Company description

Job description

Mission/Values
CitySeed is a dynamic, community-based nonprofit organization based in New Haven, CT whose mission is to engage the community in growing an equitable, local food system that promotes economic development, community development and sustainable agriculture. Our vision is to create a sustainable model of local economy, urban community, regional agriculture, environmental stewardship, and well-being through food.

From its beginning, CitySeed has worked to overcome the challenges urban residents encounter in accessing local, healthy food while supporting the viability of farming in Connecticut. Our values include:

1. supporting community rights to access healthy and culturally appropriate food and recognizing the know-how, celebration, and/or history that each community member brings to food and cooking;
2. dismantling privilege, oppression and racism in the food system;
3. collaborating with community partners on food justice projects and to leverage resources and programming to better serve the community at large.

Opportunity
CitySeed seeks a caring, mindful and entrepreneurial person to lead this work who is both inspired and inspiring. We seek creative ideas for how to evolve as an organization so that we keep growing to meet our mission.

Position Summary
The Executive Director (ED) will be responsible for the consistent achievement of CitySeed’s mission, values, strategies, policies, programs and financial objectives. S/he will supervise the day-to-day activities of all CitySeed functions. The ED will formulate and recommend to the Board strategic business and operational plans and budgets. S/he will directly manage and work with the Director of Operations in the design and implementation of specific programs, initiatives and actions. S/he will directly lead the development effort and participate actively in all development events and activities. This position reports to the Board President and the Board of Directors.

Professional Qualifications
The successful candidate will have one or more of the following:
• Two plus years experience in managing an initiative, department and/or organization with responsibility for planning, fiscal controls, revenue generation and community relations or related relevant experience
• Experience with social enterprise, entrepreneurial efforts and/or work
• Experience in raising funds, developing strategic fundraising programs and expanding development efforts
• Strong marketing and public relations skills
• Passion for social justice, agriculture, community organizing or food system work
• Excellent listening, facilitation and analysis skills

Essential duties and responsibilities of the ED include, but are not limited to, the following:

Planning
• Works with the Board, staff and partners as necessary to develop a strategic plan defining the future direction of CitySeed
• Works with Director of Operations to develop long-range income streams, annual budgets and program plans based on priorities, strategies and measurable outcomes

Development and Public Relations
• Builds on current fundraising strategy to raise money from individual donors, foundations, corporations and the government
• Solicits and cultivates major donors
• With Board and staff, plans and manages all fundraising and public relations activities
• Establishes intentional, diverse, and collaborative relationships with other organizations to further food access and justice
• Serves as lead representative and spokesperson for CitySeed to all media and government agencies to communicate organization’s activities and impact
• Explores innovative earned revenue opportunities to further diversify and strengthen CitySeed’s fiscal well-being

Management
• Works with Director of Operations to evaluate all CitySeed plans, programs, activities and procedures with regard to their purpose, sustainability and impact on the organization and community
• Ensures compliance, at all levels, with CitySeed’s policies and procedures as well as federal, state and local laws
• With Director of Operations, hires, trains, supervises, evaluates and reviews performance of staff in accordance with CitySeed’s personnel policies
• Leads and nurtures a strong staff, building relationships with social justice, trust, responsibility and accountability for optimal partnership and cohesion within CitySeed
• Promotes effective and consistent internal communications to ensure smooth cooperation between staff and community

Finance
• With Director of Operations and Board Treasurer, recommends an annual budget for Board review and approval
• Ensures that adequate funds are raised to operate the organization and to maintain a solvent financial position
• Maintains a sound fiscal management and accounting system that includes budgeting, accounting, reporting and auditing activities with help from bookkeeper, Director of Operations, and Finance Committee
• Ensures that appropriate fiscal controls and procedures are in place to ensure transparency and accountability

Governance
• Fosters Board relationships and overall Board effectiveness in concert with the Board President
• Provides support for the Board’s oversight and fiduciary responsibilities
• Recommends policy for Board review and action and implements the Board’s policy decisions
• Works with and supports the Board President in mobilizing the Board committees and is present on all appropriate standing and ad-hoc committees

Compensation

this position is: salaried, $50,000 to $100,000

Work visa

This employer is willing to sponsor a work visa for international applicants

Application instructions

Deadline

October 01, 2016