Executive Director

~ Cazenovia Preservation Foundation (CPF) is a private, non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization protecting important historic and agricultural resources in and around the Cazenovia community in central New York. ~

Since its founding in 1967, CPF has protected more than 2,696 acres of agricultural lands and 7 historic structures using perpetual conservation easements, and acquired over 410 acres of fee property that include 13 miles of trails that are open to the public for outdoor recreation. CPF was accredited by the Land Trust Alliance in July 2018. CPF receives most of its support from member contributions and from foundations through project-specific grants.

CPF recently completed an update to its Strategic Plan. In addition to continuing its preservation and stewardship mission, over the next five years CPF seeks to engage in a signature project to revitalize a priority property to achieve an enhanced use consistent with its natural and/or historic resources, improve public awareness of its mission and achievements, and expand opportunities for community engagement. To achieve these objectives, professionalize the operations of the organization, and increase financial capacity to meet the organization’s growing responsibilities, CPF is hiring its first Executive Director.

Position Overview

The Executive Director is a part-time (30-hours/week) position that reports to the Board of Directors. As CPF’s chief executive officer, the Executive Director will provide oversight to ensure CPF is meeting the goals of the Strategic Plan in accordance with the organization’s mission and in compliance with Land Trust Standards and Practices.

Responsibilities

The Executive Director will support and provide direction to part-time CPF staff and to working committees of the Board in the following programs:

Land Conservation, Historic Preservation and Signature Project:

• Design, implement, and manage land conservation and historic preservation programs in conjunction with the Board Committees, CPF staff, and project partners.
• Oversee the status of all CPF projects. Assist the Board with negotiations, contracts, and due diligence.

Fundraising and Donor Relations:

• The Executive Director will work closely with members of the Development Committee to identify, develop, and sustain sources of philanthropic support, including major gifts, foundation support, individual support and business donations to meet the growing needs of the organization and its expanding portfolio of properties.
• Support CPF staff and Board Committees to initiate, develop and implement fundraising strategies and coordinate fundraising events and enhance membership databases.
• Explore new potential grants and fundraising sources.
• Regularly report to the Board on development and fundraising activities.

Communications:

• Develop programs to build awareness of CPF’s mission and achievements.
• Craft an annual communications plan for the organization designed to improve the quality of the message and frequency of communications provided to the Cazenovia community regarding CPF’s mission and activities.
• Oversee work to produce and circulate promotional and informational materials to our members, stakeholders, project partners, local officials, and the general public through written and digital media.

Community Outreach and Education:

• Working with staff, Board, volunteers and others, oversee and coordinate outreach to Village and Town officials, the media, members, and the public at large.
• Oversee educational programs and events for the general public, school groups and other constituent groups.
• Communicate with other land trusts and local organizations on outreach efforts, education and issues of common interest.

Financial Management:

• Work with the Board Treasurer, Board Chair and others to prepare the annual budget for Board approval.
• Monitor activities to meet the budget.
• Coordinate financial audits and work with CPF’s accountant on necessary tax filings.
• Maintain records of all financial activities.
• With Board Treasurer, make regular financial reports to the Board.

Legal and Accreditation Compliance:

• Oversee and ensure compliance with state and federal non-profit corporation requirements, including 501(c)(3) issues and with the Land Trust Alliance Accreditation Board.
• Ensure required returns and reports are filed and taxes are paid when due.
• Monitor adherence to bylaws and accreditation requirements and alert the Board when changes may be necessary.

Strategic and Policy Planning and Development:

• Working with the Board and CPF staff, develop for Board review and approval a 5-Year Strategic Implementation Plan and budget that aligns with CPF’s Strategic Plan.
• Develop a detailed annual workplan and budget for Board review and approval.

Qualifications

The following are preferred qualifications for the position:

• A 4-year degree from an accredited institution in a relevant field;
• Demonstrated leadership skills;
• Experience working with a non-profit board of directors;
• Experience with membership development, fundraising and grant writing;
• A passion for the natural environment and knowledge of environmental issues, experience in land use and conservation preferred;
• Excellent writing and public speaking skills and strong interpersonal and communication skills;
• Experience with office computer applications and digital media platforms;
• Experience managing projects and budgets;
• Ability to take initiative and to work independently;
• Ability to work with and motivate people;
• Willingness to perform a range of tasks, from manual labor on a trail project to delivering a polished presentation to potential major donors; and,
• Knowledge of and connections to the Cazenovia community preferred.

Compensation

• CPF offers a salary commensurate with experience and skill set plus benefits consistent with the nature of the position.
• Salary is tied closely to the averages as noted in the LTA.org 2017 salary survey for land trusts of CPF’s size.

To Apply

• To be considered for this position, interested and qualified candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to Carlos Gavilondo, President.
• Application deadline May 20, 2019.