Executive Director

Overview:
The Executive Director of Forsyth Farmers' Market, Inc (FFM) oversees all FFM programs, making sure they run smoothly, work well together, and further the mission of the organization. This position also serves as the public face of the organization, engaging in advocacy, promotion, and outreach. The ED supervises staff and volunteers and reports to the board of directors.  

The candidate must demonstrate a passion for farming, food justice, and nutrition security. Experience in a related field is preferred. This position requires skill in staff management and program development, a proven track record of successful grant writing, donor relationships and solicitation, as well as the ability to advocate for local food growers and producers, and the people served by FFM’s programs. FFM currently has 6 full time staff, and 2 part time staff, and an annual budget of $600k.

This is a full-time, salaried position with a generous PTO package and a healthcare stipend, with an annual salary range of $55-$65k, commensurate with experience.

Qualifications
Education:  Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience preferred
 

Experience: Demonstrated skills in grant writing, fundraising, program development, staff management, a working knowledge of local food systems and successful deployment of community outreach campaigns.

Specific Tasks:
Organizational Leadership
* Identify potential risks and opportunities within the organization to protect and expand the organization’s goals, objectives, and mission
* Monitor organizational operations and ensure that all business practices comply with regulatory and legal requirements
* Develop an understanding of elements needed to run all FFM programs, which currently include: a Saturday market, Farm Truck 912, 912 Food Farmacy, and education programs

Staff Management
* Foster an organizational culture of transparency and collaboration 
* Supervise and support direct reports
* Assist staff in recruiting, training, supervising, and retaining volunteers
* Oversee all aspects of staff development by identifying, training, and  development of a talented team who can lead critical programs to meet annual objectives

Board Relations
* Collaborate with the board of directors to identify, create, and implement strategic plans to actualize organizational objectives
* Compile and present monthly reports at board meetings
* Provide weekly updates to board via email
* In partnership with the board, identify, vet, and recruit community members to join the board

Communications and Public Relations
* Develop and maintain constructive relationships with various community sectors, including, farmers and local food producers, community members and non-profit partners, business stakeholders, networking organizations, and industry regulators
* Coordinate FFM representation at events and meetings called by key partners 
* Manage the organizational messaging around programs, events, and issues related to annual objectives and strategic plans
* Represent FFM with the media and throughout the community

Financial Oversight
* Work with bookkeeper and board treasurer to ensure finances are in order
* Send monthly finances to board treasurer to review and approve monthly reconciliation
* Prepare documents to send to CPA annually
* Work with external accounting firm to complete annual financial audit
* Cooperatively develop the annual budget with the board treasurer
* After a grant is awarded, provide grant oversight to assure that funds are being spent in the way they were intended
* Ensure insurance policies remain up to date

Special Events 
* In partnership with the board of directors, serve as lead coordinator for FFM’s annual fundraising events, including soliciting donations, managing ticket sales, coordinating of logistics and marketing
* Responsible for scheduling, staffing, and supervising volunteers/staff for any special events where Forsyth Farmers’ Market, Inc. is represented 

Fundraising
* Identify, solicit, acknowledge, and steward new and existing sponsors/donors
* Research, identify, and apply for local, state, and federal grant and fundraising opportunities for the organization and its programs
* In coordination with Fundraising Committee of the board, develop and execute annual fundraising strategy
* Provide oversight for processes used to capture fundraising information in donor management software  

EEO/AA: Forsyth Farmers’ Market is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law. Forsyth Farmers’ Market’s policy regarding equal employment opportunity applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, job assignments, promotions, working conditions, scheduling, benefits, wage and salary administration, disciplinary action, termination, and social, educational and recreational programs. 

To Apply:
We are conducting rolling interviews as eligible candidates apply and hope to fill the position as soon as possible. Email 1) cover letter, 2) resume, and 3) an example of your work to FFM.EdSearch@gmail[dot]com. 

An example of your work can be a grant application, an educational program curriculum, a plan for a fundraiser, or other relevant product.