Executive Director

Southeastern Vermont's leading environmental education and conservation organization seeks a dynamic and inspiring leader to envision, develop and implement a wide variety of environmental initiatives.

The Bonnyvale Environmental Education Center (BEEC) is a member-based, nonprofit organization founded in 1991 to develop a more ecologically informed and involved citizenry through education and action in order to enhance the vitality of southern Vermont's bioregion.

BEEC Background:

Programs:  BEEC offers a wide variety of environmental education and conservation programs to adults and children of all ages, including:

• School-based natural science programs, which meet Vermont's Framework of Standards and Learning Opportunities   
• Youth nature camps during the winter, spring, and summer   
• After-school outdoor adventure programs for low-income kids   
• Watershed stewardship research and action projects   
• Citizen-based reptile and amphibian conservation initiatives   
• "Big Night" Salamander Crossing Brigades Project   
• Citizen science workshops and trainings   
• Natural history programs   
• Wildlife conservation projects   
• Sunday morning adventure hikes   
• Biodiversity education, planning and protection initiatives   
• Presentations on land use issues of regional concern   
• Interpretive hiking trails at Heifer Hill   
• A soon-to-be completed natural science museum

Facilities:  BEEC's facilities are located at Heifer Hill in West Brattleboro, Vermont and include an office, classroom, two single-family rental units, a greenhouse/tool shed, various outbuildings, 66 acres of managed fields and forests, and 2.5 miles of marked hiking trails.

Board and Staff:  BEEC is governed by a 9-11 member board of directors, which meets monthly. The Board is responsible for setting overall policy for the organization and hiring and evaluating the Executive Director. The Executive Director is given broad discretion in management, but is expected to bring major policy recommendations to the board for discussion and approval.

BEEC has two full-time and two part-time staff members, including the executive director, school and camp programs coordinator, and two naturalist educators, as well as seasonal camp counselors and an onsite grounds-keeper. The professional staff is assisted by volunteers and interns.

Budget:  The annual operating budget for 2005 is approximately $150,000. Income is derived from seven major sources: donations, memberships, grants, rental income, endowment income, program income, and special events. 

Qualifications and Responsibilities:

The Executive Director is responsible for the overall day to day administration of the organization.

Applicants interested in this position should have a minimum of three years experience in organizational management (preferably nonprofit), including experience in fundraising/grant writing, property management, staff supervision, events coordination, and public relations, and should be skilled in the areas of staff and volunteer development and motivation, program planning, financial management and budgeting, donor/member cultivation, and working with a board of directors.

A strong commitment to environmental education and conservation, excellent writing and public speaking skills, strategic thinking, and a demonstrated "can-do" entrepreneurial spirit are required. Proficiency in using Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher and Access is essential.

Compensation:

The annual salary range is $37,000 to $43,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Closing Date:  December 12, 2005 

To Apply:

Applicants should include a letter describing their qualifications and experience as it relates to the BEEC Executive Director responsibilities, as well as a current resume. Please send applications to:

Kathleen White, BEEC President
27 Greenhill Pkwy
Brattleboro VT  05301-6255