Position Announcement: Executive Director
Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, Fayetteville, Arkansas
About the Garden
Botanical Garden of the Ozarks (BGO) opened in October 2007. The first phase of garden construction, consisting of nine themed gardens and a timber-frame multipurpose building, constitutes around 8 acres of almost 90 acres available for development. The aesthetic of the Garden reflects the unique natural and cultural heritage of the Ozarks. From the start, BGO has focused on children's educational programming. In 2008, we welcomed 30,000 visitors, 165 volunteers, and 1,300 members. BGO is operated by a non-profit organization, the Botanical Garden Society of the Ozarks. BGO currently employs six full-time staff members and an interim executive director, who serves as a volunteer.
About the Job
The director will develop sources of financial support for the Garden, act as a liaison between Board and staff, and develop a roadmap for further Garden development. A successful candidate will be an effective communicator, an experienced fundraiser, and an efficient manager. This is an opportunity for an energetic, charismatic individual to shape the future of a growing garden.
Requirements:
- A bachelor's degree and an advanced degree or equivalent experience.
- At least 4 years of experience in non-profit administration, preferably in public horticulture.
- Strong management and proven fundraising skills.
- Outstanding communication skills, including writing and public speaking.
About Fayetteville and Northwest Arkansas
Fayetteville is a vibrant community, home to the University of Arkansas' main campus. The area is home to the corporate headquarters of Wal-Mart Stores, Tyson Foods, and J. B. Hunt Transport Services. BGO is part of an emerging arts and culture scene: the next few years promise an expansion of the region's successful performing arts center, development of science and children's museums, and the opening of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. The Ozarks are a scenic wonderland of springs, rivers, caves, and forests and opportunities for outdoor recreation abound.
Salary and Benefits
Salary and benefits package commensurate with experience
To Apply
Submit a resume, letter of application, and the names of three professional references by email to info@bgozarks.org or by mail to: Executive Director Search Committee, Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, PO Box 10407, Fayetteville, AR 72703
Closing Date
September 30, 2009 or until a suitable candidate is found.
BGO does not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of race, sex, age, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, or disability.
Executive Director Job Description
Dated: February 22, 2009
The Executive Director (hereafter referred to as the ED) of the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks (hereafter referred to as the Garden), a nonprofit organization, is generally responsible for fund raising, donor cultivation, marketing, community outreach, programming and the maintenance of the existing gardens and development of the remaining acreage.
The ED will be instrumental in implementing the goals outlined in BGO's three year plan, including achieving financial sustainability, developing educational programming through the hiring of an education coordinator, and creating a roadmap for garden expansion into the undeveloped 70+ acres.
The Executive Director's responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
1. Fundraising/Donor Cultivation. The ED's number one priority is fundraising and major donor cultivation. The ED is expected to devote a substantial portion of his/her time to accomplishing this goal throughout the year. The ED is expected to report the specifics, including dollar amounts arising from her or his fund raising and donor cultivation and of time spent to this end at each review. With the support of the Director of Community Programs and the board the ED is responsible for leading all fundraising efforts. This includes cultivating new members and major donors in addition to building relationships with public granting institutions and family foundations. The ED oversees all fiscal responsibilities directly including but not limited to grant requests, status reports, and assures that grant monies are spent in a timely manner and in compliance with the requirements of the grant.
ED goals include, but are not limited to, raising a minimum of $250,000 in the first three years through individual major gifts, grants, and earned revenue. This does not include anticipated capital campaign monies required as the Master Plan is implemented. Emphasis is to be placed on procuring non-restricted funds. Progress towards this goal should be discussed with the Executive Committee at least quarterly and in written form at each bimonthly Board meeting.
2. Administration. The ED manages day-to-day aspects of the Garden, including but not limited to financials (including managing the budget, proper fund allocation, sustainability and cost savings ideas and maintaining a balanced budget), staff direction (including performance reviews), correspondence, and making the public welcome. Hiring, disciplining and termination of existing staff and interviewing of job applicants will be conducted in cooperation with appropriate staff and board members. The ED will hold staff meetings at least monthly and maintain effective and efficient communication with the staff. The ED will assure that the Garden is staffed during its posted hours.
3. Site Development and Maintenance. With the support of the Operations Director, the ED manages all activities necessary for the expansion of the Garden from its current status to the ultimate venue envisioned in the Master Plan. These activities include coordinating funds, staff, Board, contractors, designers, and volunteers. The ED also supervises the Operations Director, who manages the maintenance of the existing gardens and structures as needed and as directed by the Board.
4. Marketing and Community Outreach. He/she is expected to represent the Garden regionally and nationally, broaden our exposure, publicize our mission and develop support for the Garden's goals. The ED accepts that these representations will often occur outside the normal working hours.
5. Programs. With staff and volunteer support, the ED is responsible for the educational outreach of the Garden through adult and child focused workshops, conferences, school presentations, events, special programs and collaboration with other organizations. This includes identifying workshop topics and speakers, establishing program schedules and coordinating with existing staff to promote and deliver programs.
6. Board Collaboration and Communication. The Board expects the ED to take self-initiative and maintain an active collaboration with the Board and its individual members. The ED is expected to work with and make recommendations to Committee Chairs in developing mutually acceptable strategies, priorities and policies for the Garden's strategic direction as approved by the Board of Directors. The ED shall notify the Executive Committee of financial, contractual and personnel decisions made on behalf of the Garden in a timely manner.
The ED will perform the above duties and other duties as assigned by the Executive Committee and/or Board President.
Requirements:
- A bachelor's degree and an advanced degree or equivalent experience.
- At least 4 years of experience in non-profit administration, preferably in public horticulture.
- Strong management and proven fundraising skills.
- Outstanding communication skills, including writing and public speaking.