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Position Description 

Position Title: Deputy Director

Reports to: Executive Director

FLSA Status: Exempt

Location: Juneau, Alaska, or remote Southeast Alaska

Salary: $130,000+ DOE

Deadline to Apply: Open until filled

About Spruce Root

Spruce Root, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) creating a sustainable future for Southeast Alaska’s people, communities and environment. We are shifting the paradigms of power to support localized economies grounded in Indigenous values and ways of living. Spruce Root is a team of ambitious people dedicated to a new way of working in our region; working collaboratively with others, prioritizing family and well-being, and honoring our ancestors while building for the future. As a federally-certified Native CDFI, Spruce Root works to create positive change and equitable access to economic development through financial products and services to individuals in Southeast Alaska. Other programs include Path to Prosperity, Resilience Circles, workforce development, financial wellness, community planning and facilitation, and the administration of the Sustainable Southeast Partnership (SSP) and the Seacoast Trust.

Job scope

The Deputy Director leads the operationalization of Spruce Root’s overall strategy and ensures effective programming, efficient operations, and well-being across the organization. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Deputy Director serves as a member of the Executive Leadership Team and is the person who turns shared vision into coordinated, day-to-day work. This is a role for a leader who understands the unique nuances of a remote work environment and finds meaning in building the systems, teams, and relationships that let others do their best work. The Deputy Director also serves as acting Executive Director when needed. 

Compensation:

• Starting annual salary: $130,000 DOE
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental and vision insurance as well as 401(k) retirement plan, a wellness program, personal leave, wellness leave, 12 weeks of sabbatical leave after five years of service, and professional development.  

Primary tasks and areas of responsibility 

• Lead annual action planning and goal setting across all programs
• Supervise and support Program Directors to ensure effective collaboration and alignment to achieve the organization’s mission
• Guide process enhancement for continuous excellence in program management
• Guide performance management standards and procedures that build a culture of accountability, learning, and care
• Lead major projects, processes, and initiatives that support the growth and strategic development of the organization
• Work collaboratively with the Executive Director on strategy for operational improvements as well as projects that drive towards the organizational mission
• Ensure collective staff leadership development through organizational trainings, annual evaluation process and other timely initiatives
• Lead decision-making pertaining to the implementation and use of software across the organization and ensure proper use by staff
• Develop mission-aligned opportunities
• Develop, update and implement internal standard operating procedures
• Identify and support strategies to finance community and regional priorities 
• Serve as a member of the Executive Leadership Team, contributing to organization-wide decisions and direction
• Supervise direct reports and manage their recruitment, training, and coaching
• Represent Spruce Root with partners, funders, and community members as needed
• Serve as acting Executive Director in the ED’s absence
• Other duties as assigned

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Understanding of the people, cultures, economies and lands of Southeast Alaska
• Ability to actively support Spruce Root’s commitment to Indigenous leadership, self-determination, and culturally grounded ways of working. 
• Ability to lead, plan, organize, control, and administer projects
• Ability to initiate and develop strategic plans and process improvements
• Ability to support, train, and grow productive team members, specifically at the Program Director level
• Ability to identify and bridge operational gaps
• Communication skills (written and oral) and ability to facilitate and speak in public settings
• Ability to work collaboratively with all levels of employees, management, external agencies, and philanthropic and impact investment partners 
• Knowledge of financial statements and GAAP standards
• Knowledge of grant writing and administration
• Ability to write and negotiate contracts and proposals to support programs
• Knowledge and skills in non-profit organizational management (preferred)
• Ability to excel in a fast-paced and dynamic environment

Required education and experience

• Education in public administration, business, finance, community development, economic development, or a related field, or equivalent experience
• Experience in community development or mission-driven, non-profit capacity
• Experience leading highly collaborative projects and programs
• Experience developing organizations and teams

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver’s license
• Satisfactory completion of a background check
• Satisfactory completion of a reference check

Working conditions:

• Standard 35-hour work week with occasional evening and weekend assignments
• The physical and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• Physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to walk, use hands to finger, handle objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; bending or crouching; talk or hear. The employee must be able to lift/carry and/or move up to 30 pounds safely. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Work environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions and other elements prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually minimal. This job requires regular travel in commercial planes, AMHS ferries, float planes, and twin engine planes.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

How to apply

Spruce Root is taking a thoughtful, deliberate approach to this hire so we can find a strong long-term fit for the role and our organization. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position will remain open until filled. Because we have not set a fixed decision timeline, some time may pass before we reach out about interviews or next steps. We encourage interested candidates to apply early and to let us know about any timelines or deadlines they are working within. This announcement will be removed from our website once the position has been filled.

To apply, send an email to aldyn@spruceroot.org with the subject line “[Deputy Director] – [YOUR NAME].”  

In the email, please include the following as a single PDF attachment:  

1. Your resume 
2. 1-page cover letter explaining your interest in the organization and position 
3. List of 3 professional references with contact information and relationship to you 
4. Short answers to the following questions: 
5. Where do you see yourself in 5 years and how will this position support you on that path? 
6. Spruce Root conducts background checks, is there anything you want to share with us about your background? 

In the body of the email, please also copy and paste the content of your short answers and include your name, phone number, and email address. As attention to detail is critical for success in this role, only applicants who follow these specific application guidelines will be considered.  

With the goal of providing equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, Spruce Root, Inc. bases its employment decisions on merit, qualifications, and abilities. Spruce Root, Inc. does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, pregnancy, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local law. Spruce Root, Inc.’s commitment to equal opportunity employment applies to all persons involved in the operations of Spruce Root, Inc., and prohibits unlawful discrimination by any employee of Spruce Root, Inc., including supervisors and coworkers. Spruce Root is committed to fostering a workplace that reflects the communities we serve. As an equal opportunity employer, we ensure a fair and inclusive hiring process and welcome all qualified applicants.

For questions regarding the position or employment at Spruce Root, please reach out to Aldyn Brudie, Administrative & Human Resources Director, at aldyn@spruceroot.org.