Job Summary: The Executive Director guides the development of educational and public programming, takes leadership for collaborative strategic planning, budget preparation, long-range financial planning, and master planning at Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center. The Executive Director leads the advancement work for Merry Lea by pursuing diverse funding opportunities, in coordination with Goshen College Advancement and Grants Office. The Executive Director is responsible for the staffing and personnel of Merry Lea and to create a positive work environment. The Executive Director is Merry Lea’s representative in campus affairs, community relations, and promotion of the center and its programs within the campus community, the faith community, and nationally. The Executive Director reports regularly to the Merry Lea Board of Trustees and is supervised by Goshen College’s Vice President for Academic Affairs. Depending on academic qualifications, the Executive Director may be considered for a faculty appointment in the Goshen College Biology Department.

Essential Functions: (Core Job Responsibilities)

● Administrative responsibilities:

○ Lead the planning and programming for Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center based on the mission statement and congruent with the mission of Goshen College.
○ Provide leadership for faculty and staff of Merry Lea, including professional development planning and coordinating annual evaluations for all staff.
○ Provide supervision for all team members, with direct supervision of directors and administrative personnel.
○ Lead the preparation of the annual budget for Merry Lea, including income, operations, capital expenditures and development.
○ Serve as ex-officio member of the Merry Lea Board of Trustees and the Rieth Foundation Trust Advisory Committee. Prepare agenda, materials and minutes for these meetings in collaboration with the board chair.
○ Monitor the established annual budget including coordination with Goshen College Office of Finance and Merry Lea Board of Trustees.
○ Gather programmatic data and prepare regular reports for Goshen College and the Merry Lea Board of Trustees, including an annual report to the VPAA.

○ Coordinate vendors that provide service to Merry Lea.
○ Oversee public information releases such as press releases, newsletters and website updates.

● Advancement:
○ Promote the interests of Merry Lea to local, regional and national audiences at professional meetings, donor functions and other venues for constituents.
○ Coordinate with the Vice President of Advancement at Goshen College donor initiatives and capital projects.
○ Coordinate with the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Director of Grants regarding grant proposals and awards.
○ Coordinate with the Merry Lea Board to provide leadership for capital campaigns and other fund-raising activities, both planning and execution.
○ Contact major donors for the Merry Lea annual fund and capital fund.
○ Assist with planning and implementation of Merry Lea donor events.
○ Represent Merry Lea on relevant boards and committees.

● Academic:
○ Work closely with the Biology department chair to provide coordination of academic processes with Goshen College, supporting academic innovations, research and
teaching at Merry Lea.
○ Promote Merry Lea’s academic interest with the campus community through supporting faculty in collaborative teaching, service and research.
○ Assist other Goshen College departments with planning for use of Merry Lea’s facilities or instructors.
○ Develop partnerships and articulation agreements with other colleges and institutions who are interested in having students and researchers participate in programing at
Merry Lea.
○ Assist with recruiting faculty and staff for the programs at Merry Lea.
○ Work closely with academic enrollment leaders of Goshen College to set, monitor and attain enrollment goals for each academic program.

Supervisory Responsibility: The executive director provides direct supervision for:

● Administrative Assistant
● Communications Director
● Director of Environmental Education and Outreach
● Managing Director (25-50% effort)
Indirect supervision is provided for all Merry Lea employees who report to the directors listed above.

Education and Experience:

Required Qualifications

● Master’s degree in a field related to environmental education
● Five years of work experience as an executive director in a non-profit setting

Preferred qualifications:

● Doctoral degree and interest in teaching undergraduate and graduate students, which could include an academic appointment according to the guidelines of Goshen College
● Prior experience in an educational setting
● Record of successful fundraising

Certifications, Licenses, Registrations:
● Valid Indiana drivers license

Skills and Competencies:
Required:

● A high level of written and oral communication skills;
● Ability to coordinate and organize a variety of areas for long term success
● Adequate computer and financial skills (word processing, database management, spreadsheets) to manage multiple documents and budgets;
● Ability to work effectively with a diverse group of people, including faculty, staff, visitors donors and administrators;
● A record of successful management of a non-profit organization; and
● Familiarity with recent and emerging trends in environmental education.

Preferred:

● Prior experience working directly with students in environmental education at any age level

Special Requirements:

● Regular attendance at the Merry Lea property
● Meeting attendance on the Goshen campus is expected
● Some evening and weekend work will be required due to the nature of community and academic programing at Merry Lea

Physical Demands:

● Ability to lift light loads (up to 25 pounds)
● Prolonged sitting and use of a computer and keyboard
● Ability to complete primary tasks by viewing computer screen(s) for the majority of any given work day (extensive use of computer technology)
● Considerable phone use and operation of copier and other standard office equipment
● Ability to navigate uneven terrain outdoors

Work Environment/Environmental Conditions:
● Most work will take place in a standard indoor office environment
● Work includes significant walking and standing outdoors in the natural environment and on the farm
● May interact with livestock and crops

Technology and Equipment Needs:

● Desktop or laptop computer and monitor
● Campus phone extension
● Cell phone for emergency calls

Systems Access Needs:

● Google drive
● Merry Lea software
● Budget for all Merry Lea accounts

All of the essential job functions are subject to reasonable accommodation. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or ability deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently. This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. Individuals may be required to perform other job-related instructions as requested by the supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation. This position description is not all-inclusive and may change at the option of the (supervisor or department head). Any major change will result in the position being reviewed for reclassification.

Although some activities of this position are based on Goshen College’s campus, it is located primarily at Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center (28 miles southeast of Goshen). Merry Lea comprises 1,189 acres of diverse ecosystems and is managed as a preserve. There are multiple program sites and facilities including classroom and office space. Inside environmental conditions occur for a good portion of the time, but it does include significant work outside where there may be exposure to inclement weather, exposure to pollen and spores, venomous snakes, ticks, and biting insects that are a part of an intentionally natural environment.