Deputy Executive Director

Deputy Executive Director

The West Virginia Municipal League (WVML or “the League”) is hiring a Deputy Executive Director to assist in the organization’s administration and management, advocacy, and promotion of municipal government in West Virginia. The position reports directly to the Executive Director. WVML has an engaged Board of Directors and a small but passionate staff who help each other in their work supporting municipal governments and local elected officials.

The ideal candidate will be collaborative, a confident public speaker and communicator, and have experience with event organization and promotion. They will also share in the League’s commitment to local government and optimism for the future of municipalities in West Virginia. 

This is an excellent opportunity for candidates who believe that the most effective government is the government closest to the people and that transformative change is possible at the grassroots level. 

Who We Are

The West Virginia Municipal League is a non-partisan, non-profit association of cities, towns, and villages across West Virginia. The organization provides advice, legislative advocacy, and education for elected officials and municipal staff. WVML holds two conferences for its membership per year, one in August, and one during regular sessions of the West Virginia Legislature. Additionally, the League provides training, educational opportunities, and facilitates communication to and between elected officials and municipal staff, state agencies, and other committed partners

What You’ll Do

The Deputy Executive Director is a role that requires professionalism and leadership. Under the governance of the Executive Director and in partnership with staff, the Deputy Executive Director works daily to carry out the mission of the organization. 

The Deputy Executive Director is responsible for the following areas of activity:

• Member Engagement and Outreach
  • Initiate and maintain active engagement and relationship building with our members and organizational partners that work with the League;
  • Support and participate in state, regional, and national networks to which the League is committed;
  • Maintain, plan, and execute strategies for communication and social media usage to engage membership and promote League and member success.

• Legislative Advocacy
  • Establish and maintain relationships with state agency and state legislative representatives;
  • Assist with bill tracking and member interaction during legislative sessions;
  • Assist with data gathering and strategic fact finding related to proposed legislation.

• Board of Directors Assistance.
  Assist in the management and oversight of the Board of Directors, including:
  • Maintaining and strengthening relationships with individual board members; 
  • Assisting with Board committee meetings; 
  • Assisting in planning and participating in quarterly Board meetings. 

• Event Planning and Participation.
  • Assist with content development for conferences and training sessions;
  • Support and participate in execution of conferences and training sessions;
  • Support and participate in staff meetings and staff retreats. 

Keys to Success

The Deputy Executive Director is responsible for the achievement of the organization’s mission and financial objectives. 

To be successful in this job, you will excel in five areas:

1. Setting and Managing Priorities: You are comfortable working independently on tasks but oriented towards supporting a team environment. You are comfortable managing competing demands on your time and are skilled at knowing how to be flexible in setting and communicating priorities.
2. Leadership: You have personal and organizational leadership skills. You might have previous experience at a nonprofit organization or in local government and have an understanding of how these organizations work.
3. Public Speaking and Communication: You are comfortable communicating with a variety of stakeholders and colleagues across multiple means of communication. You are skilled at making clear requests and listening and understanding complex requests. You have experience with public speaking and are comfortable representing the League at public events and conferences. You are comfortable leading or participating in internal meetings and meetings with external partners.
4. State/Federal Government Advocacy: You have experience with communicating policy issues to elected officials and agency personnel in a non-partisan collaborative manner. You are able to work on “both sides of the aisle” to further policy goals and to represent the interests of local government. 
5. Passion for West Virginia: You know and care deeply about West Virginia. You are familiar with the social and cultural factors of the region and understand the challenges and opportunities that face the region. You have optimism for the future of West Virginia and want to be part of the solutions to improve West Virginia communities and help its cities, towns, and villages succeed. 

What Else You Should Know

The salary for this full-time position will be negotiated with the applicant and will be based on

qualifications and experience. The expected starting salary will be between $57,000 – $62,000.

The League provides generous benefits for full-time employees. These benefits include 100% paid PEIA health insurance, vision, and dental benefits. Employees accrue paid sick leave at a rate of ½ day per calendar month of service and new employees receive 10 days of paid vacation, with the opportunity for more to recognize years of service. The League recognizes 13 paid holidays. Employees of the League are enrolled in the WV Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). The League also values personal and professional development for all employees and gives opportunities for this growth throughout the year. 

This position is full-time and is based in Charleston, West Virginia. The League maintains permanent office space at 2020 Kanawha Boulevard East, in Charleston. Employees may work remotely on an occasional basis, but are expected to keep regular in-office hours.  

Willingness to travel and work flexible hours is required for this position. Regular in-state and occasional out-of-state travel is expected. This role includes regular travel to events and meetings throughout West Virginia (both day and overnight trips), and out-of-state overnight travel 3-4 times per year. Events may happen during evenings or weekends but are scheduled in advance so that staff may coordinate their schedules accordingly. The League’s annual conference requires that all staff be present on site for an entire week. All travel expenses are paid by the League or are reimbursable, and travel may often be done in coordination with other staff.

We strongly encourage applications from people who have a passion for West Virginia and are excited to aid in the growth and development of its cities, even if their professional experience does not align perfectly with the expectations listed. The League is an equal opportunity employer and works to create a favorable work environment in which all employees can enjoy equal opportunities in their employment.

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted with the following documents attached:

• Cover letter explaining:
  • your interest in this position, 
  • your relevant skills, expertise and experience, and 
  • why you are the best candidate.
• Resume, including detailed relevant job experience
• 3 professional references, including emails and phone numbers

Apply Here