Executive Director

Armand Bayou Nature Center (ABNC) is a private nonprofit organization supported by the public. ABNC preserves and manages 2,500 acres of wetland prairie, forest, and marsh habitat surrounding Armand Bayou in Pasadena and Houston.

Founded in 1976, ABNC now offers many opportunities for the residents of the greater Houston area to "reconnect with nature" through guided excursions, weekend activities, educational programs for children and adults, environmental preservation volunteer events, scouting activities, and hiking over 5 miles of trails through various ecosystems.

The Executive Director directly supervises a full-time staff of 7, a part-time staff of 3, and a corps of dedicated volunteers who number over 200. Personnel management and staffing are integral parts of the position. The 2007 budget for the Center is approximately $650,000.00. 

Scope & Responsibilities

The Executive Director is the chief executive staff position, reporting to the Board of Trustees through the Executive Committee and the President of the Board. The responsibilities are broad and involve the oversight of all major functions of the organization. 

The Executive Director will operate at all levels, from providing day-to-day management of staff to providing leadership to the Board of Trustees.

Responsibilities include: 

Strategic Leadership

· Along with the Board, set the vision for the Center's future.
· Provide leadership to the Board and staff to pursue this vision.
· Identify and assess possibilities for the future direction of the Center to keep it vigorous and relevant to the Greater Houston community.
· Develop and maintain effective relationships with the community, Center constituents, the ABNC Foundation, donors, and partners.
· Develop and manage the operating budget and other fiscal resources.
· Develop a plan to increase and sustain membership. 

Philanthropic Resource Development and Fundraising: Plan and execute the fundraising campaigns and special or capital campaigns. 

Public/Private Partner Relations 

· Manage and coordinate relevant activities with the ABNC Foundation.
· Serve as liaison to community organizations, local businesses, foundations, major donors, and manufacturing and educational institution partners
· Serve as representative to other governmental and quasi-governmental entities. 

Board Relations 

· Work with the Nominating Committee and Board President to identify and cultivate prospective Board members.
· Communicate with the Board on a regular basis about matters of policy and progress toward goals. 

Communications, Public Relations, and Marketing 

· Serve as a key public spokesperson and representative for the Center and develop a leadership position within the educational/scientific/cultural community.
· Continue to effectively build the Center's visibility through media channels, speaking engagements, and participation in associations and clubs.
· Effectively represent the Center to all community, professional, governmental, civic, and private organizations.
· Develop key messages about the organization and its goals and ensure that this information is disseminated.
· Continue efforts to increase revenue for ABNC. 

Center Projects 

· Represent the Center and the interests of its donors while working closely with the Board and the Foundation to prioritize and plan capital projects.
· Supervise the release of funds for capital projects, ensuring their appropriate and fiscally responsible use. 

Qualifications

The Board seeks an individual with strong leadership experience and the ability to inspire staff, volunteers, and Board members to achieve results. The individual will have a demonstrated passion for and understanding of the major environmental issues related to the mission of Armand Bayou Nature Center.

The candidate will be an experienced and successful fundraiser who not only can plan and execute annual and capital campaigns, but also is comfortable with and eager to participate in solicitation of major gifts. He/She will have experience in fundraising in a nonprofit organization, preferably an organization that is supported by major individual gifts.

The candidate will possess 5 or more years of experience as a senior manager responsible for financial management, including forecasts, budgets, and cost control. He/She will be familiar with nonprofit management, reporting, finance, and operations.

The candidate will possess the ability to communicate effectively with a variety of constituents and stakeholders including elected officials, foundation leaders, Board members, donors, staff, volunteers, and Center visitors. The individual must possess a presentable appearance and an engaging personality and assume the role of "public representative" of the organization.

The Board would also consider candidates with backgrounds, such as business or civic leaders who are committed to the enhancement of the quality of life in the area, who have experience working with government and the business sector, and who possess the leadership and collaborative skills to interest individuals in contributing time and philanthropic support to the Center. 

College degree required, advanced degree preferred. Commitment to public relations, fiscal management, facilities management, and general team building is essential. 

Salary & Benefits: A starting salary of up to $75,000 is being offered, commensurate with experience. Benefits include major medical insurance and life insurance. 

To Apply

Please email, fax or mail letter of inquiry and resume.  

Jim Callan
Executive Director Search Committee
Armand Bayou Nature Center
PO Box 58828
Houston, Texas 77258