McLaughlin Garden & Homestead Executive Director Job Description
Under the Direction of the Board of Directors, performs professional leadership, administrative and supervisory work in directing the programs and operations of the Garden & Homestead, and oversees and coordinates all facets of daily operations. This work requires the frequent exercise of leadership, independent judgment, and initiative in planning. The Executive Director is responsible for the development and delivery of services to meet member and visitor interests and needs. Under the direction of the Board Chair, the Executive Director oversees and coordinates all daily operations including planning, budget, facilities care and maintenance, supervision of employees, volunteers and interns. Performs other duties as required.
Examples of responsibilities
Board Liaison--Serves as the Board of Directors liaison to, and coordinates the activities of, the Garden Advisory Committee and the Buildings Committee. Other committee responsibilities may be required in the future.
Board and Board Committees--Works directly with the Development Committee to organize, execute, and manage programs, events, appeals, and grant requests that provide continuous and growing funding sources for the McLaughlin Foundation. May assist directly in the solicitation and cultivation of donors. Works directly with the Finance Committee to plan and prepare the budget for Board adoption, and implements the annual budget. Keeps the Board informed of all aspects of operations and financial management. Carries out policies established by the Board.
Grant Writing and Fundraising--Researches, develops, writes, and submits grants in a timely, professional manner. Tracks current and historic grants to ensure maximized funding. Attends area funding network
meetings, as well as informational meetings with sponsors and funders. Provides active leadership and participation in all fundraising efforts.
Operations Management--Responsible for the overall planning, development and implementation of activities supporting the long-term growth and sustainability of the Garden & Homestead. Develops and implements a range of internal and external communication methodologies, including, but not limited to: signage, phone and email; website content; social media, e.g. Facebook; member relations software, e.g. Constant Contact. Oversees payroll submission, budget planning and development in partnership with the Finance Committee, expenditures and monthly reporting of income and expenses. Plans, in conjunction with the Board, promotions, major events, membership and funding campaigns. Manages the membership and volunteer databases, insuring flexibility and currency. Prepares financial and operational reports for the Board and/or appropriate committees. Supervises and trains staff and volunteers. Manages sales operations. Responsible for overseeing the care and maintenance of the buildings and grounds. Prepares reports on various operational activities, such as visitor attendance, revenue, communications with members and visitors, interactions with the business and educational community, and others as required by the Board. Seeks out and builds alliances and affiliations that will benefit and sustain the Garden & Homestead. Attends the meetings of committees and provide necessary information regarding the overall operations, scheduling, and feasibility of committee tasks. Offers assistance to Committees to complete desired tasks, and/or coordinates efforts of volunteers and staff. With the Development Committee, plans and implements the membership and annual fund appeal campaigns, tracks responses and reports to Board. Assists with strategic sponsorship requests, participating merchants program, targeted financial and programmatic collaboration, and all cultural/educational/horticultural events.
Special Events Coordinator--Serves as the Special Events Coordinator for a variety of events that require extensive planning, development and coordination with a variety of committees, volunteers and Board members. On-site, day-of management is also required for: Annual Auction, Garden Illuminated, weddings and other rental events, and most Program Committee events.
Working Conditions:
Reports directly to the Board Chair, who provides supervision and oversight of the position and establishes the basic schedule with the Director.
Attends the Board of Directors meetings and provides recommendations for program development, budgetary management, facilities and human resources, grants, outreach and cooperative activities, and related reports.
Responds to contacts that are by phone, in person and in writing, and require discussion of complex administrative, financial and technical matters.
Is required from time to time to work outside of normal business hours, including weekends.
The Executive Director may be contacted at home to respond to important situations.
As appropriate and as directed makes contact with organizations providing similar services and with similar interests, professional organizations, town and school departments, civic groups, members, visitors, and financial donors.
Is expected to take appropriate action to resolve problems. Errors could result in delay or loss of service and monetary loss, damage to building or equipment, member or visitor dissatisfaction, compromised employee safety, or legal repercussions.
Experience and Desirable Qualifications:
Demonstrated ability to plan and implement short and longer term projects; demonstrated ability to work proactively and independently; excellent interpersonal communication skills; excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, subordinates, volunteers, members and the general public; computer skills necessary to perform the duties of the position, including but not limited to wordprocessing, spreadsheet development and manipulation, database utilization, and internet and basic web content development. Education appropriate to the duties of the position. Desirable: Prior relevant experience working in an administrative and supervisory capacity in a multi-faceted service organization. Successful grant writing experience. Salary is based upon experience and qualifications. Benefits include health insurance, vacation time and sick leave.
Application Instructions:
Please submit a resume and cover letter via email to: mclgardn@megalink.net
Questions can be answered via email or phone, 207-743-8820
The McLaughlin Foundation, Inc. is an equal-opportunity employer.
Submissions: If you are a member interested in submitting articles, dispatches, opportunities, and/or photos to the print newsletter, please review these guideline and deadlines.
