Executive Director

Reports to: Executive Committee

Status: Part-time exempt, average 34 hours per week (some weeks up to 35-37 depending on foundation needs) with limited nights and weekends

Overview: 
The Baird Creek Preservation Foundation (BCPF; https://bairdcreek.org), an entity dedicated to land acquisition, land maintenance, education, outreach, and trails, invites you to apply for a career opportunity designed to build important skill sets in program and project management, demonstrate your ability to generate results, and enable you to build an extensive network of influential relationships. This is an important position that will directly impact the level of growth of the foundation in years to come.   

Expand your network of influential relationships by working directly with Board and Advancement Committee members to identify new donor-prospects and develop relationships. Identify individuals for deeper involvement as members of the governing Board, Board Committees, advisory boards, and task forces. Bolster your personal brand as a professional who works effectively both independently and in team structures and as a capable communicator in front of small groups. 

The Executive Director position is the chief administrator and is responsible for the development, oversight, and implementation of policies, procedures, goals, funding, budgets and mission of the organization as established by the Board of Directors. 

Position Objectives:

• To work with the Board of Directors to develop, implement and administer programs, policies and goals that support the organization’s mission.
• To manage the day-to-day business and administrative operations of the organization so the organization may succeed in its mission.
• To foster and maintain a clear vision of the organization which is shared by the board and staff. To work with Board, staff, volunteers, members and partners to establish a team environment that empowers the future of the organization.

Position Summary: The Executive Director works under the guidance of and cooperatively with the President and members of the Board of Directors and its committees. The position’s primary duty is the facilitation and implementation of programs that enable BCPF to accomplish its mission. 

These programs include: 

1. Restoration and preservation efforts of land already owned by BCPF, city land, and land gained through land purchases. 
2. Public outreach and education concerning BCPF’s programs and goals. 
3. Organizational capacity to successfully accomplish organizational goals. 
4. Fundraising, donor relationship, and membership building to support current and future success.
5. Effective partnerships with local government, service groups, conservation organizations, and related state and federal agencies. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities    

Leadership 

• Implement Board-approved land protection and restoration/preservation programs.
• Develop goals and oversee the five focus areas; land management, land acquisition, outreach, education and trails.
• Ensure compliance with non-profit standards and practices.
• Create shared understanding and clear vision of mission.
• Collaborate and partner with Board, staff, members and others to further the organization’s mission.
• Foster positive team environment through management of staff.
• Collaborate with Board, staff, and community leaders to identify, recruit, train, and fully utilize quality Board members, committee members, and volunteers.

Administration

• Ensure the thorough and accurate execution of business processes necessary to complete land protection projects.
• Hire, supervise, assist, evaluate, develop and train staff in performance of their duties.
• Ensure the necessary staff, systems, reports, and procedures for provision of necessary legal support, record keeping, and financial reporting.
• Support operation of dynamic Board committees.
• Promote effective communication and working relationships among Board members, committees, volunteers, and staff.
• Guide Board and staff in production of strategic planning, annual work plans, and training opportunities.
• Ensure the workplace safety of self, employees, members, and volunteers.
• Administer fiscal sponsorship and office support to other non- governmental organizations as identified by the Board.
• Set and manage yearly budget, monthly and yearly taxes, keep on top of restricted funds, operating funds, donations, etc. for the well-being of organization and projects.
• Manage daily operations of accounting; review invoices for accuracy, pay bills, account reconciliations, etc.

Community Building and External Relations

• Promote awareness and support for BCPF’s mission.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with landowners who might participate in land protection projects.
• Develop and maintain positive land relationships with owners of properties in areas of interest.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with work crews (trails), volunteers and contractors.
• Act as the primary spokesperson for BCPF.
• Oversee publications and press releases, informational programs, speaking engagements, newsletters, social media, etc., to promote consistent and positive message.
• Foster partnerships with federal, state organizations and public and private community organizations.
• Develop cohesion among Board, members, volunteers and staff that promotes positive and consistent public message in support of mission.

Organization Building (Membership / Fundraising) 

• Develop and maintain positive relations with members, donors, foundations and public agencies.
• Creatively seek opportunities to raise funds from a diversity of sources in support of programs and projects.
• With Board, develop and implement effective fundraising strategies, operations and programs.
• Promote and expand membership base.
• Seek financial support, grants, contracts and other assistance from individuals, foundations, corporations, and public agencies when appropriate.
• Work with the Advancement Committee to develop a long term solvency plan for the Foundation
• Maintain the mailing list, letters, and accompanying materials for the end of year appeal
• Oversee and develop fundraising and online giving efforts
• Identify local funding opportunities, and follow up on previous opportunities
• Supervise gift entry and thank you letter process

Grant Writing

• Write organizational grants and funding proposals, submit post-funding reports and work with staff to ensure grants are expensed as they were written
• Maintain a current grant calendar with prospects, pending requests, submission deadlines and report deadlines

Advancement

• Develop relationships with board members and engage them in fundraising activities
• Develop and grow committees within individual Foundation areas (Outreach, Advancement, etc.)
• Cultivate relationships with community for possible board members
• Lead Fund Development/Advancement Committee meetings, prepare agendas, reports and evaluation of fundraising efforts

Job Requirements including Desired Skills, Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree minimum and/or 5+ years demonstrated nonprofit, project management, fundraising experience.
• Must reside within driving distance of the Baird Creek office in Green Bay, WI.
• A successful candidate will have exceptional oral, written, computer, interpersonal, and time management skills, the ability to communicate with diverse constituents, and the willingness to work independently as well as part of a collaborative team.
• Candidate will demonstrate knowledge of nature and provide examples of their individual enthusiasm for environmental matters.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and grants while meeting deadlines and achieving organizational outcomes.
• Demonstrated skills in building and maintaining effective relationships.
• Strong interest in working in the non-profit sector and supporting the mission, vision, and strategic direction of the Baird Creek Preservation Foundation.
• Knowledge of QuickBooks, Microsoft Office, Google Documents, Gmail, and database software.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience; $60,000 range
• Insurance stipend
• Paid time off

Physical and Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 35 pounds
• Working Conditions: Duties are performed in the office under sedentary conditions, and in the field. Travel is required to various locations in the region (and very infrequently nationally) for meetings, conferences, workshops, and speaking engagements. Evening and weekend work is occasionally required. Walking over uneven terrain and at high elevations to evaluate and monitor conservation easements is common. Occasionally, field work may be in very cold and windy conditions

Inclusivity Statement
Baird Creek Preservation Foundation is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply.