Executive Director – Vermont Wilderness School

OVERVIEW

Since 1999 the Vermont Wilderness School (VWS) has offered nature-based mentoring programs for people of all ages, in southern Vermont and beyond. VWS is dedicated to restoring our relationships with nature, ourselves, and each other. We believe this will only be possible alongside the replacement of systems of colonization, oppression, and extraction, with relational networks of equity, justice, and regeneration.

The VWS board of directors is seeking an energetic, accountable, and collaborative leader to build upon our strong foundation of offering accessible nature connection programs and mentoring training. We welcome applications from dedicated leaders interested in learning, growing, and contributing along with us in this essential, joyful work.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Executive Director (ED) of the Vermont Wilderness School is responsible for overseeing the administration, programs, finances, fundraising, and strategic direction of the organization. The position reports to the Board of Directors and works primarily in our Brattleboro, VT office.

As VWS grows into its next life stage, the ED will drive strategic initiatives, including:

• Fundraising: Lead the continuing growth of our individual and foundation fundraising, which comprise 30% of organizational revenue.
• Program Access:  Ensure organization is bringing accessible, affordable programming to our entire community.
• Capacity Building: Increase organizational capacity to support continued program growth and expand our ability to attract, develop, and appropriately compensate qualified field staff.

Leadership Competencies

VWS strives to create a culture that is supportive, effective, and life-affirming. Ideal candidates for this role will be energized by a work environment that prioritizes:

• Collaboration
• Accountability
• Proactive Leadership
• Resourcefulness & Curiosity
• Service & Relationships

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Executive

• Hold final responsibility for organizational operations and decisions.
• Maintain a strong connection to the mission and essence of VWS through personal practice and an openness to the diversity of nature connection traditions, communities, and practices.

Management

• Lead and manage the four person core staff team.
• Support and appreciate field staff (approx 25 part time Instructors per year).
• Engage and supervise consultants as needed, including grant writer and organizational development specialists.

Programs

• Ensure all programs are in alignment with VWS organizational strategic direction and in compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Support and trust the Senior Program Directors to lead their programs, whose experience and longevity with VWS is a major strength of the organization.
• Visit programs and appreciate staff regularly.

Fundraising

• Serve as lead fundraiser, working with the board and staff to raise 30% of $400k budgeted revenue through donations and grants.
• Build, maintain, and cultivate donor and foundation relationships.

Finance

• Responsible for the fiscal health of the organization, in collaboration with the Business Director and the Board Treasurer. Create and monitor annual budget and individual program budgets

Operations

• Supervise the Business Director and Communications Coordinator to ensure smooth running of VWS’s administrative operations, including both physical (office) and digital (cloud-based) work spaces.

Communications

• Responsible for the content, tone, and style of our mass communications (website, enews, etc.), in collaboration with the Communications Coordinator.

Board

• Work with the Board of Directors to fulfill the organizational mission.
• Provide financial, programmatic, and operational information to the Board and recommend appropriate action and/or policy.
• Attend monthly meetings of the board and of its two committees (Fundraising and Organizational Development) and an annual daylong retreat.
• Develop, revise, and implement, as needed, organizational documents (such as mission, vision, essence, and strategic direction statements), in collaboration with core staff and board of directors.

Context

• Build and maintain strategic relationships and partnerships with other organizations.
• Pay attention to trends, events, and dialogues in the broader community, from local to national.

Core Leadership Requirements

• Passion for the mission and work of Vermont Wilderness School and the ability to hold and co-create big-picture vision while implementing relevant, local programming.
• Consciousness and awareness of the interrelation of nature connection, social justice, and equity.
• Experience leading and managing staff.
• Proven track record in successful fundraising.
• Experience in financial management.
• Experience in executive-level administration, including running non-profit or business operations, using business software, strategic planning, public speaking, facilitating meetings, managing projects, writing reports, and developing policies, and procedures.
• Competency in risk management, crisis response, and conflict resolution.
• Experience building relationships and creating shared purpose among groups with diverse needs and perspectives, including staff, volunteers, partners, families, students, and community members.

To Apply

Please reply to jobs@vermontwildernessschool.org with a resume, two references, and a concise letter describing your experience, qualifications, and reasons for applying for this position.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR A MORE DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THIS POSITION. https://vermontwildernessschool.org/employment/executive-director-hiring/

Questions about the position or hiring process can also be directed to jobs@vermontwildernessschool.org.