Deadline: March 15, 2011
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:
* Urban Forestry Program.
* Parks Design and Build Program.
* Watershed Rehabilitation Program.
* Youth Environmental Stewardship (YES) Program.
* Community Stewardship Program.
OPPORTUNITY
Lead, develop and manage NET, raise and allocate funds to meet programmatic and organizational goals, as set with the Board of Directors, represent the organization publicly and in business negotiations, manage 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 stakeholders. Special consideration given to candidates with a demonstrated commitment to environmental protection, urban greening and/or forestry issues.
The ED will 1) manage and grow NET’s budget and financial reserves 2) communicate with donors, 3) develop grant proposals, 4) maintain foundation relations, 5) develop the corporate donor program, 6) manage and develop NET’s programs, 7) be spokesperson and liaison with public sector agencies, government representatives, foundations, community and partner organizations and businesses.
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.
* 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 funding source guidelines and sound accounting practices.
* Develop and maintain 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.
* Develop and maintain partnerships with other organizations and community members.
* Promote broad participation by volunteers in all areas of the organization.
* 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 make NET’s common vision to preserve, protect and enhance the environment a reality.
* Represent the programs and POV 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: Salary is commensurate with experience.
Closing Date: March 15, 2011, or until the position is filled
TO APPLY
Applicants should submit a résumé not to exceed 3 pages and a letter of interest not to exceed 2 pages to jobs@northeasttrees.org.