Summary: Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director (ED) has the overall strategic, financial, and operational responsibility for achieving Barn Nature Center’s (BNC) mission and vision. The ED will ensure continued fiscal health of the organization and is responsible for staff leadership and development and retention; program delivery; and maintenance of the Barn Nature Center and exhibits. The ED shall have proven success in multi-level daily operations management including facilities and grounds maintenance, finance, retail, and personnel. The ED will lead and manage all aspects of BNC and report to the Board of Directors.

Salary: $70,000 - $85,000 or commensurate with experience and expertise.

Work Schedule and Conditions: Salaried exempt full-time position. This position requires the ED to be physically present at the BNC during working hours. This is an on-site position. Attendance at after-hour and weekend events, speaking engagements, and partner meetings is required.

Key Responsibilities:

Community Relations and Building Partnerships
The ED is responsible for developing and enhancing relationships with key stakeholders and surrounding region, governmental agencies, chambers of commerce, corporations and businesses, environmental/conservation/animal organizations, Delaware Valley University, area school districts and other educational institutions, and other entities.

The ED shall:

•  Develop strategies to enhance local, regional, and statewide profile of BNC through public, professional and personal contacts
•  Ensure BNC is an integral part of the community and represent BNC at community events
•  Participate in appropriate civic, professional organizations and activities
•  Develop, maintain, and enhance relationships with donors and stakeholders of BNC
•  Develop strategies to attract new supporters, maximize current customer commitment and encourage participation in activities of BNC

Leadership and Management
The ED leads and manages the staff and volunteers to ensure all are working towards the strategic vision, and in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, Barn Nature Center policies, and Board guidance/decisions. The ED ensures the organization complies with all local, state, and federal regulations and standards as they apply to the Barn Nature Center. The ED shall be focused on safety in the workplace while encouraging the best overall experience for staff and guests.

• Ensure compliance with all company policies
• Multi-departmental leadership
• Oversee facility human resources
• Follow best practices to ensure labor efficiency while ensuring safety for guests, staff and animals
• Manage and maintain all business functions including, but not limited to, website development, software and social media
• Serve as facility representative as appropriate

Financial Sustainability
The ED is responsible for securing the resources necessary to fulfill BNC’s mission, cultivating financial and political support from individuals, corporations, organizations, foundations, and government officials and entities. The ED shall seek entrepreneurial opportunities to enhance program offerings and community collaboration and will seek a variety of income streams from guests, donors and other sources of revenue.

The ED is responsible to ensure the Strategic Plan and other plans are current, relevant and updated as necessary, and will work with the Board to ensure quality governance and strategic planning. The ED will model effective working relationships with all board members, communicating with the Board and serving as ex-officio members of the Board and Committees. The ED shall inform the Board of any significant issues on a timely basis.

• Manage annual business plan within budgeted goals
• Ensure cost/revenue is meeting targeted goals
• Lead all fundraising initiatives

Maintenance and Nature Center Grounds
The ED is responsible to manage the facility, property, and infrastructure in accordance with the lease, by-laws, applicable state and federal laws and regulations, permits, the current strategic plan and any guidance/policy from the Board. The ED is responsible for the strategic plan and vision for ensuring that the BNC remains a valuable educational community resource and sanctuary for resident animal species.

• Assure compliance with county and board directives regarding maintenance of building and property
• Ensure all departments are held to the highest safety standard
• Ensure the health and safety of guests, staff, and animals
• Ensure safe operation and cleanliness of facility
• Concluding, ED is responsible for any and all additional duties assigned.

Qualifications:

• Strong hands-on experience in staff management, fostering a team environment, and organizing others to provide the same work ethic
• Demonstrated leadership ability and a team player
• Nonprofit administration experience
• Program development expertise
• Effective and excellent communication skills, both written and oral
• Fundraising skills, including grant-writing and donor cultivation and retention
• Demonstrated financial management and budgeting skills
• Passion for animals, the natural world, and mission-driven work preferred
• Knowledge of animal sanctuaries, conservation, experiential education, and the fields of zoology, wildlife science, or biology preferred
• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a related field. M.A or M.S. preferred