Executive Director

~ Calvert Nature Society is dedicated to the protection and preservation of Calvert County’s natural heritage and the creation of an environmentally literate and aware community. ~

We provide opportunities for appreciation and understanding of our natural world through our outreach initiatives and in support of the mission of the Calvert County Natural Resources Division. Learn more about the Society at our website. 

Position Overview

The Executive Director is a part-time contract position for Calvert Nature Society, a park ‘friends’ group and land trust. The Executive Director implements the Society’s Strategic Plan and provides professional oversight for the organization and its volunteers.

The Executive Director is the lead fundraiser for the organization and will develop, sustain, cultivate and identify new sources of philanthropic support, including major gifts, foundation support, individual support and business donations.

The Executive Director provides leadership, identity and increased visibility in our region. He or she must be an excellent communicator, effective speaker, motivator and team builder. He or she must uphold the highest ethical standards at all times. In collaboration with the Society’s Board of Directors and staff, he or she will be able to articulate and convey a vision for the future of Calvert Nature Society and be able to translate our strategic goals into achievable objectives.

The Executive Director oversees administrative actions required for operations including budget, fiscal, payroll, personnel, purchasing and related actions, oversees capital projects.

The position works in partnership with the Chief of the Calvert County Division of Natural Resources. The position reports to the Board of Directors. See the full description here.

Responsibilities

Leadership:

• Provide leadership, vision, and focus for Calvert Nature Society
• Develop priorities and implement plans for programs in accordance with the Society’s strategic plan
• Achieve a return on investment for the Society’s land holdings by developing programs, revenue streams and more, in accordance with the Society’s strategic priorities
• Serve as the spokesperson and public face of Calvert Nature Society to the media, legislators, volunteers, members, donors, and partners
• Maintain and deepen a strategic partnership within Calvert County and beyond
• Serve as an inspiring leader and convener of environmental/parks organizations in Calvert County and the Chesapeake Bay region by developing and promoting shared goals

Development, Communications, Outreach/Advocacy:

• Act as the lead fundraiser for the organization, with support and guidance from the board
• Develop, sustain, cultivate and identify new sources of philanthropic support, including major gifts, foundation support, individual support and corporate and business donations
• Implement a Communications Plan that will increase the visibility of Calvert Nature Society and its issues
• Implement community outreach plans that engage the community
• Expand and develop new markets
• Increase the membership of the Calvert Nature Society
• Build and maintain a robust Calvert Stewards volunteer program
• Assist with the development of educational or information resources for the general public, fundraising programs, and staff
• Develop and implement an advocacy strategy for issues deemed important by the Calvert Nature Society
• Assist with the development of educational or information resources for the general public

Conservation/Land Trust:

• Oversee current properties and the acquisition of future properties
• Create strategies to promote and implement environmental policies and practices
• Move the Society toward Land Trust Accreditation
• Work with the board and staff to enhance the visitor and member experiences at nature parks
• Keep up to date with relevant changes in environmental legislation and initiatives
• Work with regulatory agencies and other local, state and national organizations to stay up to date on laws, practices and important legislation

Management:

• Enhance organizational capacity
• Manage the day-to-day operations of the organization
• Oversee the fiscal operations of Calvert Nature Society (with support from the Treasurer and contract accountant/bookkeeper), including upgrading for financial systems
• Attract and retain talented contract staff (e.g., land manager) and a robust volunteer corps to carry out the organization’s goals
• Support an engaged board of directors as it carries out its governance responsibilities
• Develop and expand the capacity of the Board of Directors
• Create strategies to promote and implement environmental policies and practices

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• A 4-year degree from an accredited institution in a relevant field (or equivalent work experience)
• At least 5 years of senior level experience in nonprofit/association management, preferably in conservation, natural resource management or similar

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to work independently. A self-starter, motivated by a job well done rather than an order taker; The ability to take the lead on projects
• Experience managing projects and budgets
• The ability to inspire others
• Attention to detail
• Good organizational skills and time management

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Principles and practices of nonprofit and land management
  • Demonstrated leadership skills, including collaborative management and supervisory skills and experience working with a non-profit board of directors
  • General knowledge of land trust principles, functions and systems
• Effective techniques of supervision
• Effective methods of fundraising in a nonprofit setting
  • Proven fundraising and project management experience
    A genuine interest in and understanding of environmental issues and legislation
    Experience with content management systems, volunteer tracking, and membership database management
• Ability to:
  • Develop and implement programs and services appropriate for the Society
  • Plan and direct Society operations
  • Manage staff/contractors, and volunteers, daily operations, and policy development and implementation
  • Manage events, from fundraisers to local cleanups
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; ability to work with and motivate people
  • Communicate effectively, using excellent oral, written and visual communication skills
  • Deal effectively with the public

Compensation

• Hours are dependent on job duties and programs, and will vary from week to week.
• There are weekends and evening obligations, as needed.
• Salary is dependent on experience.

To Apply

• Please click "Apply" below to upload your cover letter and resume.
• In the cover letter, please provide a brief vision for the Society, based on the Society’s strategic plan.
• No phone calls, please.