The Center for Urban Agriculture at Fairview Gardens is a 501c3 not for profit organization founded in 1996 that owns and operates a 12.25-acre historic organic farm in the heart of Goleta, California surrounded by a community of residents and businesses. The land is permanently protected by an agricultural conservation easement held by the Santa Barbara Land Trust.

The Center’s mission is to preserve the agricultural heritage of the farm; provide the local community with fresh organically grown fruits and vegetables; demonstrate the economic viability of agricultural methods for small farm operations; research and interpret the connections between food, land stewardship, and community well-being; and nurture the human spirit through educational programs and public activities.

Administrative Director

Fairview Gardens is undergoing a major re-visioning and re-building of its programs, its infrastructure, and of the farm itself. All operations have been paused so that our small staff and board can focus on planning, permitting, design, and fundraising.

This is a creative and formative time, and we are seeking a high-energy, experienced individual as a core collaborator to help us during this exciting phase.

Position Description

The AD reports to the executive director (ED) and is responsible for the day-to-day oversight and supervision of staff, finances, communications, and facilities. The position also provides support in strategic planning and fundraising as needed.

For the three to four years required to complete the capital campaign and begin re-building/re-planting, the responsibilities of the AD will be focused on supporting campaign fundraising, communications, permitting, and design.

The AD will oversee compliance, scheduling, workflow, project planning, data management, and board communications, and will provide support to the ED in writing grants and in donor cultivation and relations.

The AD should have solid organizational skills and experience working with small businesses, non-profits, and/or social enterprises. Candidates should have excellent communications skills, be able to work independently, be capable of multi-tasking, and have a strong aptitude for problem-solving.

Specific Responsibilities

Project Management/Governance

• Provide administrative support for the planning, tracking, and execution of the capital campaign
• Board meeting preparation, recording, and documentation
• Plan and schedule projects / manage workflow
• Manage data
• Permits
• Ensure that all necessary insurance is secured and current
• Manage legal and financial compliance
• Lead the establishment and maintenance of up-to-date organizational policies, procedures, and protocols

Financial

• Manage checking and investment accounts
• Manage cash flow - processing/accounting for all transactions (income & expenses) 
• Manage the donor database
• Provide monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting to the ED and Board
• Supervise payroll and independent contractor payments
• Assist and supervise bookkeeper in generating reports and submissions to CPA
• Coordinate with CPA on generating 1099's and all tax filings

 Fundraising

• Manage online donor database
• Coordinate all donor acknowledgments and reporting
• Research grant opportunities and track submissions
• Plan, schedule, and coordinate meetings with donors and prospects
• Assist with annual appeal letters, grant applications, and other fundraising projects.

 Board Liaison

• Provide financial reporting for board meetings
• Prepare and manage budgets
• Coordinate general board communications

 Programs & Events

• Coordinate farm tours, fundraising events, and community event planning

 Human Resources

• Supervise one to three part and full-time support staff
• Ensure compliance with state and federal employment laws
• Manage compensation policy

Site Management

• Manage tenants
• Oversee Common spaces
• Greet visitors/guests
• Support ED in coordinating land management

Position Requirements

• Experience in non-profit administration and governance
• Patience, compassion, and a good sense of humor
• Skills with business systems and software such as Microsoft Excel, Adobe Acrobat, Google Suite, Dropbox, CRM
• Bookkeeping fundamentals (i.e., QuickBooks)
• Familiarity with social media platforms
• Excellent writing and communications skills

The community that supports and is supported by Fairview Gardens farm consists of individuals from all walks of life and we endeavor to have our staff reflect this diversity. People who identify as members of BIPOC and LGBTQ2 communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Compensation

Annual Salary- $95,000-$120,000 depending on experience

Benefits- 15 paid time off days and 12 paid holidays annually.

Note- A more comprehensive benefits package will be developed and put into place as the organization rebuilds and grows.

Full-time, Exempt

Reports to Executive Director