Executive Director

North East Trees (NET) is seeking an experienced, entrepreneurial, visionary leader to fill the position of Executive Director (ED). North East Trees is a community-based nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization) founded in 1989 by Mr. Scott Wilson. Serving the greater Los Angeles area, our Mission is: “To restore nature’s services in resource challenged communities, through a collaborative resource development, implementation, and stewardship process.” Five Core Programs implement the NET Mission:

1. Urban Forestry Program: NET develops urban forestry solutions for agencies and other organizations that maximize the net environmental benefits of protecting and enhancing the urban forest.  NET has planted over 30,000 trees since inception, and is a partner in the Mayor’s Million Trees LA and Trees for a Green LA programs.
2. Parks Design and Build Program: NET designs and builds community, neighborhood, open space and river adjacent parks and trails for the purpose of native habitat restoration and passive recreation. NET has implemented over 35 different mini-parks, trails, street and access gateway improvements and landscape improvement projects in partnership with state, regional, county and city agencies within the Greater Los Angeles Area.
3. Watershed Rehabilitation Program: NET plans, designs and implements watershed improvements with the express purpose of restoring waterways and associated habitat, improving water quality, and increasing stormwater infiltration. NET works hard to protect and restore the local watersheds developing comprehensive plans for watershed restoration, and building projects to keep pollutants out of waterways or restoring the natural function of remaining creeks and streams.
4. Youth Environmental Stewardship (YES) Program: NET educates and trains at-risk youth (ARY) and young adults in environmental disciplines that lead to permanent employment and community environmental improvement. 
5. Community Stewardship Program: NET assists communities and neighborhoods that are typically underserved, resource challenged, and tree poor in the development of resources, capacity and network links that can steward nature in their communities.

Position Overview: 

The Executive Director will be responsible for leading, developing and managing NET. As the chief fundraiser and operating officer of NET, he or she will be responsible for raising and allocating the necessary funds to meet programmatic and organizational goals, as set with the Board of Directors. In addition to representing the organization publicly and in business negotiations, the ED will effectively lead and motivate staff, and work to enhance NET’s success within the community.

Candidates should have a distinguished record in leading organizations and working effectively with staff, boards and a broad cross section of stakeholders. Special consideration will be given to candidates with a demonstrated commitment to environmental protection, urban greening and/or forestry issues.

General Scope:

The Executive Director will be responsible for the successful development, promotion and implementation of new or improved approaches, models, and strategies for advancing the growth and maintenance for Los Angeles’ urban forest canopy.

The ED will also responsibly manage, maintain, allocate and grow NET's budget and financial reserves. This includes communicating with donors, recruiting new donors, and retaining existing donors, as well as developing grant proposals, maintaining foundation relations, developing the corporate donor program, managing and developing NET’s programs and identifying additional sources of revenue.
As spokesperson for NET and as liaison with other public sector agencies, government representatives, foundations, community and partner organizations and businesses, the ED will promote and enhance NET's visibility and influence by proactively elevating its impact and presence in the community in the course of enhancing and expanding the environment in Los Angeles.

Responsibilities:

Leadership:

• In collaboration with the Board of Directors, refine and expand NET's vision, mission, budget, annual goals and objectives.
• 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. This includes developing a strategic plan for programmatic and community outreach and development.
• Build and manage an effective executive team.
• Actively participate in Board meetings as a non-voting member
• Keep the Board of Directors fully informed on the condition of the organization and all important factors influencing it.
• Annually prepare and provide to the Board of Directors, and other applicable bodies, summary reports of programs and services, including recommendations for future improvement and change.

Fundraising:

• Develop government and foundation grant proposals and other fund raising activities.
• Develop individual donors, corporate donations and organize appropriate events.
• Identify potential new initiatives and partnerships to build on NET’s base within the community.
• Generate revenue for specific programs and the organization as a whole.

Financial Management:

• Draft and monitor the execution of an annual budget. 
• Manage cash flow.
• Ensure proper fiscal accounting and controls in accordance with the guidelines of funding sources and with sound accounting practices.
• Develop and maintain sound financial practices and ensure the organization operates within clear budget guidelines.

Operational management:

• Manage the day-to day operations and staff of NET.
• Foster a team work environment among staff.
• Monitor programs, projects, and budgets.
• Effectively allocate resources.
• Maintain a productive and supportive work environment that mentors, nurtures and enables staff to reach their potential while enabling NET to enhance its ability to achieve its objectives.
• Effectively inspire and lead the hundreds of volunteers on which NET relies to fulfill its mission

Community engagement and development:

• Represent NET publicly at conferences, meetings, and workshops.
• Work constructively with the community, staff and Board to foster activities and expand community involvement and support.
• Develop and maintain effective partnerships with other organizations and community members
• Promote active and broad participation by volunteers in all areas of the organization's work
• Establish sound working relationships and collaborations with community groups and organizations involved in reaching program goals.

Program development:

• Lead development and implementation of programs that effectively make NET's common vision to preserve, protect and enhance the environment a reality.
• Represent the programs and point of view of the organization to agencies, organizations, and the general public.
• Grow programs and services to ensure consistency with mission and goals.
• Maintain a working knowledge of significant developments and trends in the field of urban forestry, landscape design, and construction.
• Monitor programs and services to ensure consistency with criteria established by funding sources and the mission and goals of the organization.
• Ensure job descriptions are developed, regular performance evaluations are held, and sound human resource practices are in place.

Qualifications:

• Extensive experience in leading and cultivating donors, volunteers, staff and organizations, which may be gained through a combination of professional experience and education
• Excellent leadership and communication skills, an understanding of the collaborative nature of NET, knowledge of fundraising and development, and extensive experience working with not-for-profits.
• Excellent management skills, and demonstrated ability to lead, motivate and direct program and administrative staff and NET broad base of volunteers and interns.
• Demonstrated success in managing fiscal, technical and human resources.
• Substantiated record of successful fund raising from a variety of sources, including but not limited to corporate, government, foundation, direct mail, major donor campaigns and events.
• Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to analyze and resolve issues quickly and make good decisions in a collaborative culture.
• Demonstrated ability to consistently, effectively, and tactfully communicate with people at many levels.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships.
• Proven project management skills
• Extensive leadership experience (7 or more years) in not-for-profit or equivalent management.
• B.A./B.S. required; advanced degree highly desirable.
• Greening, leading volunteer based organization(s) and local policy experience a plus.

Compensation: Commensurate with experience  

Date of Hire: March 15, 2011 or until the position is filled

To Apply: 

Applicants should please submit a resume not to exceed 3 pages and letter of interest not to exceed 2 pages.

• Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.
• Please, no phone calls about this job!
• Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.

North East Trees is an equal opportunity employer committed to developing the leadership skills of people from diverse backgrounds. We are committed to identifying and recruiting a broad and diverse pool of qualified candidates for this position.