Director

Highstead is a non-profit, regional organization founded in 1982 that employs six staff members at its 100-acre site housing superb facilities, extensive forests, wetlands, open grasslands and unique collections of native trees and shrubs.  Major programs at Highstead coordinated by individual staff members include: Regional Conservation, Woodland and Wildlife Ecology, Landscapes and Plant Collections, and Public and Membership Outreach. Highstead is a growing organization that has recently expanded its staff, land base, facilities, endowment and membership.

Position Summary

We seek an experienced and motivated individual to direct all programs and administrative activities in support of Highstead’s conservation, ecological research, and outreach mission.

Responsibilities

The Director works at the direction of the Board and its Chair to refine and implement Highstead’s long-term vision for advancing its role in the conservation, ecology and interpretation of natural areas and native plants and animals, locally, regionally and nationally.

The Director is responsible for administrating Highstead’s facilities, personnel, lands, and botanical collections; promoting its ecological research and regional conservation efforts; developing outreach and education programs; producing print and electronic communications; hiring and supervising staff; developing and managing annual budgets; interacting with the membership and board; and designing and implementing the fundraising strategy. The Director also oversees visiting group activities and the undergraduate internship program, and represents Highstead locally, regionally and nationally at meetings, conferences and in the media.

Qualifications

Required - Masters or doctoral degree in an environmental or natural science and at least 6 years experience, including organizational management. Demonstrated leadership experience in administration, budget management, personnel management, communications and outreach, and facilities and landscape maintenance. Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills are essential. Ability to interact productively with staff and board members, visitors, neighbors, collaborators, and partnering organizations is critical. A successful candidate must be self-sufficient, detail-oriented, and a strong problem-solver.

Desired – Experience managing a conservation organization, natural area or biological field station; proven ability to facilitate research and outreach programs; background in communications, outreach and fundraising. Knowledge of the New England landscape and its conservation setting is highly desirable.

Terms and Compensation
The Directorship is a full time position that offers a competitive salary, commensurate with experience, and full benefits package.

For More Information
Information about Highstead and additional details about this position can be viewed at http://www.highstead.net/

To Apply
Send a curriculum vitae, a description of your relevant skills and work experiences, and a statement of your management philosophy, along with three confidential letters of recommendation sent on your behalf to: Director Search Committee, Highstead, PO Box 1097, Redding Center, CT 06875.

The position is available immediately. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. To guarantee consideration, applications must be received by May 2, 2008.