Aquidneck Community Table Executive Director Job Description
OVERVIEW
The Executive Director provides leadership in the implementation of ACT’s vision, mission, values, goals, and programs. Key areas of responsibility include long-range strategic planning and annual updates, board relations and communication, staff and program management, resource development, budget and financial management, marketing, community relations, advocacy, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Ideal Candidates will have a “builder mentality” and be enthusiastic about access to locally sourced healthy food for all, sustainability, and community relations.
Full-time, year-round, salaried position.
Reports to: Board of Directors.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Long-range Strategic Planning and Annual Updates
- In collaboration with the Board and staff develop long-range (3 – 5 years) strategic plans.
- Set organization strategy with an equity lens, embracing diversity and inclusion as a strategic and moral imperative in long range planning.
- Prepare annual reports and updates on strategic plan performance based on achievement of goals and strategic priorities.
- Prepare budgets and operational activities for annual planning purposes.
- Monitor and assess opportunities for ACT programs to meet changing community needs.
Board Relations and Communication
- Establish and maintain regular and clear communications with Board members on ALL policy and program issues as well as regular financial status updates.
- Assist the Board with development activities including Board member recruitment, orientation, training, evaluation, and recognition.
- Report monthly to the Board on the organization’s financial status and operations.
Organizational Management
- Provide leadership to ensure that ACT programs and operations are of the highest quality, to include developing systems, procedures, and staffing necessary to ensure that all are run efficiently.
- Foster healthy communication throughout the organization (staff, Board, vendors and community) by creating a climate of trust and open, honest, and respectful communication.
- Ensure the hiring, supervising, leadership development, and evaluation of all staff, board and volunteers to meet organizational goals and outcomes.
- Ensure compliance and appropriate reporting in accordance with grants, contracts and local, state and federal laws.
Resource Development
- Develop and implement a fundraising strategy that includes identifying organizational resource requirements, researching new funding sources, establishing strategies to approach funders, submitting proposals, meeting grant reporting requirements, and administering fundraising records and documentation.
- Supervise the planning and execution of ACT’s annual fundraising event, annual appeal, and other opportunities, as applicable.
Budget and Financial Management
- Develop and monitor annual budgets based on strategic objectives for the coming year.
- Working with the bookkeeper, ensure all ACT’s financial obligations are met in a timely manner and ensure compliance with organization’s fiscal policies.
Marketing, Community Relations, Advocacy
- Act as the spokesperson and public relations official for ACT including written, audio and visual publications, and media appearances.
- Lead team of staff, volunteers, and paid consultants to ensure that ACTs key messages are well-crafted to influence public behavior and distributed appropriately via paid, owned and earned mediums.
- Develop and execute an annual marketing/communications plan to attract customers and supporters and to create a clear identity for ACT with policy makers and the larger public.
- Stay engaged and updated on industry trends for farmers markets, food systems, agriculture, small business development, nonprofit management, and related movements, in addition to non-profit management.
- Monitor policy developments at the local, state and national levels; determine the organization’s participation in advocacy efforts.
- Develop and maintain cooperative relationships with community groups, educational institutions, food-related groups, and media outlets.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
- Use a results-oriented mindset to build strategies and implement DEI initiatives throughout ACT including employee and volunteer recruitment, employee and volunteer onboarding and engagement, vendor selections, board recruitment and selection, and community outreach/support.
- Provide and promote access to local, nutritious food in communities throughout Aquidneck Island including those impacted by injustice, oppression, and poverty.
- Coordinate DEI education and training for employees, volunteers, and board members.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Brings a passion for access to locally sourced healthy food for all, sustainability, and community relationships.
- Proven experience as a non-profit leader, with ability to manage staff and cultivate relationships with multiple stakeholders.
- Demonstrated experience developing organizational missions, aligning activity to the mission, overseeing implementation, and measuring effectiveness.
- Knowledge of and willingness to learn about the local fundraising network; a proven fundraising track record will be a huge plus. Comparable experience will be considered.
- Exceptional project management skills; ability to manage multiple projects concurrently.
- Excellent oral and written communication, with presentation skills.
- High level of computer literacy with ability to learn and adapt to new programs and platforms; some proficiency with Google suite, Excel, and Quickbooks accounting is essential.
- Ability to work legally in the United States.
- ACT is an equal opportunity employer. ACT recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Salary range $70,000 - $90,000 annually, based on experience.
The ACT offices are located in Newport, Rhode Island. Hybrid office hours are acceptable; however this position is not open for fully remote work. Essential parts of this role are active community participation on Aquidneck Island with management of two locally-based employees. Occasional evening and weekend event attendance expected.
ACT provides additional benefits to its employees, including:
- Eight paid Federal holidays plus the Friday after Thanksgiving.
- 10 days of paid vacation time annually.
- Health insurance.
- Eligibility for Simple IRA Match of up to 5% of gross salary.
- Mileage reimbursement for any travel incurred.
Applications will close January 15, 2024. Ideally, the candidate will be available to start March 2024.
Please email a resume and cover letter to [email protected] with Executive Director Application as the subject line.