Director of Operations, Development and Community Impact

Job Title: Director of Operations, Development and Community Impact
Organization: Growing Places Indy
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Job Type: Full-Time, flexible hybrid schedule

Who We Are:
Growing Places Indy (GPI) cultivates individual, family, and community well-being in Indianapolis through urban agriculture, access to fresh local food, and mind-body education. With nearly two decades of history, GPI operates urban farm sites, apprenticeship programs, the Indy Winter Farmers Market (IWFM), and various mind-body education initiatives. GPI manages two primary urban farm locations in downtown Indianapolis: the original White River State Park (WRSP) garden and the primary training and education farm at the Boner Fitness and Learning Center (BFLC) on the Arsenal Tech High School campus. GPI is transitioning towards a community collaboration model of operation.

Support Our Commitment To Change:

Growing Places Indy is devoted to growing the wellbeing of everyone. We are taking responsibility for our part in the systems and cycles that have eroded wellbeing, as well as our responsibility to seed and cultivate change – specifically related to agriculture, food access/affordability, and wellness. As we move forward, we are building a team that will hold GPI accountable to our community now and for future generations. We seek individuals who boldly demonstrate a proactive stance in cultivating the change needed to foster inclusivity and fearlessly advocate for a more equitable and just world.

Position Overview:
Growing Places Indy seeks a strategic and empathetic Director of Operations, Development, and Community Impact to lead the organization’s transition to a community collaboration model. This role requires a dynamic individual adept at managing various operational aspects to contribute to organizational and community well-being. The ideal candidate will actively embody a change in mindset, operating modes, and ways of being that align with the organization’s vision for community impact.

Desired Responsibilities and Outcomes of the Position:

• Operational & Community Impact Leadership:

Strategic Vision and Goals:

• Establish a shared vision and common goals through stakeholder engagement.
  • Demonstrated by a shared strategic plan and implementation work plan.
• Oversee day-to-day operations for organizational effectiveness using a community collaboration model.
  • Demonstrated by active work plans for all individuals and entities involved to show a collaboration model
  • Exhibited with the development and implementation of policies aligned with community-driven impact.

Inclusive Stakeholder Engagement & Partnership Development:

• Foster partnerships and collaborations for effective community solutions.
  • Exhibited by open lines of communication among stakeholders.
• Prioritize community engagement and empowerment in decision-making processes.
  • Demonstrated with continuous involvement of diverse stakeholders in decision-making.

Flexible and Adaptive Structure:

• Cultivate a flexible organizational structure responsive to community needs.
• Develop conflict resolution mechanisms within the team and partnerships.
• Address conflicts and maintain integrity in partnerships and programs.

• Finance, Resource, and Program Development:

Development and Fundraising:

• Manage the organization’s budget in collaboration with the Board.
  • Utilizing the Board approved 2024 – 2025 budget – needs identified
• Cultivate a fundraising plan aligned with the community collaboration model.
  • Demonstrated by executing comprehensive fundraising strategies from diverse sources.
• Lead grant writing and reporting efforts for program funding.
  • Confirmed by successful applying, receipt, and reporting on grant utilization

Program Quality and Data Collection/Analysis:

• Establish quality assurance policies and practice
  • Demonstrated transparency of data sharing and joint analysis with partners and stakeholders.
• Cultivate community collaboration by sharing resources for maximum impact.
  • Demonstrated through increased partnerships, identified and engaged stakeholders.
  • Exhibited team collaboration in co-creating programs addressing community needs.
• Establish shared accountability and evaluation mechanisms for collaborative efforts.

Experience & Qualifications:

• Proven leadership in the nonprofit sector with strategic planning experience.
• Ability to lead teams, inspire change, and foster an inclusive organizational culture.
• Experience in financial management, budgeting, and revenue generation.
• Demonstrated skill in diverse revenue stream generation including grants & fundraising.
• Demonstrated commitment to community collaboration and inclusivity.
• Strong project management skills and familiarity with relevant technology.
• Understanding of legal and compliance requirements in the nonprofit sector.
• Established networks within the nonprofit sector and community organizations.
• Commitment to personal and community well-being.
• Multi/Bilingualism, especially Spanish fluency, is not required but preferred.

Compensation:
Commensurate with experience, starting at $50,000. GPI offers flexible time off, location, and schedule. Health and retirement benefits are not currently provided.

How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references to laura@growingplacesindy.org. Cover letter should summarize candidates’ experience and reason for applying, aligned to the position. Applications are accepted until January 15, 2024. Growing Places Indy is an equal-opportunity employer committed to removing employment barriers and fostering inclusivity.