Director, Suzy Peacock Center for Outdoor Inquiry

The Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT), a 501(c)(3) organization in Fort Worth, Texas, is a global institute for the conservation and preservation of plant diversity through research and education. The organization is governed by a Board of Directors and led by an Executive Director.

This position builds upon the collaboration of the Rainwater Charitable Foundation, REAL School Gardens and BRIT which has evolved into a strong educational movement that supports children and their teachers who use their school gardens and natural environments to enhance learning by connecting children to nature.

An endowed gift to honor the work of Suzy Peacock, the founder of the local school garden movement, allows BRIT to build upon and expand this foundational process connecting people to place in a way that embraces the core values centered in community, relationships, and reflective practice.

Position Overview: 

BRIT in collaboration with REAL School Gardens, welcomes your application as an inspiring and dynamic leader to assume the role of Director. The ideal candidate will bring personal creativity and an entrepreneurial spirit to a cooperative process that includes:

• Respectful listening,
• Intentional time for reflection, and
• Thoughtful action informed by experience.

The Director will help lead in the creation, growth and sustainability of a new Education Center that draws upon the successes of both:

• the knowledge base and community education outreach of BRIT, and
• the experiences of REAL School Gardens and BRIT in serving educators.

Housed in our new LEED Platinum facility, opening adjacent to the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens in 2011, the initial focus for the Center will be:

• to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas,
• to build a community of support and encouragement, and
• to seek to become a source of inspiration, empowerment and renewal for exceptional teachers who utilize outdoor classrooms, nature and urban environments for learning.

Responsibilities: 

The Director will:

• Build on past program success including strengthening existing partnerships and developing new partnerships.
• Lead a strategic planning team in establishing a teacher training program that models and promotes experiential education (including defining the organization's philosophy, core values and mission.)
• Develop an operational plan to support the long-term objectives of the center.
• Possess a collaborative spirit and the ability to broaden the network of support.
• Secure funding and leverage partnerships to support program objectives.
• Demonstrate strong communication, media and public speaking skills.

The Director will build a team responsible for:

• Program performance
• Financial, risk and resource management
• Community and public relations
• Fundraising

Reporting Relationship:

This position will report to BRIT's Assistant Director and Head of Education.

Qualifications: 

Core areas of Knowledge & Skills:

• A spirit of invitation & hospitality and a clear choice to put relationships first.
• Proven aptitude for leading a dynamic team and building strong relationships, preferably within education, both locally and nationally.
• Knowledge and experience of best practices in K-12 experiential education.
• Well developed organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Practical business management proficiency (preferably non-profit management) including budget (P&L) oversight.
• Knowledge and experience in fundraising.
• A 4-year college degree with a master's degree in a related field of study required.
• Self-awareness of relative strengths and weaknesses and the ability to build a team that compliments that skill-set.

Applicants must have a minimum of 5 years experience in an executive leadership position with a history of successful staff management. Only those with a proven ability for program and fund development will be considered. Due to a large number of responses to recent job postings, we are unable to respond to applicants who do not demonstrate these minimum requirements.

Compensation: This full-time, year-round job offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience. A benefit package includes health and dental insurance, retirement, and paid time off.

Applications Deadline: August 15, 2009.

To Apply:

Please send a cover letter, current resume, and at least 4 professional references. 

Judy Secrest
500 E. Fourth Street
Fort Worth, Texas 76102.

Information about BRIT can be accessed on our website.