Position Summary

The Ottawa Conservation District (OCD) is seeking a dynamic and experienced Executive Director to lead the organization and further its mission. The Executive Director will oversee all District operations, programs, activities, and staff. This leadership role serves as a liaison between the OCD Board of Directors and District staff and requires expertise in program development, human resources, communication, partnership building, and financial management. The Executive Director will support the OCD Board in carrying out the District's programs in alignment with its legal purpose, as defined by Michigan law.

Responsibilities and Duties

Board Governance

• Report directly to the Board of Directors and collaborate with them to guide the direction and operations of the Ottawa Conservation District.
• Organize monthly public Board meetings, prepare Board packets, compile staff reports, meeting agendas, and necessary financial or informational documents.
• Implement Board-approved policies and periodically review and update the policy manual.
• Coordinate Board committee meetings, including the HR Committee and Finance Committee.
• Organize the District’s Annual Meeting and Elections.
• Collaborate with the Board and staff to develop and facilitate the District’s Strategic Plan and Annual Plan of Work.
• Prepare and submit required reports to the Board and external entities.

Human Resources

• Supervise, support, and assist staff in their roles and responsibilities.
• Provide input to the Board for staff evaluations, raises and hiring decisions.
• Conduct annual staff reviews, update work agreements, revise benefit documentation, review position descriptions and the personnel manual.
• Lead the recruitment process for new hires, including preparing job descriptions, developing interview questions, forming hiring committees, checking references, and creating onboarding plans.
• Determine annual compensation and benefits allowable by various funding streams and present it to the committees and board annually. 

Financial Oversight

• Identify, evaluate, and secure funding sources for District programs, including grants and private/public funding.
• Prepare an annual operating and appropriations budget for Board approval and provide periodic updates in compliance with Michigan Department of Agriculture standards.
• Oversee financial audits and reviews as required by law or contractual agreements.
• Monitor and control financial resources once allocated by the Board.
• Coordinate financial aspects of grant programs, including reporting, budgeting and reimbursements.
• Utilize Quickbooks Online to manage finances with Bookkeeper.

Program Management

• Represent the District to local government entities, conservation partners, and community organizations to communicate the District’s programs and role in conservation.
• Act as the primary contact for the District and attend relevant meetings.
• Manage the application for, preparation of, and administration of grants available to the District.
• Recommend and develop grant proposals and coordinate efforts to secure grant funding.
• Oversee the management of key District programs, including NACD, RCPP, CISMA, Watershed, Groundwater, MAEAP, Produce Safety, Tree and Plant sales, and MDARD operations governance.
• Ensure compliance with the legal requirements of the Conservation District Law, PA 45 of 2013, as amended.
• Uphold the District’s policies and procedures and ensure adherence to standards set by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Michigan Association of Conservation Districts (MACD).
• Respond to public inquiries and direct them to the appropriate staff or agencies when necessary.

District Operations

• Maintain inventory of District supplies and oversee IT resources and management.
• Organize vehicle management filing systems and other operational tasks.

Committees

• Lead the organization of the Board Finance Committee, Board HR Committee.
• Lead the Staff Fundraising and Annual Meetings & Elections Committees.

Working Conditions & Compensation

• Full-time position located at 16731 Ferris St., Grand Haven, MI 49417.
• Starting salary: $68,640.00 - $74,880.00 annually, based on qualifications. This is a salaried position.
• Benefits include: 
• Paid federal holidays
• Vacation and Sick pay
• Health (5% of annual income stipend plus Health Care Plan options available through Conservation District Employees of Michigan)
• Retirement (5% of annual income stipend)
• Annual $500 committee stipend
• Regular working hours: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Some flexibility in scheduling is allowed and may occasionally require evening or weekend work.
• Occasional travel outside the office and county will be required and reimbursed at the federal mileage rate as per OCD Personnel Policy.
• Participation in training sessions, meetings, or conferences may involve travel and overnight stays.
• The position will require openness to training and mentoring to develop a thorough understanding of conservation practices and programs that support soil, water, and natural resource conservation.

The Executive Director reports to a five-member Board of Directors and is directly supervised by the Chairman of the Board. Performance evaluations, salary decisions, disciplinary actions, and employment termination are managed by the entire Board, with employment contingent upon factors such as funding, job performance, and program direction.

Qualifications and Experience:

• A college degree in agriculture, natural resources, business or financial management, or related fields is encouraged.
• Extensive experience in a similar leadership position or with business management, nonprofit administration, or program management is preferred.

Other Qualifications:

• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks effectively to meet deadlines.
• Strong teamwork skills and a positive, professional attitude.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Ability to engage professionally with a diverse range of organizations, agencies, and individuals.
• Commitment to maintaining the District’s non-partisanship and confidentiality.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint) is required.
• Proficiency in Quickbooks Online is highly encouraged.
• A valid driver’s license is required. The position also requires a USDA-NRCS federal background check.