Logo
Wesselman Woods

Executive Director

Wesselman Woods, Evansville, Indiana, United States, 47725


The Executive Director (ED) is the senior-most leader at WW. This position is responsible for strategic thinking and implementation, ensuring all activities are aligned with the mission, leadership, fundraising, staffing, supervision, and administration. The ED supervises both properties (WW/HW), including all programs and infrastructure, staff development and supervision, financial management, grant writing, public relations, program development, and site management and evaluation. The ED reports and is responsible to the WW Board of Directors and will collaborate with the board in providing overall leadership for the organization. Through guidance and approval from the WW Board of Directors, the ED has broad authority to lead and govern the operations of the organization toward its mission, strategic goals, and program success.Position ResponsibilitiesInspire and Build the Team

Oversee all aspects of leading and retaining WW staffing, including recruitment, professional development, day-to-day supervision, performance evaluation, while working to build meaningful relationships with staff and volunteers;Work with the Board of Directors and staff to develop and monitor policies and ensure their implementation;Lead by strong, creative, and energetic example for a staff of 10+ permanent and seasonal education staff and volunteers, by maintaining effective and clear communication, training, and development practices.

Strategic Action

Collaborate with the Board of Directors and staff, on the development and implementation of short and long-range plans for WW and strategic to achieve them;Lead execution of the strategic plan, including formulating annual work plans, while being open to enlist and evaluate new ideas;Achieve consensus and foster a culture that ensures clarity toward unified organizational priorities.

Engage and Partner with the Board

Work in partnership with the President of the WW Board to plan efficient and effective meetings;Function in partnership with the board to shape and cast a vision for WW, drive accountability of organizational alignment to a vision, and ensure consensus on a pathway to success.

Steward Finances and Compliance

Oversee WW annual finances and ensure a balanced budget. This includes developing, implementing and monitoring the budget, supervising bookkeeping activities, and meeting annually with the WW auditor;Oversee compliance with all federal, state, and local government requirements, including those relating to the Nature Center’s not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) status.

Resource a Sustaining Movement

Plan for future revenue needs and resources to sustain WW programs and operations through establishing and executing clear fundraising strategies, annual goals and detailed revenue development plans;Participate in all fundraising activities;Seek out and participate in the preparation of grant proposals;Identify funding sources through grants, foundations, or community networks.

Communicate the Mission and Lead by Example

Cultivate working relationships with Evansville City officials, DNR, conservation-driven organizations, and corporate sponsors;Develop and enhance key relationships and partnerships with external stakeholders including youth and school groups, education, and environmental or conservation organizations;Act as chief spokesperson and external face for WW.

QualificationsWW seeks a candidate with vision who will chart meaningful organizational growth for the WW, while maintaining a strong and sustainable foundation. An accomplished leader who demonstrates keen understanding of and passion for the organization’s unique mission, this person must be ready to join with the board to lead WW in developing and pursuing a comprehensive strategic through a proven ability in strategic planning, management, program planning and evaluation, collaborative ventures, fundraising and constituency building. The ideal candidate will be both an analytical and strategic thinker who will leverage a background that includes organizational, financial and staff management combined with an understanding of complex environmental issues.Demonstrated success, enthusiasm, and innovation in fundraising and a record of accomplishment of cultivating, soliciting and stewarding major donors is highly preferred. The successful candidate will exhibit exceptional interpersonal skills to interact with board, staff, environmental advocates and policy leaders, governmental officials, donors and other key stakeholders. The ED must be able to passionately articulate the mission of WW to a variety of constituents and establish effective and efficient internal communications. This individual must be confident, bright, and possess an even temperament and sense of humor to work in a collegial and collaborative manner.The ideal candidate will be a strong and effective leader; a strong listener with an inclusive, team-oriented management style that inspires, empowers, motivates, and develops staff. The candidate will have a keen ability to establish and maintain a productive and positive organizational culture with all stakeholders (i.e. staff, board, donors, members and partners). A genuine and authentic connection to nature and the outdoors is required.Candidates with executive level achievement in fields of forestry, environmental education, advocacy, policy, research, business, law and/or related fields are encouraged to apply. Proven experience and success in fundraising is highly desired.This position directly reports to the Board of Directors.Location:

Evansville, IndianaTime Requirement:

40 hours per week, salaried position ($70K – 80K, salary is commensurate based on experience.)Availability:

Monday through Friday / programmatic weekends, evenings, holidays, and emergencies as needed.Benefits:

Two Work-From-Home days each month, 401(k) consideration, flexible work schedule, and the option of unlimited PTO OR $200 stipend with regular PTO.Institutional MemoryThe former Executive Director loves the organization, staff, board, and the forest. They will see that the incoming Executive Director has adequate access to information, memory, and connections to succeed in this role. For the betterment of WW, the former Executive Director will be available to answer any questions at any time.InterestIf you are interested in becoming the Executive Director, please submit a resume and a one-page cover letter combined PDF to Board President, Michelle Ferrero at mvegaferrero@gmail.com.Wesselman Woods provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants, without regard to unlawful considerations of or discrimination against race, religion, creed, color, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition or characteristics, marital status, or any other classification prohibited by applicable local, state, or federal laws.Job Type: Full-timePay: $70,000.00 - $80,000.00 per yearBenefits:401(k) matchingFlexible schedulePaid time offSchedule:8 hour shiftMonday to FridayWeekends as neededAbility to Commute:Evansville, IN 47711 (Required)Ability to Relocate:Evansville, IN 47711: Relocate before starting work (Required)Willingness to travel:25% (Preferred)Work Location: In person

#J-18808-Ljbffr