Executive Director Position Announcement

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Gardening Matters
Gardening Matters is seeking an Executive Director who will help grow the success and sustainability of community gardens by supporting the gardeners that make them happen. Gardening Matters connects gardeners with resources, training, and networking opportunities, provides public education, advocates for supportive community garden policies, and builds community and regional collaboration for the Good Food movement, embracing home gardening and community gardening as a vital part of a diverse, community-based food system. Gardening Matters models and advances the principles of shared leadership throughout its work.

Job Description
The Executive Director is responsible for the overall administration and management of Gardening Matters, including program oversight, fundraising, and general operations. The Executive Director provides organizational leadership by staying abreast of current opportunities, challenges, relationships, and advancements in the community and in the field, and uses this information and these connections to bring recommendations and informed guidance to the Board of Directors and program staff. The Executive Director will advance racial justice both within and external to the organization. This is a 35 hour per week position, hired by and directly accountable to the Board of Directors through its elected Board Chair.

The hiring range is $22-$24 per hour and includes PTO, life insurance, and disability insurance.

Primary duties include:
1. Human Resource Management

  •  Effectively manages the human resources of the organization according to authorized personnel policies and procedures that fully conform to current laws and regulations
  • Maintains current job descriptions for all staff members
  • Establishes yearly work plans for staff based on the overall strategic plan and meets regularly with each staff member to assess progress
  • Hires, trains, motivates, reviews, and if necessary, dismisses employees

2. Fundraising

  • Oversees fundraising planning and implementation, including identifying resource requirements, researching funding sources, establishing strategies to approach funders, submitting proposals and administrating fundraising records and documentation
  • Ensures that all contract and grant requirements are being met or exceeded
  • Establishes and oversees an individual giving plan

3. Board Administration and Support

  • Supports operations and administration of the Board of Directors, including strategic planning, meeting preparation, and other duties requested by the Board
  • Interfaces between Board and staff
  • Formulates policies and planning recommendations to the Board

4. Financial, Tax, Risk and Facilities Management

  •  Recommends yearly budget for Board approval and prudently manages organization's resources within those budget guidelines according to current laws and regulations
  • Sets and maintains financial operating procedures within the office and ensures adequate separation of duties and timely execution
  • Regularly assesses organizational risk and ensures that all tax and nonprofit filings are accurate and on-timeMaintains a clean, well-organized physical environment for staff to work in and oversees all general office procedures

5. Program Development and Evaluation

  • Works with the board and staff to develop effective, sustainable programming
  • Evaluates programs and focus areas on a regular basis

6. Policy and Advocacy

  • Maintains strong connections with local governments
  • Develops and advocates for appropriate policy change

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree or significant equivalent experience in a relevant field
  • At least 3 years of management experience demonstrating progressive responsibility and problem solving skills that includes staff management
  • Proven track record of successful fundraising, including grant writing, individual giving, sponsorship recruitment, and grant/contract management (foundations and governments)Solid knowledge of and experience with nonprofit budgeting and fiscal management; working knowledge of QuickBooks preferred
  • Experience working with a nonprofit board of directors, and comfortable in a small office setting, supporting a talented and dedicated staff
  • Excellent, effective verbal, written, and interpersonal skills
  • Basic computing skills and comfort with social media and multiple internet management tools (i.e. PayPal, Google Docs)
  • Knowledge of and passion for community gardening and the Good Food movement
  •  Flexible, organized, and able to prioritize

To apply: Send a cover letter, resume, and 3 references to gmedsearch@gmail.com by 5 p.m., August 31, 2012. No phone inquiries please.