Executive Director

Background:

The Soule Homestead Education Center in Middleborough,
Massachusetts, is seeking an Executive Director to lead the 11-year-old
nonprofit organization. Soule Homesteads mission is to preserve a
town-owned 90-acre historic rural property and operate it as a working
educational farm. The farm provides hands-on agricultural,
environmental, and cultural programs for all ages and demonstrates
humane and organic agricultural practices.

Soule Homesteads current Executive Director has taken the farm from
a startup to a highly successful, diverse operation with extensive adult
and childrens programming, long-standing leaseholders, a summer
concert series, a weekend harvest fair, many volunteer and
community-service projects, as well as its own vegetable and livestock
farming. This past year the nonprofit won a contested bid to renew its
lease from the town. The new Executive Directors first objective will be
to raise funding in order to hire additional staff for farm operations and
programs, while maintaining current activities. A committed and
enthusiastic board, volunteer pool, and part-time office manager are in
place to support this goal.

Job Summary:

The Executive Director oversees administration, programs, and farm
operations in accordance with the organizations mission and strategic
plan. S/he reports to the board of directors and supervises staff,
interns, and volunteers. The Executive Director also works
collaboratively with funding sources, committees, town and school
officials, other nonprofit and community groups, and the general public.

Duties:

The Executive Director manages all aspects of the organization,
including: administration, fiscal management, management of
leaseholders, hiring and supervision of staff, fundraising and
grantwriting, committees, coordination of programs and special events,
community outreach, membership and volunteer recruitment, building
maintenance, organic farming operations and livestock care.

Qualifications:

Bachelors degree preferred, plus a minimum of two years relevant
experience. Experience in the following areas is desirable: nonprofit or
business management, fundraising, volunteer recruitment, community
outreach, education, organic farming and livestock care. Of utmost
importance is the ability to work well with the public and colleagues,
inspiring enthusiasm and cooperation. Excellent organizational, written,
and verbal skills are required. The job requires the physical ability to
walk the property and perform farm chores as needed.

Terms:

Soule Homestead can negotiate a job package of salary, benefits, and
the possibility of on-site housing. Shared responsibilities between two
people could also be considered.

Resumes will be reviewed beginning March 1, 2003, until the job is
filled.

Application Instructions:

Send resume with salary requirements via post or email to:

D. Ciappina, Chair
Soule Executive Director Search Committee
55 South Main Street
Middleborough, MA 02346