Executive Director

The Board of Directors of the Sandy Springs Conservancy is seeking a creative and visionary Executive Director with a passion for parks, greenspace and connective trails to build strategic leadership, strengthen community support, and advance the organization’s goals, objectives, and projects.

Through public and private partnerships, this nonprofit organization has contributed critical expertise, seed funding, and community education for the creation of Sandy Springs parks, including Morgan Falls Overlook Park, Playable Art Park, Lost Corner Preserve, and Windsor Meadows Park. The Sandy Springs Conservancy has expanded its local and regional significance in recent years as a partner for future Sandy Springs multi-use trails, park expansion, Chattahoochee River access, and community events. 

Under the direction of the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will have overall responsibility for the Sandy Springs Conservancy, including implementation of strategic planning and policies, project execution, budgeting, fundraising, organizational operations, database management, and marketing. Responsibilities for this position are expected to entail approximately thirty (30) hours per week.

Submit a cover letter and resume in a single PDF file format to:

ED@sandyspringsconservancy.org

Responsibilities include:                                                           

COORDINATE AND ENRICH THE ACTIVITIES OF A STRONG, WORKING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

• Foster a strong partnership with the Board in setting policies, seeking opportunities for parks, greenspace and connective trails and adopting; projects consistent with the mission of the Conservancy.
• Lead development and implementation of strategic and annual work plans for the Conservancy.
• Populate and work with all standing and ad hoc committees of the Board to assure effective committee function in carrying out the work of the Board, including implementation of park and greenspace projects adopted by the Board.
• Conduct an annual board assessment to gain board feedback about the organization.
• Provide opportunities for board development.

WORK WITH THE BOARD TO PLAN AND FUND THE OPERATIONS AND FUTURE CAPITAL PROJECTS OF THE CONSERVANCY

• In cooperation with the Board of Directors, develop and implement a financial sustainability plan for the organization.
• In cooperation with the Board of Directors, actively seek, cultivate, and grow a diverse base of funding sources to include individuals, businesses, foundations, and governments.
• Develop annual operating and future capital budgets in conjunction with the Treasurer, Committee, and Staff Support for Board approval.

WORK WITH GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND OTHER PARTNERS TO EXECUTE THE PROJECTS ADOPTED BY THE BOARD

• Promote sound public policy that encourages development, maintenance, and management of parks, greenspace and connective trails.
• Promote funding and construction of connective trails, park and greenspace projects adopted by the Conservancy Board.
• Manage the studies, funding, or design and construction of parks, greenspace, trails and other projects supported by the Conservancy.

PROMOTE THE MISSION OF THE SANDY SPRINGS CONSERVANCY

• Serve as a lead spokesperson for the Conservancy.
• Expand the Conservancy’s reputation as an influencer with Sandy Springs residents, community and civic organizations, business community, city staff and elected officials, and other relevant governments and entities.
• Build partnerships with local, regional, state and national entities in support of our community for parks, greenspace and connective trails.
• Execute successful Thought Leader Dinner and the Advisory Council programs to maintain and build relationships in the business, political, philanthropic, and civic community.
• Lead and coordinate the development of fundraising materials.
• Boost marketing and public relations efforts for Conservancy on the web, through social media, and in print.
• Coordinate participation in community events; plan and implement appropriate Conservancy events, and programs for the community.
• Increase our volunteer base beyond the Board of Directors to strengthen corporate and civic relationships.

ENHANCE AND MANAGE THE OPERATIONS OF THE ORGANIZATION AND STAFF

• Manage all aspects of the organization to the highest standards of community service, collaborative spirit and non-profit association management.
• Maintain all corporate documents and filings as required of a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, maintain applicable insurance and compliance documents.
• Manage operational expenses, budgeting, bookkeeping, financial, and tax reporting.
• Advance the use and effectiveness of the donor management software by the Administrative Assistant.
• Strengthen the online nonprofit profile for the Conservancy.
• Prepare Board meeting agendas and publish minutes.

PREFERRED ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher.
• Experience with the budgeting and financial management process.
• Two years of fundraising experience or private sector equivalent.

DESIRABLE ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience working with a Board of Directors.
• Nonprofit management experience.
• Experience working with jurisdictional processes.
• Network of business and community leaders in the Atlanta region.
• Experience working in the area of parks, greenspace, and trails.