Executive Director

The PCC Farmland Trust secures, preserves and stewards threatened farmland in the Northwest, ensuring that generations of local farmers productively farm it using sustainable, organic growing methods. The Trust takes its mission one step further than most land trusts by working to place farmers on the property, actively producing food for the local community.

Position Overview:

The Executive Director provides the vision and guidance to advance all aspects of the organization. The Executive Director must have a strong commitment to and excellence in fundraising with a specific focus on individual donors, government grants, foundation proposals, and strong personnel management skills. A major role for the Executive Director is providing the strategic vision and oversight for our varied program agenda.

Responsibilities:

Program Strategy:

• Works with staff to devise appropriate strategies and oversees their implementation for the priorities identified in the Trust's strategic plan.
• Collaborates with program staff to identify, negotiate and prioritize organic farmland conservation projects.
• Leads Trust to identify conservation projects, close on acquisitions of real property interests, secure funding, implement stewardship programs.
• Identifies emerging critical issues, and positions the organization to effectively engage on those issues.
• Represents the organization in appropriate coalitions and collaborates effectively with them.

Fundraising:

• Prepares and implements the annual organizational budget and fundraising plan.
• Prepares, with development staff, foundation grant proposals and research on new foundation supporters.
• Oversees and participates in implementing major donor programs in concert with development staff.
• Builds and maintains relationships with donors and governmental entities

Personnel and Operations Management:

• Hires, orients and provides supervision to the Trust's administrative and program staff.
• Works with staff to develop and implement the annual work plan and to set measurable benchmarks for success.
• Creates a supportive environment for staff to work cooperatively as a team as well as to grow professionally as individuals.
• Oversees salary and benefits for Trust staff.
• Is responsible for preparation of annual report and maintaining not for profit tax status and IRS regulation compliance.
• Manages organizational operations and assures that administrative systems including equipment, information, and communication systems function effectively.

Board of Directors:

• Works with Board President to schedule and organize Board meetings, and provides Board support.
• Provides Board with timely, accurate and meaningful reports.
• Serves as liaison between the Board, staff and other committees.
• Ensures, with the Board, that the Trust has consistent and well-informed governance policies and procedures.
• Ensures, with the Board, that Board succession planning, including recruitment, election, and orientation of new Board members, is consistent and professional.

Communications:

• Oversees preparation and editing of online and print materials.
• Serves as a key spokesperson for the Trust at public and media events.

Accountability:

The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors.

Qualifications:

• An understanding of and passion for preserving organic, family farms in Washington State.
• A proven, successful track record in individual fundraising.
• Minimum of 3 years of management experience that includes personnel management, finance, budgeting and planning.
• Effective written and verbal communications skills, comfort with public speaking and experience with all media.
• Knowledge of and experience with farmland preservation, and/or conservation easements, organic foods or related issues.
• Basic office computer skills
• Previous experience working with a Board of Directors strongly desired.
• Management experience with non-profits an advantage but not required.

Compensation: Depending on Experience 

Apply by: February 24, 2010

To Apply: 

Interested PCC staff and public please send resume and cover letter.