Executive Director

Benevolence Farm seeks to cultivate leadership, promote sustainable livelihoods, and reap structural change with individuals impacted by the criminal justice system in North Carolina. Our program provides a transitional living program for up to 6 women leaving North Carolina prisons. We recognize that change must come from within, but can be cultivated and inspired through a supportive, natural environment. Our goal is to give our participants the time and space — figuratively and literally — to make real, lasting changes. Our residents develop skills in sustainable farming, small business practices, food preparation and presentation in an environment that fosters improved physical, spiritual and financial health. Residents actively contribute to the well-being of the farm, staking a claim in the program’s — and more importantly their own — success.

Benevolence Farm seeks a high-energy leader that will assume primary responsibility for guiding a thriving nonprofit through the programming and direct services for our program participants and residents. Working in concert with the Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, and community partners, the Executive Director will move the organization forward in the development and implementation of goals that reflect the organization’s vision, mission, and strategic plan. The Executive Director will provide leadership for strategy, organizational advancement, financial management, fundraising, and communications. Full-time, salaried, exempt, frequent weekend and evening hours. Reports to Benevolence Farm Board of Directors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required; master’s degree or equivalent experience preferred.
• Fundraising experience, including attracting foundation and corporate support; ability to identify, steward, and solicit individual donors.
• Strong management and supervisory skills and experience with a focus on fostering healthy organizational culture that encourages teamwork and collaboration.
• Budget development and administration experience with a commitment to fiscal, operational, and programmatic sustainability.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking and grant writing.
• Strong conflict resolution and decision-making skills.

Major Responsibilities
Organizational Advancement

• Develops and oversees implementation and evaluation of all programming.
• Maintains sound working relationships with community groups and organizations.
• Maintains official records and documents, and ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Supports comprehensive strategic planning process and ensuring planning decisions are used in setting annual program/project/personnel goals.
• Works closely with the Board of Directors to recruit, train, and maintain a strong, balanced Board of Directors and to promote the Board of Directors’ engagement in critical thinking, strategic planning, resource/financial development, program development, and overall organizational wellness.

Fiscal Management

• Develops annual budget and prudently manages organization’s resources in collaboration with the Board of Directors and Treasurer.
• Establishes rigorous accountability standard for grant and budget tracking.
• Work with the fundraising team to obtain corporate and foundation contributions, grants, and in-kind donations to support programs and services.
• Oversees fundraising planning and implementation, including identifying resource requirements, researching funding sources, establishing strategies to approach funders, submitting proposals, and administrating fundraising records and documentation.

Organizational Management

• Supervises the personnel, including the farm enterprise manager, program manager, development director, and other personnel not under the supervision of the aforementioned staff.
• Promotes an organizational culture that fosters passion for the mission, cooperation, open and frequent communication, teamwork, and a common organizational vision.
• Coordinates volunteer management in collaboration with other staff members.Communications

• Represent the programs and point of view of the organization to agencies, organizations, and the general public.
• Assures the organization and its mission, programs, products and services are consistently presented in a strong, positive manner.

Work Location:

• Multiple locations

This Company Describes Its Culture as:

• People-oriented — supportive and fairness-focused
• Team-oriented — cooperative and collaborative

This Job Is:

• A job for which all ages, including older job seekers, are encouraged to apply

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends required
• Overtime