Position Overview: Executive Director

 

Classification: Full-time, exempt (40 hours/week with flexible scheduling -- occasional evening or weekend events or meetings required)

 

Location: Charlton, MA

 

Salary: $ 75,000 – $85,000 depending upon experience + benefits

 

Start date: June 2024

 

Application: Send letter of interest and resume to hiring@naturesclassroom.org.  A cover letter and resume are the minimum requirement for consideration.

 

Deadline for applying: April 18, 2024 

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We are actively seeking a highly motivated and experienced Executive Director to lead our non-profit Outdoor Education/Conference Center, Nature’s Classroom, Inc.  

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We are committed to promoting equity, justice, and inclusivity, and we strongly encourage applications from individuals who approach their work through a positive and an open-minded lens. 

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The Executive Director will play a pivotal role in overseeing Nature’s Classroom’s strategic direction, expansion, operations, fundraising efforts, community engagement, program development and evaluation. The successful candidate will possess strong leadership and communication skills and a solid understanding of conflict resolution.

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Responsibilities

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Leadership and Strategic Planning:

 

• Provide visionary leadership to the organization, setting strategic, measurable goals and objectives aligned with the mission and vision of the organization. 

 

• Develop and implement effective strategies to advance the organization's mission, improve program outcomes and efficiency, and ensure long-term sustainability.

 

• Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment that encourages teamwork, innovation, diversity, and continuous learning.

 

• Implement the mission and vision in conjunction with the Board of Trustees.

 

Fundraising and Financial Management:

 

• Develop and manage a staff of 35 and an annual budget of $2.5 million, ensuring fiscal responsibility and accountability.

 

• With the support of staff and Board of Trustees, lead fundraising and development efforts at many levels (e.g., grant writing, donor cultivation, alumni network, etc.)

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Operations and Program Management (600+ acres and 16 buildings):

 

• Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring efficient and effective delivery of services.

 

• Oversee the development of Next Generation Science Standards backed curricula and environmental programs.

 

• Supervise and support staff, providing guidance, professional development, and performance feedback.

 

• Maintain a climate that attracts, keeps, and motivates our staff.

 

• Demonstrate a commitment to ethical hiring practices in terms of diversity. 

 

• Collaborate with the Conference Director in terms of weekend and summer conference center operations. 

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Advocacy and Public Relations:

 

• Serve as the primary spokesperson for Nature’s Classroom, Inc., effectively communicating its mission, values, and impact to various audiences.

 

• Advocate for the importance of social and emotional learning in the outdoors, environmental awareness, conflict resolution, facilitation, training, and participation in an active community.  

 

• In conjunction with the office staff and Board of Trustees, develop and implement marketing and public relations strategies to enhance the organization's visibility and increase presence/reach.

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Community Engagement and Partnerships:

 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with community organizations, funders, government agencies, and/or other stakeholders to enhance collaboration and expand the organization's reach.

 

• Represent the organization at community events, meetings, conferences, and public forums to promote the organization’s mission and foster awareness of its services.

 

• Identify and pursue opportunities for strategic partnerships and collaborative initiatives that align with the organization's goals and mission.

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Maintenance and Facilities:

 

• Work with the maintenance department to ensure site maintenance and continued updates/improvement.

 

• Create and maintain site maintenance schedule and priorities

 

• Understand the current relationship with our landlord, The Santos Irrevocable Trust.

 

Board of Trustee Engagement:

 

• The Executive Director reports to the Board of Trustees.

• Hold quarterly meetings with the Board of Trustees.

• Maintain official records and documents and ensures compliance with federal, state and local regulations in collaboration with the Board of Trustee President and consultants.

• Work with the Board of Trustees on the recruitment of new board members.

 

Qualifications:

 

A minimum of a bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required, while an advanced degree in nonprofit management or a related discipline is desirable.

 

Proven experience in a leadership role in a relevant field with a demonstrated commitment to educational practices with a minimum of 7 years within a nonprofit organization. 

 

Firm understanding of the public and private school systems, PTO boards, fundraising, and field trip parameters per state.

 

Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, reporting, and fundraising and development, with a commitment to resource allocation that addresses systemic inequities.

 

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships and rapport and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders, recognizing and valuing their unique perspectives.

 

Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and implement organizational strategies and initiatives through an environmentally focused lens.

 

Experience in program development, implementation, and evaluation.

 

Demonstrated ability to inspire and lead a team, foster a positive work environment that actively supports professional growth for all staff members.

 

Strong public speaking and advocacy skills, with the ability to represent the organization effectively in various settings.

 

Demonstrated commitment to environmental awareness, sustainability, social justice, equity, intersectionality of systemic and social oppression, and centering community.

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Mission Statement:

"And this our life

Exempt from public haunt

Finds tongues in trees,  

Books running in brooks,  

Sermons in stones  

And good in Everything."

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