Friends of Baxter State Park seeks a dynamic and visionary individual to serve as its next Executive Director. This is an exciting opportunity to lead the organization during a period of growth and to provide strategic leadership in advancing and further developing Friends of BSP’s long-term vision.

The Executive Director will be responsible for developing and implementing effective organizational, operational, financial, and fundraising strategies and processes. The role will also lead community, donor, and membership engagement while overseeing and supporting a highly skilled staff.

The Executive Director will build strong relationships with donors, members, community partners, and other stakeholders and will collaborate closely with Baxter State Park and organizations throughout the region. The successful candidate will bring strong leadership, organizational, fundraising, and relationship-building skills, along with a deep commitment to the mission and stewardship of Baxter State Park.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

Leadership and Strategic Vision:

• Provide visionary leadership to advance Friends’ mission and goals.
• Work closely with the Board of Directors to develop and implement strategic plans.
• Foster positive, inclusive, and collaborative organization with staff and key partners, including Baxter State Park, Wabanaki nations, and community partners.
• Serve as Friends’ primary spokesperson and ambassador. 

Fundraising and Development: 

• Lead fundraising efforts with the Board and Development Director including donor cultivation, grant development, business sponsorship, and special events. 
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with donors, foundations, businesses, and community partners.  
• Identify new opportunities to support organizational growth, and to broaden and expand the membership. 

Operational and Program Management:

• Oversee the organization’s operations and administration.
• Hire, supervise, and manage staff, and create a positive work environment.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, grant requirements, and organizational policies.
• Facilitate the development, planning, and execution of programs, and ensure staff has the resources necessary for program implementation.
• Monitor organizational performance and recommend modifications or new policies where appropriate.

Fiscal Management: 

• Develop and manage the annual operating budget.
• Ensure sound financial management and responsible stewardship of organizational resources.
• Provide regular financial reports to the Board of Directors.
• Work with the Board and Finance Committee to ensure  long-term financial sustainability.

Communications, Public Relations, and Community Engagement:

• Oversee external communications to ensure that they effectively support and advance the mission of the organization. 
• Monitor public policy issues that may impact Baxter State Park and develop responses as needed, in partnership with the Board of Directors, Policy Committee and Baxter State Park leadership.
• Promote awareness of the mission and impact of Friends of Baxter State Park.
• Provide opportunities for staff to become more familiar with Baxter State Park and issues that may impact the Park.

Support for the Board of Directors:

• Support the Board of Directors in general communication, fundraising, policy development, and membership recruitment.
• Coordinate and support Board meetings, including maintaining appropriate records of meetings in partnership with the Board Secretary.
• Support and attend committees with meeting coordination and tasks.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree with minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible leadership experience. 
• Knowledge of nonprofit management and operations.
• Demonstrated ability to build trusted and effective relationships with a range of partners.
• Excellent written and verbal skills; ability to give public presentations and facilitate meetings.
• Experience with fundraising, donor and membership cultivation, grant management and program management.
• Experience with financial management, including budget development and  financial reporting.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• A positive attitude and a good sense of humor, with the ability to create a supportive and engaging work environment.