Executive Director

Exempt Position FTE: 0.8 

Position Announcement: Executive Director Loveland Youth Gardeners (LYG), a growing non-profit organization based in Loveland, Colorado, is seeking a compassionate, organized, and energetic leader to serve as Executive Director (ED) to oversee all operations, programs and activities. This person will be the face of the organization, responsible for giving the Board of Directors (BOD) strategic plan-appropriate direction and work to achieve the mission and vision. The Executive Director will be a thoughtful leader with a passion for youth, food, and community, and has all that is needed for LYG to continue to grow and thrive.

About the Organization: LYG began as a small summer program in 1996. Since then, it has grown to include a variety of programs that harness the practice of growing food to change lives. Our mission is to cultivate job & life skills, environmental stewardship and service in youth facing barriers by building healthy relationships with people, agriculture, and community. Our vision is for all youth to realize their value and potential and be equipped to lead a healthy and productive life.

Job Description : The ED is responsible for all organizational activities, including strategic planning, fundraising, program execution, financial management, and marketing communications, to ensure LYG achieves its mission. In addition to strong organizational leadership, the ED is the public face of the organization, and is responsible for connecting with students, staff, volunteers, families, donors, and the community. This position requires a passion for youth, the ability to easily build meaningful relationships, and strong organizational skills. The ED reports directly to the BOD.

Primary Responsibilities

Leadership

● Demonstrates strong written and verbal communication skills ● Works with staff, board, and supporters to strategically implement LYG’s mission and vision

● Recruits, hires and trains quality staff to meet the objectives of LYG ● Provides coaching, supervision and evaluation of staff to ensure their success

● Ensures (within budget constraints) that goals, plans, and milestones are set and followed

● Maintains and enhances a positive and supportive culture within LYG

Program Development, Oversight, and Facilitation

● Works with Program Director to implement and oversee effective, high-quality programming consistent with LYG's mission and vision, and to ensure the the Program Director properly executes the following tasks :

o Regularly evaluates programs and uses evaluation results to further develop the programs

o Provides a continuum of services that support students in reaching their potential

o Creates program policies and assures compliance with such policies

o Assures a safe environment and proper supervision for attendees of all youth programs

o Develops and maintains effective relationships with local school district personnel and other community agencies serving youth who face barriers or challenges

o Teaches and facilitates programming in the garden and in the classroom

Resource Development

● Develops and maintains effective relationships with community organizations that support LYG’s mission

● Works with the BOD to develop a diversified and effective funding plan that will ensure long-term success of LYG

● Cultivates relationships with major donors and sponsors while also developing new donor relationships

● Helps maintain donor database

● Researches, prepares and submits grant proposals based upon financial guidelines approved by the BOD to various agencies, foundations, and related funding sources

● Plans and organizes fundraising events and activities in conjunction with the BOD and committees (e.g., Loveland Garden Tour & Art Show, NoCo Urban Homestead Tour)

● Arranges and gives public presentations about the organization

● Oversees organizational marketing, including website, newsletter, print, social media, and more.

● Uses a variety of public relations strategies, including social media, to market/promote LYG programs

Financial and Operations Management

● Ensures the fiscal integrity of the organization, including adherence to appropriate accounting principles and contractual agreements

● Develops the budget, in conjunction with the Treasurer, for approval by the BOD

● Oversees the on-going financial position, develops and tracks monthly and yearly expenditures, makes adjustments as necessary to ensure LYG is meeting budget and financial objectives, and collaborates regularly with the Treasurer and BOD on financial matters

● Uses technology tools for networking and/or fundraising efforts

● Oversees the Production Manager; production, grounds safety, development and maintenance

Human Resource Management

● Works with Program Director to oversee all aspects of recruitment, orientation, supervision and evaluation of the staff, independent contractors, and volunteers

● Inspires and motivates the staff, independent contractors and volunteers to successfully achieve the goals associated with the strategic plan

● Proposes salary recommendations for the staff and independent contractors to the BOD

● Implements personnel policies

● Mediates conflicts and arbitrates disagreements among LYG staff and volunteers

● Demonstrates staff and volunteer appreciation

Board Relationship

● Understands and acknowledges the role of the ED and the role of the BOD

● Follows BOD procedures and policies for grants, personnel and financial management

● Prepares for and attends BOD meetings and other BOD functions

● Assists the BOD President in planning the agenda for BOD meetings

● Works collaboratively with the BOD to support the mission and vision of LYG

● Reports progress on ED goals to BOD

● Effectively and appropriately communicates with BOD members

● Works with BOD to create and distribute communications, including (without limitation) grant applications, annual reports, donor letters, brochures, etc.

● Assists BOD with recruitment of new members by referring names to the BOD President

Disclaimer: This description does not state or imply that the duties listed are the only duties to be performed by the Executive Director. Employees are required to follow job-related instructions and perform other job-related functions as may be determined by the BOD.

Required Skills

● Passion for youth and community

● Commitment to LYG’s mission and values

● Nonprofit development and/or business development

● Experience generating support through grants, foundations, corporations, fundraising events, and individual donors

● Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to effectively juggle multiple and/or competing priorities with a high attention to detail.

● Ability to self-motivate, set and meet goals/deadlines to achieve desired results

● Confident public speaking, facilitation skills, presentation and/or teaching experience

● Experience working with youth and knowledge of basic food production principles

● Availability to work some evenings and/or weekends.

● Computer literate and tech savvy, including Google Suite and full Microsoft Office ● Willingness to work cooperatively as part of a team

● Direct supervision and volunteer management experience

Compensation & Benefits of Working at LYG

● Meaningful, rewarding work

● $35,800/year (.8 FTE); 30-40 hours per week, depending on the season; plus $4,200/year towards health insurance

● A varied and flexible schedule that includes time outdoors and in the garden with youth

● Support from a dedicated and inspired staff and Board of Directors, as well as a great community of supporters and volunteers

● A fun and educational work environment

● Access to fresh produce

Application Process: Please submit the following (single PDF document preferred) to office@LovelandYouthGargeners.org (no phone calls please). 

1. A cover letter stating your interest and specific qualifications for the position, and including brief descriptions of the following: a. An example of your ability to plan, follow through, and achieve desired results. b. Why you feel you are qualified for the LYG ED position.

2. A resume outlining your education/experience/achievements.

3. Contact information for three references.

Review of resumes will begin immediately, and may involve telephone follow-up. We plan to conduct in-person interviews with finalists in early December 2019.

Equal Opportunity Employer: LYG is committed to equal opportunity and does not discriminate against its employees, volunteers, member organizations, clients or the public on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, disability, national origin, citizenship, age, gender or gender variance, sexual orientation or veteran status. This policy of nondiscrimination prevails throughout every aspect of the employment, including recruitment, selection, placement, training, compensation, promotion, transfer, layoff, recall and termination. It also prevails throughout all client and volunteer activities.