Executive Director

Green Forests Work (GFW) is an emerging 501(c)3 conservation organization whose mission is to create green jobs and enhance a green economic base for the people of Appalachia by restoring healthy, productive forests on mine-scarred lands in the eastern coal fields. The goals of GFW are to: 1) mitigate climate change; 2) improve water quality; 3) restore habitat; 4) create economic opportunities; and, 5) empower Appalachian citizens.

Position Overview:

The Executive Director manages current GFW projects under development, secures additional partners to expand reforestation opportunities on mine lands, and develops and implement strategies to make GFW a financially sound and sustainable organization.

The GFW Executive Director coordinates and directs the program with GFW foresters, ARRI Core/Science Team members, and other partners who have shared interests with GFW such as The American Chestnut Foundation, the Appalachian Coal Country Team, watershed groups, conservation/environmental groups, state/federal agencies, private landowners, and industry.

GFW is the fiduciary arm of the Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative (ARRI), a cooperative effort among the eastern coal states and the federal Office of Surface Mining, USDI. ARRI's goals are to plant more high-value hardwood trees on reclaimed coal mined lands in Appalachia, increase the survival rates and growth rates of planted trees, and expedite the establishment of forest habitat through natural succession.

Styled after the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930s, the GFW program will focus on restoring ecosystem services on mined lands that were reclaimed without the benefits of reforestation and creating jobs in the process. Successful reestablishment of the hardwood forests that once dominated these lands will provide a renewable, sustainable multi-use resource that will create economic opportunities while enhancing the local and global environment. Ancillary benefits that could develop include certified "green" wood products, eco-tourism, biodiversity enhancement, woody biofuels, and other green opportunities.

Responsibilities:

Human Resources:

Supervise, direct, and manage GFW foresters, technicians, staff, and other professionals/personnel to maintain a successful, cohesive, efficient, and goals orientated team in the office and in the field, including:

• Maintain a safe and healthy workplace.
• Hire, direct, evaluate, reward and discipline staff performance in accordance with Board policies and applicable laws.
• Ensure appropriate training for all staff.
• Report personnel related issues to the Board, as appropriate.
• Monitor and make recommendations regarding ongoing organizational staffing needs.
• Assist staff members in establishing and implementing individual development and annual performance goals.
• Work with the appropriate departments at the University of Kentucky to facilitate any payroll, insurance, benefits issues with employees.
• Communicate a positive attitude and promotes cooperation and team work among employees.
• Establish high standards of conduct and job performance for staff by leading by example.
• Develop and maintain a professional relationship with contractors.

Fundraising:

Oversee all activities related to generating revenue to sustain and expand GFW programs, including:

• Create and implement a comprehensive development plan to identify prospects/opportunities and solicit funds from foundations, public and corporate funding sources, individuals and other organizations.
• Create and ensure maintenance of the necessary infrastructure to track, solicit and acknowledge contributions.
• Utilize board members and other volunteers to actively assist in all fund development activities.
• Generate regular reports on the status, results of fundraising activities.
• Cultivate positive relationships with key stakeholders and funders.

Finance and Business Administration:

Develop and implement a successful business plan for GFW, including:

• Oversee the creation and implementation of GFW annual operating budget and ensure sound fiscal management of the organization.
• Ensure that all activities, recordkeeping, reporting and fundraising initiatives are consistent with board policy and comply with Federal and state laws, working within financial reporting systems and policies of the University of Kentucky when appropriate/necessary.
• Generate regular financial reports, revenue analysis and projections.
• Communicate effectively with the Board Treasurer and finance committee.
• Approve and co-sign checks for payments of invoices, debts and other obligations assuring signatures are in accordance with board policy for accounts held by the 501 c 3 organization.
• Assure contracts, service agreements, and major purchases are procured and monitored in accordance with the 501 c 3 organization's internal controls and board policy.
• Assure timely and accurate preparation of financial reports and documents (annual audit, tax returns, reports for funders, etc.).
• Assure appropriate comprehensive insurance coverage, including comprehensive liability coverage for Directors, Officers and volunteers.
• Oversee contracts for services providers by outside individuals, partners.
• Develop an open bidding system to ensure the fair, professional, unbiased contracting of services, equipment, and plant materials.

Community Relations:

Serve as chief public affairs officer, including:

• Create and implement an organizational public relations and marketing plan.
• Manage (or oversee the production of) all technical and informational outreach efforts such as media contacts/releases and social networking outlets (GFW website, Face book, twitter, etc.).
• Produce (or oversee the production of) reports, documents and publications ranging from quarterly/annual reports to brochures and other written materials.
• Represent GFW as the "official spokesperson" in public appearances, professional meetings, speeches and presentations.
• Work with existing partners and establish new partnerships to expand on-the-ground reforestation efforts on areas previously mined for coal in the region, including relationships with corporations, philanthropic organizations, energy companies, state forestry and wildlife agencies, federal partners, local government officials and watershed/community groups, landowners, etc.

Program Functions:

• Oversee the development of a prioritized list of large and small, public and private landowners/contacts to ensure an availability of planting sites for GFW operations.
• Develop and maintain a professional relationship with contractors to perform tree planting services, herbicide application, mine soil compaction mitigation, heavy equipment operation (to include public and private tree nurseries to provide tree seedlings).
• Match funding opportunities, planting sites, and contractors to ensure that GFW efforts demonstrate proportional representation of restoration across the eight states of Appalachia

Board Relations:

• Support GFW Board of Directors in various functions such as planning meetings, board development, board communications and related tasks.
• Report to Board of Directors at Board and Committee meetings as well as through telephone and e-mail communications to ensure awareness of activities, issues and needs pertinent to GFW operations, administration and development activities.
• Support the Board in policymaking and oversight functions and assure implementation of policies.
• Work with Board to develop and implement strategic planning goals and objectives.
• Ensure Board Meeting agendas, attachments, and minutes are prepared and distributed in a timely manner. Provide staff support to Board committees as needed.

Qualifications:

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent years of experience in a related field is required. A Master's degree is preferred.
• Depending on the degree held, a minimum of 3 to 5 years management level or above experience in nonprofit administration/leadership is required.
• Experience with a conservation or wildlife related nonprofit is preferred, but not required.
• Fundraising, including grant proposal writing experience, is desired.
• Experience monitoring and meeting budgets.
• Computer proficiency including word processing, spreadsheet and database software.

Competencies and Abilities:

• Demonstrated problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Self-motivated.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to relate to people of diverse backgrounds.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple and diverse tasks.
• Dependable, excellent judgment and demonstrated ability to operate in flexible, team oriented environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Compensation: A competitive salary and benefits package are available.

Under the current funding arrangement, the GFW Executive Director will be a University of Kentucky employee.

Residence requirement: Flexible, but within region. Region Served by GFW: AL, KY, MD, OH, PA, TN, VA, and WV. The position will require frequent overnight travel, public speaking and development of numerous professional contacts.

To Apply:

Please apply online.

Questions should be directed to Chris Barton.