Job: Executive Director at CitySeed – New Haven, CT

Position Summary The Executive Director (ED) will be responsible for the consistent achievement of CitySeed’s mission, strategies, policies, programs and financial objectives.  S/he will supervise the day-to-day activities of all CitySeed functions.  The ED will formulate and recommend to the Board strategic, business, operational plans and budgets.  S/he will directly manage all staff and work with them in the design and implementation of specific programs.  S/he will directly lead the development effort and participate actively in all development events and activities.  This position reports to the Board President and the Board of Directors. Organization Background CitySeed is a dynamic, community-based nonprofit organization based in New Haven, CT that seeks to engage the community in growing an equitable, local food system that promotes economic development, community development and sustainable agriculture. From its beginning, CitySeed has worked to overcome the challenges urban residents encounter in accessing local, healthy food while supporting the viability of farming in Connecticut.  CitySeed is a very collaborative organization and works closely with a variety of stakeholders in New Haven and throughout Connecticut to ensure the effectiveness and reach of its programming. CitySeed is looking to build upon its past successes and take its mission to the next level.  We are looking for an Executive Director who shares our vision for our nationally recognized organization.

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Professional Qualifications

• The successful candidate will have:
• Five plus years experience in managing an organization with responsibility for planning, fiscal controls, revenue generation and community relations or related relevant experience
• Proven success in raising funds, developing strategic fundraising programs and expanding development efforts
• Strong marketing and public relations skills
• Experience and/or background in agriculture or community organizing a plus

Personal Characteristics

The successful candidate will possess the following characteristics:

• Effective communicator who can clearly articulate CitySeed’s message and earn the respect of the internal and external community
• Demonstrated leadership skills to effectively work with staff, Board, the community and donors
• A good listener and creative problem solver who is collaborative
• Must impart credibility, trust, enthusiasm, integrity and be able to motivate others

Essential Duties and Responsibilities of the ED

Include, but are not limited to the following:

Planning

• Works with the Board and Staff to develop a strategic plan defining the future direction of CitySeed
• Leads the staff in developing long-range and annual plans with a budget containing strategies and measurable outcomes

Development and Public Relations

• Creates a sound fundraising strategy to raise money from individual donors, foundations, corporations and the government
• Solicits and cultivates major donors
• Plans and manages all fundraising and public relations activities
• Establishes collaborative relationships with other organizations and works to further CitySeed’s goals
• Serves as lead representative and spokesperson for CitySeed to all media and government agencies
• Promotes awareness and support among media, community, and government agencies for CitySeed’s vision, mission, programs, needs and events

Management

• Evaluates all CitySeed plans, programs, activities and procedures with regard to their purpose, sustainability and impact on the organization and community
• Ensures compliance, at all levels, with CitySeed’s policies and procedures as well as federal, state and local laws
• Hires, trains, supervises, evaluates and reviews performance of staff in accordance with CitySeed’s personnel policies and governmental regulations
• Leads and nurtures a strong staff, building relationships of trust, responsibility and accountability and instilling a feeling of partnership and cohesion within CitySeed
• Promotes effective and consistent internal communications to ensure smooth cooperation between staff and community

Finance

• Recommends an annual budget for Board review and approval
• Ensures that adequate funds are raised to operate the organization and to maintain a solvent financial position
• Maintains a sound fiscal management and accounting system that includes budgeting, accounting, reporting and auditing activities
• Ensures that appropriate fiscal controls and procedures are in place to ensure transparency and accountability

Governance

• Fosters Board relationships and overall Board effectiveness in concert with the Board President
• Provides support for the Board’s oversight and fiduciary responsibilities
• Recommends policy for Board review and action and implements the Board’s policy decisions
• Works with and supports the Board President in mobilizing the Board committees
  

To Apply

Please send resume, cover letter and (3) references to jobs@cityseed.org.

This position will be posted until filled.

CitySeed is an Equal Opportunity Employer.