Executive Director

The Willowell Foundation, based in Addison County, is a 501(c)3 organization whose mission it is to cultivate and promote connections between the arts, education and the environment, and model a sustainable future through the synergy of human and natural communities. Our nationally recognized educational and community activities bring people together to foster a deeper understanding of self, community, and the greater ecological whole.

Position Overview:

We are looking for a skilled leader who is passionate about the natural world, education and the arts, and who sees how their integration is central to a sustainable and vibrant future for our communities and the planet. Qualified candidates will have organizational leadership experience, including a great track record of fundraising, and will be able to take our organization to the next level.

Responsibilities:

The Executive Director is responsible for the overall administration and management of The Willowell Foundation, including overseeing programs, fundraising, and business operations. Areas of responsibility include planning and evaluation, policy development and administration, personnel and fiscal management, including orchestration of fundraising efforts, and public relations. This is a full-time position, hired by and directly accountable to the board of directors through its elected board chair.

The Executive Director is the Chief Executive Officer of The Willowell Foundation, Inc. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors, and is responsible for the organization's consistent achievement of its mission and financial objectives. In program development and administration, the Executive Director will:

Organizational Leadership:

1. Assure that the organization has a long-range strategy which achieves its mission, and toward which it makes consistent and timely progress.
2. Provide leadership in developing program, organizational and financial plans with the Board of Directors and staff, and carry out plans and policies authorized by the board.
3. Promote active and broad participation by volunteers in all areas of the organization's work.
4. Maintain official records and documents, and ensure compliance with federal, state and local regulations.
5. Maintain a working knowledge of significant developments and trends in the field

Communications, Outreach and Public Relations:

1. See that the board is kept fully informed on the condition of the organization and all important factors influencing it.
2. Publicize the activities of the organization, its programs and goals.
3. Establish sound working relationships and cooperative arrangements with community groups and organizations.
4. Represent the programs and point of view of the organization to agencies, organizations, and the general public.

Staff Management:

1. Be responsible for the recruitment, employment, and release of all personnel, both paid staff and volunteers.
2. Ensure that job descriptions are developed, that regular performance evaluations are held, and that sound human resource practices are in place.
3. See that an effective management team, with appropriate provision for succession, is in place.
4. Encourage staff and volunteer development and education, and assist program staff in relating their specialized work to the total program of the organization.
5. Maintain a climate that attracts, keeps, and motivates a diverse staff of top quality people.

Budget and finance:

1. Be responsible for developing and maintaining sound financial practices.
2. Work with the staff, Finance Committee, and the board in preparing a budget; see that the organization operates within budget guidelines.
3. Ensure that adequate funds are available to permit the organization to carry out its work.
4. Jointly, with the president and secretary of the board of directors, conduct official correspondence of the organization, and jointly, with designated officers, execute legal documents.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Education, Environment or other relevant field
• 3 years experience working in the non-profit field, preferably in a leadership position
• Some event management experience
• Some public relations/constituent communications experience
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to prioritize among competing demands and limited resources
• Some personnel supervision (staff and/or volunteers)

Desired Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in Education, Environment or other relevant field
• Experienced and successful grant writer
• Experienced and successful fundraiser of annual campaigns, membership drives, and/or capital campaigns
• Expertise in environmental conservation, outdoor education, experiential education or the Arts

Submission Deadline: November 15th. Position will start in January.

To Apply:

Please email a resume, cover letter, and the names and contact information for 3 references. Please see application instructions are here.

To learn more about the Willowell Foundation and our programs, please visit our website.

The Willowell Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.