The Center for Urban Agriculture at Fairview Gardens in California is looking for a permanent Executive Director. CUAFG, also know simply as Fairview Gardens, is a small organic farm nestled in the city of Goleta. Its location among suburban neighborhoods presents both unique opportunities and challenges. World renowned, Fairview has been a farm for over 100 years and now serves the community with both local organic produce and as a center for education and outreach. If you want to work on a beautiful organic farm with dedicated people making positive change in a community ripe for transformation with food, education, and sustainability, then this is THE opportunity for you. If you have passion for and/or experience in community food systems, skills and experience in raising funds, designing and managing educational programs, and adeptly managing a budget, then we need you. Do not hesitate; application materials are due by June 22, 2009.

 

Job Description:
Executive Director reports to CUAFG Board of Trustees

The overall responsibility of the Executive Director is to manage the administration, educational programs, and fundraising activities of the corporation consistent with the mission and policies established by the board of the Center for Urban Agriculture at Fairview Gardens, the CUAFG Articles of Incorporation, and the Agricultural Conservation Easement.

The Executive Director co-manages the non-profit component of the production farm along with the Farm Manager.  The following duties are either completed by the ED or potentially delegated to other staff or contract workers when the budget permits. 

           

Fiscal management                                Develop and monitor budgets (annual and other) for board adoption with Farm Manager

                                                                  Monitor income and expenses; prepare monthly reports.

                                                                  Approve expenditures

                                                                  Assure that business practices comply with applicable federal and state employment laws, tax law, etc.

Fundraising                                             Develop long-range and sustainable fundraising plans to carry out and further the mission of CUAFG.

                                                                  Nurture relationships with donors; develop donor recognition program.

                                                                  Serve as primary contact for all grants, Grant tracking and reporting

                                                                  Maintain database of donors.

                                                                  Conduct annual appeals.

                                                                  Coordinate planning and execution of capital campaigns in collaboration with BOT

Educational programs                            Develop, plan and implement Farm-to-School program, guided tours, summer camp, workshops and new program initiatives.

                                                                  Seek funding for Education Initiatives

                                                                  Collaborate with FM in supporting internship program logistically and through fund raising.

Board of Trustees support                     Assist Board President in planning the agenda and materials for monthly meetings; file minutes.

                                                                  Attend board meetings.

                                                                  Identify critical issues and advise board on options.

                                                                  Provide staff support for board committees when appropriate.

                                                                  Arrange training sessions when appropriate.

Personnel management                         Hire, train, co-supervise administrative staff

                                                                  Hire, train, supervise education and development staff.

                                                                  Monitor efficiency and effectiveness.

                                                                  Conduct goal setting and performance reviews.

Planning &

Governmental relations                          Manage CUP compliance (with project manager).

                                                                  Follow through with Education and Stand permitting process

                                                                  Represent CUAFG to city staff and decision-makers.

                                                                  Assure compliance with applicable codes.

                                                                  Apply for necessary permits

                                                                  With board, staff, and Farm Manager, coordinate and develop long-term strategic planning:

                                                                        Programs,
      Capital improvements,
      Business plan.

Community relations                              Serve as primary spokesperson and media contact for CUAFG.

                                                                  Publicize organization and its activities.

                                                                  Maintain communications with neighbors.

                                                                  Seek partnerships for common goals.

And other tasks that may be required from time to time to carry out the overall responsibilities of the Executive Director.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Experience with and understanding of organic agriculture and local food networks.
• At least 3-5 years of direct work experience raising funds and managing a budget for a company or non-profit.  BA/BS, Masters Degree preferred with work experience.
• Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be able to work independently and work as a team member.
• Experience working with the media.
• Possess advanced computer skills (specifically, Quick books, Excel, Quark, Publisher, Word processing.

 

Desired Qualities

• Experience in conflict resolution and mediation
• Planning and construction experience
• Spanish speaking a plus

 

Compensation:

Starting Salary range $45,000-55,000 DOE

Application Process:

• Cover letter with an overview of your qualifications for the position
• Resume
• Three professional references (name, address, phone number and email)
• One page response to each of the following:  

a)      How would you increase the economic efficiency of a non-profit organization like CUAFG?

b)      How would you present CUAFG to the local community in order to gain their financial and political support?

• Application Deadline:  June 22, 2009
• Phone/ On-site Interviews: Late June - Early July
• Start Date: Late July- August

 

Send information to:  (email preferred)

Adam Green/Adrianne Davis, Human Resources Committee

Center for Urban Agriculture at Fairview Gardens

P.O. Box 396

Goleta, CA 93117

Email: edsearch@fairviewgardens.org

The Center for Urban Agriculture at Fairview Gardens is an equal opportunity employer.

Thank you for your interest.