Executive Director, Dunwoody Nature Center

Executive Director Job Description

Title: Executive Director (CEO)

Status: Full time, exempt

Reports to: Board of Directors

Work Schedule: M-F 8:30am-5:00pm (nights and weekends as needed)

Positions supervised: Direct and indirect supervision of full staff

Job Status: FT   FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Summary:

The Executive Director is a motivated, entrepreneurial individual with experience as a community leader. The Executive Director uses a broad range of skills to lead and motivate a team and oversee all activities and functions of the Nature Center. He/she is the public face of the Center. The Dunwoody Nature Center’s mission is to inspire the love of nature and cultivate environmental understanding and stewardship by: 

• conserving and enhancing Dunwoody Park;
• educating children, families, and adults of all ages about the natural world and our place in it; and
• motivating environmental awareness and responsible action

He/she is responsible for working with the Board of Directors, the staff and the City of Dunwoody to give the proper strategic direction to the organization as it seeks to fulfill its mission.

Principal Responsibilities:

Work collaboratively with the Board of Directors to implement the strategic plan and to update the plan as needed.

 Serve as key spokesperson and promoter of the Nature Center in the community, cultivating key relationships and ensuring strong partnerships with the City of Dunwoody and other community leaders and organizations.

 Engage with community and metro leaders to build a coalition of committed stakeholders.

 Forge and maintain relations of trust with key donors, grantors, partners, board members, city officials and stakeholders.

Recruit, lead, manage, develop and evaluate an effective team by providing guidance and clear expectations.

Manage and operate the Nature Center within an annual budget and long-term strategic plan; update as needed. 

In conjunction with the Board, develop and implement an annual development (fundraising) plan that supports achievement of the Center’s goals.

Oversee all investments, development, grant writing and foundation applications, including working with the board and staff to grow charitable dollars to support the Center’s mission and development goals.

 Oversee the marketing and promotion of the Nature Center’s programs and events.

Oversee the maintenance of the park grounds, working collaboratively with the City Parks Director, the Master Gardener volunteers and other stakeholders such as Trees Atlanta.

Identify and actualize sustainable ways to extend the reach and impact of the Nature Center.

Provide leadership for the development and management of staff to ensure effective daily operations.  

Provide oversight and input for the organization’s infrastructure and processes to enhance organizational efficiency and provide a platform for growth.

Provide oversight and input for the design and development of high-quality environmental education and other programs that complement the mission of the Nature Center. 

Encourage and motivate programming staff to create and execute innovative approaches to fulfilling the mission and vision.

 Ensure the organization is compliant with all business and nonprofit legal and financial requirements.

 Devise remedial action for any deficiency in the organization and conduct crisis management when necessary.

 Attend and contribute to monthly Board meetings and other evening and weekend community meetings or events. 

Education:

Bachelor’s Degree with a strong, relevant track record at providing vision and inspiration, encouraging collaborative partnerships and increasing earned revenues and philanthropic support. 

Competencies:

• Passion for the Dunwoody Nature Center’s mission and vision
• Superb written and verbal communications skills with demonstrated public speaking skill
• Proven ability as an effective leader, executive or high level manager
• Strong organizational and multi-tasking skills, with excellent attention to detail 
• Demonstrated knowledge of governance principles and managerial best practices
• Ability to work under pressure, while being a self-motivated, energetic team player
• Superb interpersonal skills and ease in working cooperatively and inclusively with people of all ages and backgrounds; accessible and approachable demeanor
• Demonstrated success with staff supervision, fundraising, campaign management, grant writing and budget management 
• Commitment to maintaining an efficient, collaborative and positive work environment 
• Strong marketing and public relations skills
• Strong understanding of nonprofit finance, budgeting and financial measures of performance
• Relevant experience in developing and executing strategic plans with an ability to involve and lead others to establish goals and objectives and to implement plans to achieve those objectives 
• Ability to apply successful fundraising and networking techniques
• Strong computer skills, including Outlook, Quick Books, MS Office