The successful candidate will have a proven track record in leadership and management, a commitment to diversity and inclusion, exceptional communication and relationship-building skills, and experience in fundraising and marketing. This leadership position provides a chance to make a significant impact on communities across the city and region through bicycling advocacy and infrastructure, while fostering partnerships, engaging with stakeholders, and furthering the organization’s mission. Individuals with a passion for safe streets and neighborhoods, familiarity with the region, and a dedication to diversity are strongly encouraged to apply.

About the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia

The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia (BCGP) is a dynamic and influential nonprofit organization leading the charge to create a safe and enjoyable cycling environment for everyone in the Greater Philadelphia region. Its mission is to advocate for and promote bicycling as a sustainable and equitable means of transportation and recreation. BCGP’s diverse programs span from advocating for the development of biking infrastructure and the Circuit Trails to implementing initiatives like Vision Zero for safer streets. BCGP hosts Signature Events such as “Bike Month”, “Bike to Work and Wherever Day”, and runs education programs including the Bicycle Coalition Youth Cycling Program, the Better Bike Share Partnership and Neighborhood Bike Hubs. Committed to fostering diversity and inclusion, BCGP is currently implementing a Strategic Roadmap 2023-2028, which includes a specific set of Equity Commitments.  These are intended to extend its work into all Philadelphia communities, especially low-income communities and communities of color, disproportionately impacted by traffic violence. BCGP maintains a hybrid schedule and a flexible working environment for its team.

Candidate Profile:

Highly favorable candidates will possess a combination of strong management skills, a commitment to the organization’s mission, and a track record of successful leadership in the non-private, non-profit, and/or public sectors.  They should have strong experience in senior management, demonstrating their ability to develop and implement effective strategies that lead to organizational growth and increased scale while driving more impactful outcomes. The ideal candidate must be passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion, and have a proven ability to both foster an inclusive and collaborative work environment and to develop programs that are meaningful to diverse communities.

Given the organization’s focus on advocacy and community engagement, favorable candidates will also have exceptional communication and relationship-building skills, enabling them to effectively engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including board members, partnering organizations, funders, local and regional leaders, and the diverse communities served by the Bicycle Coalition. Experience in fundraising and a proven ability to sustain and expand revenue-generating activities will be highly valued.

Furthermore, ideal candidates will have a strong marketing, public relations, and external communications background to enhance the organization’s brand and visibility. They will be adept at tailoring messages to various audiences, including staff, donors, media outlets, and government officials.

Favorable candidates need not be avid cyclists,  though they must have a deep appreciation for its importance as both a sustainable mode of transportation and recreational activity. Familiarity with the surrounding PA and NJ counties of Philadelphia is advantageous, as it will facilitate building partnerships and relationships throughout the region.

Professional Characteristics:

1. 1. Minimum 7 years of related professional experience that demonstrates management/leadership of increasing responsibility and complexity.
   2. Advanced organizational management skills with the ability to coach staff, manage, and develop high-performance teams, set and achieve strategic objectives, and manage a budget.
   3. Strong interpersonal skills as demonstrated by compassionate, courteous, cordial, cooperative, and professional interaction with diverse groups of coworkers, external business partners, and the community.
   4. Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and the ability to operationalize diversity, equity, and inclusion internally and programmatically.
   5. Ability to tailor messaging and communicate effectively with staff, community members, other non-profits, media outlets, employers, government and elected officials, donors, foundations, etc.
   6. Marketing, public relations, and fundraising experience with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders and cultures.
   7. Ability to effectively manage competing priorities and multiple tasks.
   8. Experience riding a bicycle for transportation or recreation (preferred).
   9. Extensive familiarity with the surrounding PA and NJ counties of Philadelphia (preferred).
   10.  Willingness to adhere to all COVID-19 precautions.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Management:

• Lead the organization to bring the new Strategic Roadmap 2023-2028 and Equity Commitments to life.
• Ensure ongoing programmatic excellence through program evaluation, and consistent quality of finance and administration, fundraising, and communications; recommend timelines and resources needed to achieve the strategic goals.
• Actively engage and energize the Bicycle Coalition board members, event committees, partnering organizations, and funders.
• Develop, maintain, and support a strong Board of Directors; serve as an ex-officio member of each committee; seek and build board involvement with strategic direction.
• Lead, coach, and develop BCGP’s leadership team

Fundraising & Communications:

• Sustain and expand revenue to support existing and new programs
• Deepen and refine all aspects of communications—from web presence to external relations with the goal of maintaining our strong brand.
• Use external presence and relationships to garner new opportunities.
• Create and maintain relationships with major donors and foundations.

Policy, Planning & New Business:

• Build partnerships in new markets, establishing relationships with funders and political and community leaders in each county.
• Be an external local and regional presence that communicates program results with an emphasis on the successes of the organization as a method of growing our membership base.
• Keep up-to-date on local, regional, and national policies and trends regarding bicycling.
• Complement the Policy Team on advocacy issues and relationships with leadership in government and civic organizations as necessary.

Compensation:

$115,000-$125,000 annually.  Generous PTO (10 days per year), vacation (15 days a year for new employees, increases to 20 after 2 years) and paid holidays (13 days). The office is closed for 1 week at the end of December.   Health and Dental Insurance aligned with nonprofit industry standards.  Employer-matched retirement program.

Organizational Information:

The Executive Director reports to an active and diverse Board of Directors currently comprised of 15 members (the by-laws allow for a membership of up to 23), representing the segments of the bicycle community, corporations, the professions, and other key constituencies.  The Executive Director leads a staff of 13;  their direct reports are a Deputy Director, a Finance and Operations Director, an Interim Development Director, and a Policy Director.

Relevant Financial Information:

As of the end of FY 2023, BCGP reported revenues of just over $1.7M.  It had a diversified funding base of which 37% was derived from foundations, 14% was from individual major donors, 11% came from sponsorship and events, and 10% came from household memberships.  The remainder was generated through earned revenue activities and miscellaneous sources.

Service Area / Industry Information:

Transportation and recreation policy & civic advocacy, environment, youth programs, traffic safety, community outreach.

Additional Information:

The Bicycle Coalition’s Core Values include Pursue Balance and Have Fun! We know the road to victory is long. We will balance work while having plenty of time for family, friends, and joyful bike rides.