Hiring: Executive Director for Permaculture Institute of North America (PINA)

PINA’s mission is to accelerate and scale regenerative solutions to critical social and ecological challenges in North America.

We accomplish this through collaboration with communities and allied groups undertaking projects that serve the permaculture ethics of Earth Care, People Care, and Fair Share, and by providing integrated education and support for Permaculture designers and others of like mind to address critical challenges in climate, land, and communities.

PINA is seeking an Executive Director for its continental organization. 

About PINA:

PINA is a professional association for Permaculture practitioners and enthusiasts working across North America and Hawaiʻi. Our geographically diverse board and staff promote and manage regenerative projects and pathways for professional development.

• As a trade association, we work to elevate the status and impact of Permaculture by influencing public policy and private development that improves the quality of life for all.
• Our regenerative projects in forestry, agriculture, youth training, and community development bring permaculture solutions to the challenges of social justice, land repair, and climate change.
• To protect the power of our 50-year global legacy of innovation, holistic thinking, and ethical action, we preserve the integrity and quality of the Permaculture Design Course through our Professional Assn., offering continuing education, and awarding diplomas that recognize excellence and achievement.
• PINA events and infrastructure build value for the permaculture community through connectivity and mutual aid among permaculture practitioners to strengthen their capacity for beneficial social change.

http://pina.in

The Executive Director plays a pivotal role in our continental organization, reporting to our Board of 11 members (and growing).

We are looking for a part-time (approx. 80 hrs/mo) Executive Director committed to the permaculture vision who can join us in spreading these solutions much more widely. The ED will oversee both the Professional Association and our Regenerative Projects divisions, and is responsible for fundraising, contracting, board/staff liaison, member services, social media networking, broadcast events, and both internal management and the public facing activities of the organization. 

The ED supervises and guides the work of six part-time staff (40-80 hours per month) providing leadership in administration, programs, membership, communications, and development. 

Our ideal candidate will have the following skills:

Leadership and Organization

• Demonstrated success in collaborative leadership and management roles.
• A passion for PINA’s mission with the ability to inspire and engage others.
• Track record of successful strategic planning and implementation.
• Can work both independently and collaboratively on multiple priorities. 
• Strong familiarity with permaculture design principles, ethics, and practices as well as keen understanding of the permaculture education curriculum for certification and advanced diplomas 
• A commitment to continuing learning and growth for the board, ED, and staff.

Administrative

• Ability to use long-term strategy and whole systems design viewpoints effectively, combined with management and supervision skills to optimize daily operations and utilization of staff, board, and administrative systems.
• Financial acumen and the ability to develop and manage budgets.
• Understanding of non-profit structure, function, operation, and legal and fiduciary obligations.

Fundraising 

• Track record of successful fundraising, developing and maintaining donor relationships, securing major gifts, grants, and diverse funding streams. 
• Ability to organize, integrate, and direct coordinated fundraising efforts using the wide range of resources available to PINA.
• Can co-develop and effectively communicate a strong case for supporting PINA to a wide and diverse audience.

People and outreach

• Strong people and cultural skills, with the ability to create and maintain a positive team attitude and collaborative culture.
• Commitment to fostering inclusivity and equity across the full range of continental diversity.
• Skilled in consensus building and maintenance of partner and stakeholder relationships, resulting in productive collaborations.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. 
• Understands how to leverage media and social media to engage diverse audiences. 

Because we’re a continental organization with staff and board members in various regions, the work is remote, meetings are held by Zoom, you must have a computer and remote communications ability. Some flexibility in schedule for phone calls and other duties will be useful. Occasional paid travel to periodic fundraisers or for in-person board retreats every other year will be required. 

The ED will work under the guidance of the Board of Directors. PINA is a 501(c)(6), nonprofit professional trade association using 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsors for accepting grants and tax deductible donations, soon to have its own 501(c)(3).   

Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations, starting at $40,000 for a part-time position. 

This is currently a part-time position. There will be a trial period of one month while working with the current ED and Board of Directors to understand the operations of the organization, and to see if the role is a fit for all parties. 

The job will commence within one month of hiring, starting not later than December 1, 2025. 

One week of vacation time, six holidays, and four sick days per year are offered with pay pro rata. The position does not include health or retirement benefits at this time. 

After the trial period, the terms of the contract will specify that the parties are obliged to provide each other with 30 days notice to terminate.