Executive Director

Atlanta, GA, United States

Blue Heron Nature Preserve, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit private organization working to create a personal experience with nature for the community through conservation, education and the arts. It seeks to fulfill its mission to be a haven for nature in Atlanta’s urban environment.

Our Mission

Create a personal experience with nature through Conservation, Education and the Arts.

Strategic Priorities

Protect and preserve BHNP’s four eco-systems by proactively monitoring and managing all potential impacts and use innovation, sustainability, and best conservation practices to remain a resilient natural greenspace.

Ensure optimal maintenance of BHNP’s Blueway Trail and related assets and identify a select number of capital improvement projects to pursue over the next 24 months.

Build and pursue a diversified revenue model that provides BHNP with stable and consistent funding resources.

Identify a limited number of education and arts programming that maximize reputational and financial benefits for BHNP. Optimize execution and effectiveness of the programming to ensure they are 100% self-funding.

Position Description

Blue Heron Nature Preserve is on a mission to Create a personal experience with nature through Conservation, Education and the Arts , that enhances quality of life throughout the community. We’re looking for a highly skilled Executive Director (ED) to help us fulfill this important undertaking.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the ED will oversee the execution of the Strategic Plan and operational efficiencies of our programs and staff. This seasoned leader will not only understand current trends in the Conservation, Education and The Arts, but will also have experience in developing and implementing a successful budget and fundraising plan. Experience in financial management and hiring and managing staff is essential. And established relationships with The City of Atlanta and local community groups is a plus. Above all, the ED should be highly effective in a leadership role that requires clear internal and external communication skills and decisiveness.

Objectives of this Role

Manage annual budgets, monthly cashflow and ongoing financial reporting.

Oversee and lead daily operations of the organization, providing executive direction for program strategies and efficiencies, compliance, and quality assurance.

Work closely with Board Directors and Committees to execute the Strategic Plan and assess and address issues affecting the organization.

Identify and address staffing requirements for efficient operations and maintain a strong work culture that attracts and retains people while driving the organization’s mission.

Increase awareness of the organization by being the main spokesperson and liaison with local media.

Develop an actionable five-year plan for development and fundraising.

Ensure knowledge of compliance with internal operational policies and procedures

Ensure compliance with relevant national and local regulations for the organization as a non-profit entity.

In partnership with and under the guidance of the Board of Directors, the ED is responsible for overall management and operation of Blue Heron Nature Preserve. The ED shall provide dynamic, visionary leadership to the organization and will be responsible for six primary functions:

Primary Functions

Leadership

The ED shall provide strong leadership to Blue Heron Nature Preserve’s staff and Board as well as to the community we serve. The ED will understand and promote a spirit of partnership in all the organization’s work and will build relationships with key environmental and community partners to further its

mission. The ED will manage the relationships with the City of Atlanta leadership, representatives and departments, forming appropriate contacts and serving as a steward and liaison on work, financial transactions, project management and policy matters with those entities.

Financial Planning

The ED shall facilitate organizational budgets and related items including staff payroll, coordinate with external financial supporters (e.g. accountants), and the Treasurer of the Board to support the financial health of the organization .

Management of Staff and Programs

The ED shall be responsible for ensuring the efficient operation of all Blue Heron Nature Preserve programs through effective management of staff and contractors. The ED shall put in place support and monitoring systems to maximize the effectiveness of each staff member and to ensure the efficient use of resources.

Board Support

The ED shall provide support to the Board of Directors while at the same time challenging them to advance the mission of the organization. This will include regular communication with the Board, and active participation in meetings of the Board and its multiple committees. In addition, the ED will work with the Board to recruit Board members, provide orientation and ongoing Board training.

Fundraising, Marketing Communications and Public Relations

The ED shall oversee the fundraising for the organization and will lead and support all resource development tasks in coordination with development team, staff and Board. The ED shall manage the Marketing Communications Coordinator and shall be the primary spokesperson for Blue Heron Nature Preserve and shall oversee Public Relations activities.

Program Development and Management

The ED shall oversee all Blue Heron Nature Preserve programs, ensuring effective implementation of the programs with tracking of measurables and delivery of outcomes. In addition, all programming activities of the Education Director and Project and Operations Manager will be overseen by the ED to ensure they are furthering our mission and effectively serving the community. The ED shall also work with the staff to develop new programs as appropriate.

Detailed Responsibilities

Coordinate and lead relationships with various City of Atlanta Departments (e.g. Parks and Rec, Watershed Management, etc.) elected officials and civic leaders to obtain support and funding for Blue Heron Nature Preserve.

Follow and create business plans for achieving goals and objectives set in collaboration with the Board of Directors.

Meet aggressive annual fundraising goals, in partnership with Board of Directors, by securing financial support from foundations, corporations, individual donors.

Work with Staff and Board on annual fundraiser and additional events, and oversee all external communications, including website, marketing collateral, newsletters, and social media.

Serve as the face of the organization and participate in external events to increase visibility, credibility, and market brand, and develop strategic partnerships to further increase community awareness and expand programs.

Build and lead an effective team that’s dedicated to fulfilling the organization’s mission through highly successful programs, community engagement, and fundraising.

Manage a staff of 5-7, ensuring the efficient operation of all Blue Heron Nature Preserve programs through effective management of staff.

The ED shall put in place support and monitoring systems to maximize the effectiveness of each staff member and to ensure the efficient use of resources.

Serve as primary staff contact for the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee, coordinating agendas and meetings with the Board President.

Work with Project and Operations Manager to ensure conservation restoration work is continuing and further opportunities.

Work with the Board of Directors and other staff to develop and execute the Strategic Plan.

Play an active role with the Board Governance Committee, working with Board members to ensure proper policies and procedures and identify and recruit Board candidates and staff, as needed.

Work with Marketing and Communications Coordinator to develop the appropriate messaging and promotion of the organization to ensure a positive image in the community and reflects our mission.

Work with Marketing and Communications Coordinator and staff to develop and deliver engaging and enriching public events to celebrate the Preserve and to showcase its value to the community.

Work with Development team and staff to establish successful membership, sponsorship, annual fund, grant making and other fundraising activities.

Work with Project and Operations Manager to effectively manage the building and our tenants to ensure we provide a high level of satisfaction to ensure a stable revenue stream.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in business, human resources, or finance, or equivalent education and experience. Seven or more years of experience in senior management, preferably with nonprofit organizations, or a pattern of progressively responsible professional leadership experience.

Seven or more years of experience in successful P&L responsibility and management. Seven or more years of experience in successful fundraising and management experience at an advanced level.

Strong experience in public relations, marketing, and fundraising.

Knowledge of leadership and management principles for nonprofit organizations.

Proven success working with a Board of Directors.

Entrepreneurial mindset, with innovative approach to business planning and execution.

Dynamic and charismatic team player who enjoys being the public face of an organization.

Computer experience: word processing and customer relationship and database applications.

Preferred Additional Requirements

Strategic Planning and Master Planning experience. Practical experience in land conservation.

Experience with park, greenspace, and environmental issues especially in an urban setting.

A strong network of business and community leaders in Atlanta.

Experience working with a Board of Directors.

Skills and Abilities

Strong interpersonal communication skills.

Strong managerial, financial and strategic planning skills Strong written and verbal skills

Ability to “close” gifts (salesmanship & relationship-building ability) Leadership skills

Salary range for this position is $TBD and will be commensurate with experience.

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