Overview of the Delta Vision Foundation

The Delta Vision Foundation was formed by members of the Delta Vision Blue Ribbon Task Force to encourage implementation of the Delta Vision Strategic Plan by monitoring, evaluating and providing information to the public about the progress of the State of California in implementing the Delta Vision recommendations as a set of integrated and linked actions to achieve the co-equal goals: (1) restore the Delta ecosystem; and (2) ensure water supply reliability.

The Delta Vision initiative was launched by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2006 to restore the viability of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Bay Delta and establish a sustainable management program. In November 2008 the Delta Vision Task Force released the Delta Vision Strategic Plan. In early 2009 former members of the Task Force reorganized as the Delta Vision Foundation (DVF) with non-governmental support. Since then the DVF has conducted ongoing analysis, issued public comment on the State's progress toward achieving the goals of the Delta Vision Strategic Plan, and presented information to policymakers, stakeholders and the public. Resource Media has acted as the fiscal agent for the DVF and has provided communications support, including developing a website, drafting and distributing mainstream and digital media, and facilitating public meetings.

With the enactment of State legislation intended to implement the Delta Vision Strategic Plan, the work of the Delta Vision Foundation is even more critical to ensure that the premise and principle of integrated and linked actions becomes the essential imperative and ethos of the initial stages of implementation - that the "Delta Vision" becomes the bedrock of California water policy and the culture of water resource management. It is with this understanding of this pivotal point in time that the David and Lucile Packard Foundation and the S.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation each have provided seed funding over two years to support the DVF in pursuing three objectives:

• Visibility of Integrated and Linked Recommendations: Promote ongoing visibility of the integrated and linked recommendations set forth in the Delta Vision Strategic Plan to achieve the co-equal goals to: (1) restore the Delta ecosystem and (2) ensure water supply reliability.
• Effective Implementation: Assess the effectiveness of the State of California in implementing the Delta Vision Strategic Plan, including progress in implementing enacted legislation and regulations intended to achieve the purpose and outcomes in the Strategic Plan.
• Authoritative Information: Serve as an authoritative information source regarding the progress of and outcomes in implementing the Delta Vision Strategic Plan.

The Delta Vision Foundation Board of Directors also is moving ahead to establish an independent status as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, with the charitable purpose of:

Responsibilities and Duties of the Delta Vision Foundation Executive Director

The Executive Director will be responsible for the overall executive leadership, development and management of the Delta Vision Foundation to achieve the three primary objectives:

• Promote ongoing visibility of the integrated and linked recommendations set forth in the Delta Vision Strategic Plan to achieve the co-equal goals to: (1) restore the Delta ecosystem and (2) ensure water supply reliability for California.
• Assess the effectiveness of the State of California in implementing the Delta Vision Strategic Plan, including progress in implementing enacted legislation and regulations intended to achieve the purpose and outcomes in the Strategic Plan.
• Serve as an authoritative information source regarding the progress of and outcomes in implementing the Delta Vision Strategic Plan.

The Executive Director responsibilities will include both the administrative and program functions of the Delta Vision Foundation. Resource Media will serve as the fiscal agent for the initial two-year funding from the David and Lucile Packard and S.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundations and will support and assist the Delta Vision Foundation in preparing and distributing information to the media and public. However, the Executive Director will be the principal individual conducting all professional work for the Delta Vision Foundation and must be able to perform the full range of responsibilities as delineated below without additional staff support. The specific responsibilities and duties will include but are not limited to the following:

• Write and prepare all agendas and minutes for the DVF Board of Directors Meetings.
• Arrange for and staff all meetings of the DVF Board of Directors.
• Develop for Board approval the detailed annual work plans to achieve the priority objectives for the Delta Vision Foundation as funded by the Foundations. The work plans shall include metrics for evaluation of impact.
• Implement the work plans and prepare quarterly written progress reports to DVF Board.
• Monitor the progress of the State of California in implementing the Delta Vision Strategic Plan, including reviewing all work plans and documents prepared by the Delta Stewardship Council and Water Commission, attending the meetings of these entities, and meeting with experts and stakeholders as appropriate to assess status of implementation.
• Prepare written quarterly summaries on progress in implementing the Delta Vision Strategic Plan, submit them to the DVF Board, and post the approved documents on the website.
• Update and refine the proposed framework and format for the annual DVF "Report Card" on the progress being made by in implementing the Delta Vision Strategic Plan.
• Organize and convene experts and stakeholders as directed by the Board to obtain input and feedback on the "Report Card" framework and format. Further update and refine the "Report Card" framework and format for DVF Board adoption.
• Annually prepare a draft "Report Card" for Board consideration and approval. Obtain input from experts and stakeholders to the substance of the "Report Card" as directed by the Board.
• Work with Resource Media to prepare and implement an annual communications plan, including assisting with drafting guest articles and opinion editorials from DVF Directors.
• Plan and organize other meetings with experts and stakeholders as directed by the Board.
• Serve as a principal representative and spokesperson for the Delta Vision Foundation before public agencies, stakeholder groups and the media.
• Develop and maintain good working relationships with the Delta Stewardship Council, Water Commission, other relevant State and federal agencies, policymakers, stakeholders and the media.
• Prepare requisite corporate policies and develop and implement all necessary management systems, including maintaining organized files of all official records.
• Work with legal counsel to secure approval of State and IRS non-profit status and ensure that all requisite reports are submitted to the State and federal agencies.
• Maintain close working relationship with Resource Media as the fiscal agent and ensure all fiscal agency responsibilities are completed appropriately, including requisite annual audits.
• Seek additional funding for the Delta Vision Foundation, including identifying prospective funders, writing proposals, and following up with communications to interested foundations.

Quality Performance Requirements for Executive Director

The Delta Vision Foundation Executive Director is expected to: work diligently and complete responsibilities in a timely manner; work cooperatively with others; treat others fairly, honestly and with respect; and adhere to the highest possible code of ethics. In addition, the Executive Director is expected to:

• Achieve the highest possible standards for performance and quality of work products, including clarity, coherence and consistency in articulating an overall vision and direction.
• Produce highest-possible quality written documents to ensure maximum effectiveness in communications. Essential aspects of quality written documents include, but are not limited to:
• Compliance with the DVF writing style guidelines and universally-recognized rules of grammar, punctuation, and spelling, as well as parallel construction of sentences, paragraphs and documents.
• Precision and accuracy in presentation of data, statistics, and conclusions.
• Consistency in use of concept descriptions and preferred terminology set forth in base program documents.
• Consistency and logic in formatting and headings.
• Accuracy and consistency in details, such as names, abbreviations, dates, and numbers.
• Perform efficiently under specified timeframes and with the highest-possible standards for quality work, including managing numerous tasks simultaneously.
• Operate a computer proficiently using Word, PowerPoint and Excel (PC/Windows platform).
• Comply with all corporate policies adopted by DVF, including but not limited to: Code of Ethical Conduct; Nondiscrimination Policy; and Conflict of Interest Policy.

(These Quality Performance Requirements shall apply to all DVF personnel, including consultants.)

Compensation

The compensation for the Executive Directors will be based on applicant's salary history coupled with a mutual agreement regarding the amount of time required to complete the scope of work and carry out the responsibilities and duties delineated above. The Executive Director may be able to secure additional funding that adds to the available resources, but the initial compensation will be based on a conservative and prudent use of available seed funding from the David and Lucile Packard Foundation and the S.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation.

Instructions to Apply

Interested individuals should submit the following information as soon as possible. Candidates will be screened and considered as applications are received. The position will remain open until filled.

• Letter with Statement of Interest
• Resume
• Compensation History (salary and compensation for current and previous two positions)
• Answers to Questions (see below - please limit answers to 2 pages total)
• References (at least 5 individuals)

Please send submission both electronically and in hard copy to:
Delta Vision Foundation Board of Directors
c/o Resource Media
325 Pacific Avenue, Third Floor
San Francisco, California 94111
Nicole@resource-media.org

Submissions will be reviewed as received and the Delta Vision Foundation Board of Directors may select a qualified applicant to serve as DVF Executive Director before the above deadline. Thus, interested persons are encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible.

Questions for Application

• Why do you want to serve as the Executive Director of the Delta Vision Foundation and what skills and experiences make you especially qualified to achieve the mission?
• What do you consider to be the key provisions of the Delta Vision Strategic Plan and why?
• What kind of an approach would you recommend as a framework for developing and preparing an annual "Report Card" on progress in implementing the Delta Vision Strategic Plan?
• Which individuals and organizations throughout California do you consider key expert resources and stakeholders whom the Delta Vision Foundation should consult in preparing the annual "Report Card"?
• What will you accomplish in the first 90 days to ensure that the Delta Vision Foundation can achieve the objectives and commitments to the seed funders?