Program Director

Seattle Parks Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization that improves, expands and creates parks and green spaces, building a more vibrant community.  Since 2001, the Parks Foundation has completed 29 projects, secured over $28 million and successfully advocated for nearly $200 million in public funding for urban parklands.

Position Overview:

The Program Director is responsible for oversight and management of all Seattle Parks Foundation Neighborhood Parks and Green Connections Programs; Tree, Bench and Swing Donation Programs; Fiscal Sponsorship partnerships and cultivation; and Advocacy for Bands of Green (Connections and Trails) and other Major Park projects and initiatives. 

The Program Director supervises Program staff; directs volunteer activities; works collaboratively within the Parks Foundation and with diverse populations; manages multiple, differing projects simultaneously; and is passionate about SPF's mission.

Responsibilities:

Specific responsibilities revolve around the programs of the Parks Foundation and include the following:

Advocacy:

• Work with Executive Director and Board to advocate at City, County, and State level for funding for parks and green space development

Neighborhood Parks Program:

• Work with Neighborhood Projects Committee to establish selection criteria and priorities for the Neighborhood Park Program; develop annual plan and attend/organize meetings
• Supervise Program staff
• Direct, oversee and manage park projects
• Research and identify new park projects
• Cultivate new fiscal sponsor projects

Green Connections Program:

• Work with Green Connections Committee to select and implement Bands of Green Projects
• Participate on steering/advisory committees and boards for design and implementation of trails and other greenspace connections
• Work toward implementation of Cheshiahud Lake Union Loop, Lake-to-Bay and other board-approved Bands of Green project recommendations

Tree, Bench and Yellow Swing Donation Programs:

• Oversee donation programs
• Work with Development and Program staff to cultivate donation program donors and  expand the Donation Programs

Management Team Support:

• Contribute to efforts to recruit and strengthen board, raise funds, prepare budget and promote the organization

Qualifications:

A qualified candidate will possess the following:

• 3+ years in leadership management role with project/program management experience in a related field (such as environmental stewardship; urban planning; parks design, program management and/or administration)
• A proven track record of successful project oversight
• Experience cultivating relationships with and convening community partnerships
• Experience developing, adopting and implementing program management policy
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; is comfortable preparing and giving presentations to small and large groups
• Knowledge of City and/or government agency operations
• Experience working with a volunteer Board of Directors
• Outstanding people management abilities; provides leadership and guidance to direct reports in a constructive manner
• Works collaboratively, values teamwork and feedback
• Bachelors degree from an accredited College or University

A strong candidate for this position may also possess: work experience in a nonprofit or government organization; advanced degree and/or certification in related field of study; prior fundraising and/or donor cultivation experience; is organized; tech-savvy; volunteer experience with a nonprofit organization.

Compensation: This is a part-time, 32 hour a week position, located in Seattle, WA with local, in-city travel requirements.  For eligible employees, Seattle Parks Foundation offers paid medical insurance coverage and sponsors a SIMPLE IRA plan with a company contribution.  In addition, a flexible work schedule combined with paid leave benefits for vacation, major holidays and sick time provide a comfortable and supportive work environment.

Compensation: The annual salary for this part-time position starts at $53,000 per year.

To Apply:

Qualified candidates should please apply by email and send a resume with cover letter and 3 professional references by 5pm on November 5, 2009.  Please include your name in the filename of all attachments.  Late submissions will not be considered.  The Parks Foundation wishes to fill this position by December 1, 2009.

Seattle Parks Foundation is actively seeking a diverse workforce.