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SalaryThe Executive Director (ED) holds responsibility for day-to-day operations as well as working with a Board of Directors to shape the future of the organization through values, leadership, and strategy. The ED will oversee a vibrant organization with a 2023 annual budget of $1 million and 11 employees, along with seasonal staff.
Position Summary
The Executive Director broadly oversees the daily functioning of Hartley Nature Center and its mission to inspire lifelong connections with nature through education, play and exploration. The ED’s primary duties include staff leadership and development, financial and operational management, community engagement and fundraising, committee responsibilities, board responsibilities, and strategic planning.
Essential Responsibilities
Staff Leadership and Development
- Exhibit excellent leadership skills to create and maintain a positive, productive, welcoming, and inclusive work environment.
- Build and maintain a high performance, fun and engaging work culture. Mentor staff and foster a learning and growth environment that provides professional growth opportunities.
- Provide honest, candid, and timely feedback in a professional and respectful manner. Recognize and reward staff and organizational achievements.
- Effectively communicate vision to staff, Board, members, and stakeholders.
- Provide human resource guidance and leadership for the organization, ensuring polices are followed on a consistent basis.
- Hire, support, and retain highly qualified and talented staff to foster a focus on mission and a collaborative spirit.
Community Engagement and Fundraising
- Represent HNC to nature center and park users, current and prospective funders, government officials, and other stakeholders.
- Actively engage and energize members, staff, volunteers, stakeholders, and funders toward a common mission.
- Be a respected leader at the intersection of environment and education, demonstrating the ability to partner across many aspects of diversity, including racial, economic, and geographic differences with authenticity.
- Positively represent HNC in the community at large; serving as spokesperson for HNC at public and private events; attend fundraising, public-facing events, and various other engagements within the community.
- Lead development efforts, actively seek out opportunities and manage strategic grant writing, fundraising, foundation prospecting, and sponsorship opportunities.
- Develop and implement fundraising plans to meet operating, capital and endowment goals, seek and maintain donor relationships, and oversee membership recruitment and retention.
Committee responsibilities, board responsibilities, and strategic planning
- Organize regular Board of Director meetings, responsible for operational and financial reports presented at regular Board meetings, actively attending Board and committee meetings.
- Develop and maintain an active, engaged Board of Directors and committee framework committed to furthering mission and vision.
- Assist with the recruitment of new board members, with a commitment towards increasing board diversity.
- Provide leadership for strategic planning efforts.
- Perform other duties as requested by the Board of Directors.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
The successful candidate will demonstrate core competencies in the following areas.
Demonstrated Skills
- Experience in a leadership role in an organization; well-developed interpersonal skills; strong oral and written communication skills; and the ability to listen and present ideas clearly to diverse audiences.
- Experience in strong financial and organizational management, knowledge of rules, regulations, and standards for non-profit organizations.
- Evidence developing and implementing strategy with an inclusive operating style that encourages engagement, with a history of strong collaboration and actively seeking strategic partnerships.
- Strong communication skills including public speaking, written communications, knowledge of public relations, and social and traditional media skills.
- Attention to detail, organized, strong time management with the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.
- Proven experience in working independently and as part of a team, proactive delegation, and in exercising good judgment, confidentiality, and discernment.
- A commitment to inclusion with the ability to work in collaboration with diverse groups of people.
- Experience creating and successfully executing operational and strategic plans.
- Reliable transportation and a clean driving record for insurability.
- Ability to pass a background study.
- Reliable and timely attendance to complete all job duties and responsibilities.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a related field and at least 4 years of relevant experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience, with demonstrated skills in the following: Hiring, retaining, and supervising staff; Managing organizational budgets; Fundraising and fund development.
- A background in environmental education and an interest in early childhood education is preferred.
- A commitment and enthusiasm for HNC values and mission.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The ED will work primarily on site at HNC in an office setting. The ED has a private office with a door that can be closed. The ED needs the ability to lift up to 20 pounds on a regular basis. Flextime and flexspace (i.e. hybrid work) is negotiable.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The compensation range for this full-time position is an annual salary $68,000 - $80,000 accompanied by a competitive benefits package, including: vacation, sick time, retirement plan, paid holidays, bereavement leave.
HOW TO APPLY
If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit a cover letter and resume to HartleyED@audacityhr.com. Please elaborate on how your education and experience demonstrates the core competencies of this position. The cover letter may be addressed to the Hiring Committee.
Applicants applying by May 12, 2024, will be given priority consideration, with the position open until filled. Review of candidates will begin immediately, and we encourage early applications. All applications and inquiries will remain confidential.
AudacityHR has been retained to lead this search. Please direct all questions and inquiries to: Eleanor Bacso at eleanor@audacityhr.com | 218.520.3406.
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
Hartley Nature Center (HNC) is an independent, non-profit, environmental education and recreation organization located in the incredible 660-acre Hartley Park in Duluth, Minnesota. HNC is a multi-faceted, dynamic, and values-based organization with an operating budget of approximately $1 million.
The nature center resides in a beautiful 12,500 square foot building on the north side of Hartley Park. HNC operates on program fees, memberships, sponsorships, grants, and private donations. Through ecological restoration, biological monitoring, trail improvements, park user interactions, and stewardship education, HNC aims to ensure Hartley Park remains a community asset for generations to come. More info: https://hartleynature.org/
COMMITMENT TO EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Hartley Nature Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, creed, gender and sexual orientation/identity/expression, marital status or familial status.
