The Water Conservation Garden is a nonprofit organization that demonstrates water conservation landscaping and education of general conservation concepts with future challenges as resources become more scarce or expensive. The Board seeks a leader who is committed to The Garden’s mission-driven ethos, is a natural relationship builder, understands the multi-faceted nature of this work, and values the opportunity to work with civic, business and cultural leaders. The Executive Director is the CEO of the organization, responsible for all day-to-day operations and program development within established Board policies. He/she reports to the Board of Directors and supervises all paid and volunteer staff, delegating responsibilities as appropriate.
QUALIFICATIONS
Leadership
•Minimum of seven (7) years in leadership or senior management roles in an organization with a budget of at least $500,000
•Demonstrated commitment to The Garden’s mission, vision and values as stated on the website (www.thegarden.org)
•Ability to implement organizational mission and strategic goals while maintaining a balanced budget, best practices in nonprofit management, and team-oriented culture
•Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing strategic vision and plans
•Comfortable engaging a wide variety of donors, community organizations and perspectives
•Proven ability to represent a high-profile community organization professionally, articulately, and proactively
Community Outreach and Marketing
•Ability to actively engage a diverse external community via relationship-building, strategic partnership initiatives, and outreach opportunities
•Outstanding oral and written communication skills, including audience-based public speaking and media-based written composition
•Experience in working with government staff and elected officials
•Knowledge of effective marketing and brand management
Operational Management
•Effective oversight of capital assets, including master planning, maintenance, recapitalization, and expansion, as necessary
•Demonstrated experience in hiring, developing and managing staff at various levels of competencies and autonomy
•Demonstrated skills in fiscal management, budgeting and effective financial management
•Commitment to diversity and inclusion
Revenue Generation
•Proven experience in building, managing and evaluating effectiveness of multiple earned income revenue streams
•Demonstrated capabilities in building long-term relationships with strategic funding partners
•Skills in philanthropic fundraising, cultivating and stewarding donors of all types and levels
Program Development & Implementation
•Knowledge of effective program development and evaluation techniques
•Experience in recognizing and leveraging opportunities to partner with other community entities
•Proven project management and organization skills
Board Relations
•Demonstrated understanding of the role a nonprofit board of directors plays in the success of an organization, and the unique partnership with executive staff
•Experience in working with and supporting a governing board of directors, including recruitment, orientation and stewardship
Personal Qualities
•Strong leadership talents that, through example, inspire others to achieve greatness
•Open-minded, flexible and analytical, yet decisive when confronted with difficult issues
•Optimistic yet pragmatic when presented with challenges and opportunities
•Confident in abilities, yet able to delegate to competent staff and volunteers when necessary
•Guided by the highest personal and professional ethical standards
•Results-oriented, establishing high yet attainable standards and expectations for self and others
•Exceptional communicator, able to articulate ideas, concepts and directives in multiple forms
•Ability to facilitate effective conflict resolution
Preferred Qualifications
•Knowledge of gardening, conservation, educational programs, and environmental sustainability
•Experience or education related to horticulture, water conservation or public botanical gardens
•Familiarity with the San Diego community and its civic, business and cultural leaders
•Knowledge of deploying and developing effective volunteers
•Knowledge of event management and production
EDUCATION
Candidate will hold a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in management, business administration, or related field; advanced degree preferred
How to apply
Qualified applicants should send cover letter, resume and a completed
Water Conservation Garden application form electronically to EDSearch@thegarden.org
Applicants should clearly describe in his/her resume or application their work
experience, education and/or training as it relates to the announced vacancy.
No phone calls please.