JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR POSITION

Organization: Wesselman Nature Society    

Title of Position: Executive Director

Position Summary

Key Skills/Attributes:

• Demonstrates leadership in the advancement of an environmental education/conservation organization
• Demonstrates commitment to conservation of natural resources and the role of education, land conservation and community involvement
• Demonstrates success in fundraising, partnering, public relations and staff development
• Demonstrates ability to implement a mission-based vision and strategic plan
• Demonstrates sound management skills
• Demonstrates high energy, ability to prioritize, excellent communication skills, and sense of humor

Key Responsibilities:

• Serves as Executive Director of Wesselman Nature Society
• Maintains a current and active strategic plan and implementation goals
• Leads Wesselman Nature Society toward its education, conservation and development mission
• Oversees the fiscal management, program, site, facility and staff goals

Minimum/Preferred Qualifications:

• BS in related field
• Five (5) years of successful advancement as a professional in the field of environmental education/conservation
• Five (5) years of administrative/supervisory experience as a director or administrator of a similar organization

Background of Wesselman Nature Society:

Wesselman Nature Society (the Society) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit environmental organization.  We were founded in 1973 for the purpose of protecting the 200-acre tract of old-growth lowland urban forest in Evansville, Indiana, known as Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve.  This unique State Nature Preserve and National Natural Landmark is the only one of its kind in a city the size of Evansville.
Today, the Society works in partnership with the City of Evansville to preserve this sylvan timber stand and crucial native habitat.  The Society utilizes area woodlands, wetlands, and waterways as educational resources, outdoor classrooms, and learning laboratories for regional educators, students, learning adults, and visitors.  Programs are offered at Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve, Howell Wetlands (diverse 35-acre urban marsh, slough, and prairie habitat), and Canoe Evansville (guided canoe programs on Pigeon Creek and other area riparian habitats).

Detailed Description

Title of Position: Executive Director
Reports to: President, Wesselman Nature Society Board of Directors
Supervises: Wesselman Nature Society Employees

The Executive Director is the organization’s chief executive officer and is responsible for its overall strategic direction, leadership and administration. Through guidance and approval from the Wesselman Nature Society Board of Directors (the Board), the Executive Director has broad authority to lead and govern the operations of Wesselman Nature Society (the Society) toward its mission, strategic goals and operations.  Primary responsibilities include implementation of the strategic plan, staff development and supervision, financial management, fund raising, public relations, program development, site management and evaluation.

Leadership/Administration:

• With the Board, staff, and key stakeholders, develop and articulate the vision and mission of Wesselman Nature Society
• Provide leadership toward long-term strategic plans and implementation of short-term goals
• Develop and enhance key relationships and partnerships with external stakeholders including, but not limited to, youth and schools, educators, environmental/conservation organizations, corporations and businesses, foundations and agencies, and local, state and federal governmental entities
• Oversee the operations, management and improvements to the Wesselman Woods Nature Center and its associated facilities, programs and sites
• Demonstrate initiative, adaptability and a proactive solution-oriented approach to opportunities and challenges
• Create a positive learning culture that encourages the introduction of new ideas, approaches and methods in order to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the Society’s programs and operations
• Ensure that the Society, staff and programs operate in compliance with applicable local, state and federal law and regulations
• Develop and maintain relationships with University of Southern Indiana, University of Evansville, IVY Tech Community College, Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation, and other regional educational institutions
• Develop and maintain relationships with other environmental organizations throughout the region to better facilitate delivery of our mission and conserve resources by avoiding duplication of efforts

Development and Marketing:

• Plan for future revenue needs and financial resources to sustain Wesselman Nature Society programs and operations
• Work with development staff and the Board to design and conduct ongoing fundraising and development activities, including cultivation of major individual donors, foundation and corporate donors and agency partners, and grant applications
• Establish and maintain the local, regional, and national profile of Wesselman Nature Society through public, professional and personal contacts; support brand identification of Wesselman Nature Society’s commitment to excellence and its programming services
• Engage in constructive activities and ongoing dialogue necessary to foster strong partnerships with appropriate governmental entities

Fiscal Management:

• Ensure that Wesselman Nature Society operates as a not-for-profit organization in accordance with IRS 501C(3) regulations and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
• Develop an annual budget and oversee the commitment to meeting the budget

Board/Community Relations:

• Develop and champion an active and committed Board of Directors
• Meet regularly with the Board President, committees and members to establish and enhance effective Board processes, meetings and actions

Personnel Management:

• Lead by demonstrating Wesselman Nature Society’s mission, goals, and values; provide strong, creative and energetic leadership to the Board, staff and volunteers; establish and maintain clear patterns of authority, responsibility, supervision, and communication
• Develop the core competencies of Society personnel and implement strategies and systems that ensure that Society programs, operations and customer service meet the highest standards of quality and safety
• Develop and use an effective system of personnel policies, addressing recruitment, selection, training, appraisal, incentive, compensation, discipline and termination in order to recruit and retain a highly qualifies and motivated staff

• Demonstrate excellent communication and delegation skills, promote an open exchange of information and ideas, and accept feedback and assistance from others; provide timely, candid and constructive performance feedback and take action to correct unacceptable performance; express appreciation to staff for work done well

Program Management:

• Work with education staff to design, implement and assess educational programs and ensure our constituency’s accessibility to Wesselman Nature Society facilities, services and programs
• Visit related programs in the field each year; assist in selected educational programs

Evaluation:

The Executive Director establishes an annual work plan based on the strategic and short-term goals of Wesselman Nature Society.  An annual review based on the work plan will be conducted with the President of the Board and/or delegate(s).

Application Procedures:

Submit a cover letter, resume, salary history, and list of three (3) references to:

Chair of Search Committee
Wesselman Nature Society        
c/o Maple Machinery, Inc.
12320 N. Green River Road
Evansville, IN  47725
maplemachinery@sbcglobal.net