Baird Creek Preservation Foundation

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR POSITION

Job Title: Executive Director

Reports to: Executive Committee

Status: Part-time exempt, average 34 hours per week (some weeks up to 35-37, depending on foundation needs) with some nights and weekends. Salary range $55,000-$75,000 + benefits.

Overview: 

The Baird Creek Preservation Foundation (BCPF) works to protect, restore, and manage over 600+ acres of the Baird Creek Greenway, one of Northeast Wisconsin’s most ecologically diverse ecosystems. We provide education, outreach, and land trust oversight. Our stewardship results in the protection of diverse ecological systems for future generations while providing responsible recreational and educational use of protected and managed lands for community enjoyment.

Position Summary:

The Executive Director is the chief executive and public face of BCPF and is responsible for the strategic and operational success in achieving our mission. This dynamic leader will initiate revenue generation through fundraising efforts and program development. Our leader will provide visionary guidance to the staff and the Board, and build strong relationships with stakeholders and the broader community. An authentic passion for the organization’s mission and an understanding of our community are essential to this position. 

Responsibilities

1. Fundraising and Resource Development (40%)

• Execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy to assure financial sustainability, including individual giving, major gifts, corporate sponsorships, grant writing, and events.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with current and prospective donors, funders, and community partners.
• Oversee all development and communication efforts, including online presence, marketing materials, and annual campaigns, to create a strong brand and attract new support.
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors to actively engage them in fundraising initiatives and leverage their networks and strengths.
• Work with the Fundraising Committee to develop a long-term solvency plan for the Foundation.

2. Leadership and Strategic Direction (30%)

• Provide inspirational and strategic leadership to staff, board committees, volunteers, and foundations, government and public agencies, and community partners. 
• Lead the strategic planning process in collaboration with the Board. Provide actionable plans and programs that have a measurable impact.
• Ensure compliance with non-profit 501C3 standards and practices. 
• Hire, supervise, assist, evaluate, develop, and train staff in the performance of their duties in cooperation with the board.
• Ensure the necessary staff, systems, reports, and procedures for the provision of necessary legal support, record keeping, and financial reporting.
• Coordinate and run scheduled board meetings to update the Board on activities and financials, held after normal work hours.

3. Project Management/Financial Management (10%)

• Ensure the thorough and accurate execution of business processes necessary to complete land protection projects and maintain Land Trust standards.
• Implement Board-approved land protection and restoration/preservation programs.
• Ensure that all grant compliance requirements are followed and maintain records of all project activities completed.

4. Community Engagement and Public Relations (10%)

• Use data and community feedback to ensure programs and initiatives remain relevant and responsive to community needs.
• Serve as the primary spokesperson and ambassador at events and media engagements while advocating our mission.
• Promote awareness and support for BCPF’s mission among greenway users and the general public. 
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with landowners who might participate in land protection projects and/or have properties in areas of interest.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with work crews (trails), volunteers, and contractors.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with funders and project partner organizations.
• Oversee publications and press releases, informational programs, speaking engagements, newsletters, social media, etc., to promote a consistent and positive message. 
• Cultivate relationships with the community for possible board members.
• Promote and expand the membership base.

5. Grant Writing (10%)

• Write organizational grants and funding proposals, submit post-funding reports, and work with staff to ensure grants are expensed as they were written
• Maintain a current grant calendar with prospects, pending requests, submission deadlines, and report deadlines
• Identify available grants.

Job Requirements including Desired Skills, Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree minimum and/or demonstrated nonprofit, project management, environmental studies, and fundraising experience equivalency.
• Must reside within driving distance of the Baird Creek office in Green Bay, WI.
• A successful candidate will have exceptional oral, written, computer, interpersonal, and time management skills, the ability to communicate with diverse constituents, and the willingness to work independently, as well as part of a collaborative team.
• The candidate will demonstrate individual enthusiasm for environmental matters.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and grants while meeting deadlines and achieving organizational outcomes.
• Demonstrated skills in building and maintaining effective relationships.
• Strong interest in working in the non-profit sector and supporting the mission, vision, and strategic direction of the Baird Creek Preservation Foundation.
• Knowledge of and or willingness and ability to learn QuickBooks, Microsoft Office, Google Docs, Gmail, and database software, including social media accounts.
• Preferred office presence is four days per week. Exceptions based on off-site responsibilities.
• This position is expected to be present at major events (Banquet, 5K Run, Lantern & Luminary Walks)
• Ensure the workplace safety of self, employees, members, and volunteers.
• Set and manage yearly budget, monthly and yearly taxes, keep on top of restricted funds, operating funds, donations, etc., for the well-being of the organization and projects.
• Manage daily operations of accounting; review invoices, pay bills, account reconciliations, etc. 
• Lead Advancement/Fundraising Committee meetings, prepare agendas, reports, and evaluations of fundraising efforts.
• Maintain the mailing list, letters, and accompanying materials for the end-of-the-year appeal and supervise gift entry and thank-you letter process. Nurture existing and promote increasing membership.

Compensation and Benefits

The Executive Director position is a salary position, paying $55-75,000 a year plus an insurance stipend of $2,880 a year ($240 a month). Pay increases are typically every other year, depending on performance. The executive director will start with 15 days of vacation, 2 sick days, and 6 paid holidays.

Physical and Work Environment Requirements

Duties are performed in the office and in the field. Travel is required to various locations. Evening and weekend work is occasionally required.

Inclusivity Statement

Baird Creek Preservation Foundation is committed to creating a diverse environment and is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Send a cover letter and resume to execdirector@bairdcreek.org.