[POSITION FILLED] Executive Director

The Darien Nature Center is seeking a dynamic leader to manage this successful community nonprofit organization focused on nature education and environmental protection. The Executive Director will work in partnership with the staff and Board of Directors to advance the mission and vision of the organization within the Darien community, and will ensure the continued excellence of the Nature Center’s programs which foster an interest in and respect for the natural world.

VISION, MISSION AND VALUES
The Darien Nature Center envisions a community that is deeply connected to nature and inspired to take action to preserve and protect it. We inspire passion and respect for the natural world through nature education, hands-on experiences with nature, and environmental action and stewardship.

We Value:
 Nature. We appreciate nature’s beauty and complexity, and we foster strong and lasting connections to nature.
 Nature Education. We are committed to experiential nature education that is accurate, empowering, and confidence-building.
 Integrity and Authenticity. We are a trusted source of information for our community. We treat all living things with respect.
 Excellence and Quality in all that we do.
 Collaboration. Working with other public and private organizations expands our reach into the community and provides us with valuable perspectives.
 Our Leadership as stewards of the environment and sustainable practices.

BUDGET
Annual operating budget of approximately $900,000.
 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership and Management

•  Assure that the vision, mission, and values of the Darien Nature Center are consistently carried out with excellence throughout all programs.
•  Manage four administrative staff directly and approximately 20 program/teaching staff indirectly.
•  Lead staff successfully through mentorship, constructive feedback, team-building, and accountability. Foster a culture of trust, excellence, and collaboration among all staff.
•  Partner with the Program Director to develop, implement and assess programs to further the mission.
•  Interact with parents of the children enrolled in programs, and oversee communications about policies and procedures of the educational programming.
•  Be a visible leader in the community and nurture and expand partnerships.
•  Collaborate closely with the Board of Directors on governance matters.
•  Provide strategic leadership to the Board to maximize impact on fundraising, financial oversight, and overall impact of the organization in the community.
•  Oversee the implementation of a 3-year strategic plan. Refresh and revise to respond to the changing landscape.

Development and Fundraising

•  Manage a vibrant annual appeal and event schedule to achieve budgeted fundraising targets.
•  Identify new fundraising opportunities and outreach strategies to enhance the Nature Center impact in the community.
•  Identify and nurture donor relationships from existing and new constituents to develop a major gift culture in the organization.
•  Research, write and manage grants, mostly to private foundations.

Operations and Finance

•  Assure the financial health of the organization and provide strict oversight of the budget.
•  Develop an annual budget with the Finance Director and Finance Committee of the Board for discussion and approval by the Board.
•  Ensure that Office of Early Childhood licensure standards are met.
•  Attend and present updates and financial results at Board meetings.
•  Identify and recommend capital improvement projects and organizational initiatives to the Board.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL

• Have significant experience leading and developing a team of individuals.
• Possess excellent time-management and interpersonal skills, including the ability to juggle multiple timelines and priorities.
• Have senior level work experience in the nonprofit and fundraising realm.
• Demonstrate a deep commitment to Darien Nature Center's mission and a passion for nature and the environment.
• Possess outstanding oral and written communications skills.
• Meet education standard: Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred.

How to apply:

Please submit cover letter and resume to: NatureCenterEDSearch@gmail.com