Executive Director

The Mission of Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center is to connect and motivate students and families from diverse backgrounds through organic gardening, environmental stewardship, and nutrition education, empowering them to be healthy and active citizens.

Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center's historic 6.85-acre property in National City, California serves as an interactive, indoor-outdoor classroom for children and adults from around San Diego County. Olivewood provides science based environmental education lessons, hands-on gardening, and hands-on cooking to students and families from underserved communities.

Olivewood Gardens is surrounded by a primarily Latino and underserved community with one of the highest childhood obesity rates in the state. OWG works with elementary students from the National City School District. OWG's core program offers students a curriculum of ecological, academic and culinary lessons to build scientific literacy and environmental awareness.

Started in February 2010, Olivewood Gardens, a 501(c) 3, is a community and garden resource facility and home to the International Community Foundation (ICF) located in National City, CA. Olivewood Gardens is a Type One supporting organization of the International Community Foundation. The buildings, gardens, and property were donated to the ICF by the Walton family in 2006 and later gifted to Olivewood Gardens in late 2009.

Position Overview:

The Executive Director (ED) is responsible for the leadership, development, and management of Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center (OWG). The ED manages a staff of 7 people and serves as the public face and chief representative of OWG to the community. The ED is responsible for fundraising, sustainability, and ensuring an effective program that serves the local community. The ED reports to the Board of Governors.

Responsibilities:

Fundraising and Finance:

• Responsible for fundraising, event planning, and donor cultivation with goal of sustaining OWG's operations and programs
• Work with grant writer on targeted grant opportunities
• Develop and manage OWG program budget
• Oversee finances and ensure compliance with legal and contractual responsibilities
• Work closely with ICF's investment committee on stewardship of endowment

Operational Management:

• Lead, inspire and manage all OWG staff, interns, and volunteers including conducting employee reviews, updating job descriptions and human resource materials, recruit and hire staff, and assign program responsibilities
• Source and hire consultants for special projects
• Office Management

Board Relations:

• Successfully implement the policies and plans set by the Board
• Achieve the financial and programmatic goals set by the Board
• Provide timely and accurate reports to the Board regarding program outcomes and financial performance
• Maintain and support the Board and increase board involvement

Program Oversight:

• Oversee Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center programs and property
• Collaborate effectively with project partners and pursue new collaborative partnerships including opportunities to expand cross-border collaborations with ICF

Outreach/Community:

• Act as liaison and facilitate communications between OWG Board and ICF
• Serve as primary representative for OWG with nonprofits, civic groups, and other public agencies
• Lead weekly public tours and scheduled private tours

Communications/Marketing:

• Manage all marketing and communication and public relations activities. Oversee website, communications and outreach materials
• Represent OWG at conferences and workshops
• Create public relations and outreach materials

Qualifications:

Required:

• At least 5 years experience securing donated funds through individual and corporate giving, grant writing, and event planning
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English
• At least 3 years experience in senior level management positions and leadership in a non-profit (or commensurate) environment
• Experience reporting to a governing board and working with an advisory board is relevant
• Demonstrated passion for healthy living, work in garden/environmental and nutrition education
• Demonstrated creative problem solving skills
• Ability to work and multi-task in a highly diverse environment
• Persuasive and passionate cross-cultural communications skills with excellent interpersonal and project management skills.
• Strong marketing and public relations skills, including extensive experience with, and knowledge of, internet-based marketing tools.

Desired:

• Spanish language fluency
• Experience in establishing and growing a community-based volunteer program dedicated to sustaining the work and financial strength of the organization
• Strong working understanding of public schools
• Master's Degree preferred or equivalent work experience
• Member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, CFRE preferred.

Compensation: This is a full-time, permanent, salaried position with medical and dental benefits; salary is commensurate with experience. The ED is expected to hold a current driver's license and use own insured vehicle when necessary for travel outside the office.

Deadline: Friday, May 11, 2012.

To Apply:

Please send your cover letter and resume. Subject line: "Your Name" Executive Director Please no phone calls. Ideal start date is mid June 2012.