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Two opportunities: Executive Director and Naturalist / Program Coordinator

Employer
River Bend Nature Center
Location
Faribault, Minnesota
Salary
See JDs + Generous paid holidays & PTO, Elective: health insurance, Simple IRA
Start date
May 9, 2022
Closing date
Jun 8, 2022

View more

Category
Education, Executive, Nonprofit
Job Type
Employee
Employment Status
Full Time

Executive Director

(Full-Time, Regular, Exempt)

Salary range: $65,000-80,000/year, Generous Paid holidays and PTO

Elective Benefits: 50% of employee's health insurance premium, up to 3% match on Simple IRA

Reports to: Board of Directors

Qualifications / Education / Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in organizational development, business administration, environmental science/ education, or related field.Master’s degree preferred.Candidates with comparable combinations of education and experience may be considered.
  • Five or more years of experience in one or more of the following: leadership and management; setting, communicating and executing an organizational vision; collaborating among Board, staff, partners, community; generating revenue through a variety of fundraising techniques (e.g. major gifts solicitation, annual and capital campaigns, special events, grants); developing budgets with financial analysis and management skills; human resources and project management.
  • Class D Driver’s license.
  • Must pass a background check.
  • Means of self-transportation during the work day and evenings as needed.  Proof of meeting Minnesota requirements regarding auto registration and liability insurance.
  • Nonprofit experience preferred.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

  • Ability to
  • Be a visible, approachable leader,
  • Foster a healthy organizational culture by creating an environment characterized by high levels of engagement and high performance developed through teamwork and communication,
  • Portray integrity, honesty, enthusiasm, sense of humor, resilience, and a strong work ethic, and
  • Withstand the physical demands of the work which involves some lifting, carrying, stooping, bending, reaching, walking, standing, sitting, and computer use.
  • Strong project management and organizational skills with ability to take initiative to shape daily priorities and coordinate long-term projects, meet deadlines, working as a team with staff and volunteers.
  • Proficiency with computer and online applications (Windows, Google, Office), financial management (Quickbooks) constituent and program management software, social media (Facebook, Instagram).

Essential Duties

Leadership

  • Develop a vision and update and review strategic plan with the Board of Directors and stakeholders to guide the organization.
  • Provide leadership, support, and direction to ensure mission, core values, goals and objectives, and strategic initiatives of River Bend Nature Center are put into practice.
  • Engage others to strengthen activities by inviting various perspectives’ input on opportunities, challenges and implications, seeking innovation, finding common ground during conflict.
  • Identify, assess, and inform the Board of Directors on all aspects of River Bend’s activities and internal and external issues that affect River Bend.
  • Provide structure and support needed for Board of Directors and its committees to identify, address, and make decisions regarding critical organizational issues.
  • Advise, recommend, and assist Board of Directors in formulating policies to govern the organization and implement policies and directives of the Board.
  • Foster effective team work across the organization in all directions (e.g. Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, members, and community).

Operational planning and management

  • Develop and provide direction and guidance in development of plans, clear goals, objectives, action steps, and evaluation measures to implement strategic direction of the organization.
  • Ensure that operations, programs and activities align with mission and strategic priorities, are focused on quality and are sustainable, and meet or exceed expectations of members, Board and funders.
  • Oversee efficient and effective policies and procedures, systems, day-to-day operations and ensure essential resources (e.g. funding, staff, time, information, and equipment).
  • Draft policies for Board approval and prepare procedures to implement the organizational policies; review existing policies on an annual basis and recommend changes to the Board as appropriate.
  • Ensure that personnel, member/donor and volunteer files are securely stored and confidentiality is maintained.
  • Establish and evaluate long-term goals and objectives for programs and plans using data from research, evidence-based best practice, and stakeholder input.   

Human resources planning and management

  • Determine staffing requirements for organizational management and program delivery.
  • Oversee the implementation of the human resources policies, procedures and practices.
  • Establish a positive, healthy and safe work environment in accordance with all appropriate legislation and regulations.
  • Recruit, interview and select staff that have the right technical and personal abilities to help further the organization's mission.
  • Ensure that all staff receive an orientation to the organization, that staff has well defined roles and responsibilities, and that appropriate training and opportunities for growth are provided.
  • Foster trust, respect and a positive work culture by recognizing effort and success and developing a shared sense of purpose and direction.
  • Implement a performance management process for all staff which includes ongoing performance monitoring, coaching, mentoring, accountability guidance, disciplinary process when necessary, and an annual performance review.

Financial / legal planning and management

  • Manage all fiscal aspects of the organization (prepare and manage operational budget, administer funds, monitor financial health, ensure sound bookkeeping and accounting procedures, comply with taxation and withholding, report revenues and expenditures to Board, evaluate financial needs and goals).
  • Ensure affairs are conducted in a manner consistent with legislation, current nonprofit requirements and industry trends and comply with federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
  • Develop, manage, and implement fundraising plans, strategies and campaigns (e.g. recruit and retain members, produce solicitation materials, research/write grants and funding proposals, hold special events) to secure adequate funding for operation of organization.
  • Identify, cultivate, and steward prospective and current donors, manage fundraising records and correspondence, report on funded projects for individual and corporate giving, annual giving, planned giving and capital campaigns.

Community relations/advocacy

  • Communicate with stakeholders to gather input and keep them informed of activities and identify changes in the community served.
  • Establish good working relationships and collaborative arrangements with community groups, funders, politicians, and other organizations to help achieve the goals of the organization.
  • Develop, maintain, and evaluate partnerships with regional organizations, diverse stakeholders, and key relationships central to River Bend’s success and plan strategies to promote programs and activities to targeted audiences.
  • Act as an advocate and primary spokesperson for RBNC in a variety of public forums (e.g. written articles, public presentations, annual report) and represent organization to general public and business community articulating long-term goals and providing opportunities for being involved.
  • Build community awareness and support for RBNC’s contribution to community needs and values.
  • Manage all public relations issues in coordination with Board chair.
  • Represent the organization at community activities to enhance the organization's community profile.

Risk management

  • Identify and evaluate the risks to the organization's people (members/donors/users, staff, management, volunteers), property, finances, goodwill, and image and implement measures to control risks
  • Ensure that the Board of Directors and the organization carries appropriate and adequate insurance coverage

Other duties as directed

How to Apply

To apply, please send cover letter and resume by Tuesday, May 31, 2022 to:

Board of Directors c/o Breanna Wheeler

River Bend Nature Center

PO Box 186

Faribault, MN 55021

or email wheeler@rbnc.org

Naturalist / Program Coordinator

(Full-Time, Regular, Non-Exempt)

Wage starts at $17/hour, Generous Paid holidays and PTO

Elective Benefits: 50% of employee's health insurance premium, up to 3% match on Simple IRA

Reports to: Operations Manager

Qualifications / Education / Experience

  • Bachelor’s Degree in environmental education/science, outdoor education/recreation, natural history/interpretation, natural sciences or related field.Candidates with comparable combinations of education and experience may be considered.
  • Experience developing, coordinating, and delivering environmental education or outdoor recreation programs, camps, and special events in one or more of the following areas: natural/cultural history, environmental education, or outdoor recreation/adventure for all ages and diverse backgrounds.
  • Class D Driver’s license with violation free driving record.
  • Ability to pass a background check.
  • Means of self-transportation during work hours as needed.  Proof of meeting Minnesota requirements regarding auto registration and liability insurance.
  • First aid / CPR / AED certification a plus.
  • Experience rock climbing, canoeing/kayaking, archery or other outdoor activities a plus.
  • Experience handling, caring for, and presenting programs with live animals a plus.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

  • Ability to
  • identify, learn and share natural and cultural history of the area,
  • effectively communicate, orally and in writing, with groups and individuals in formal and non-formal settings,
  • work indoors and outdoors in a variety of temperature extremes and weather conditions and withstand the physical demands of the work which involves some lifting, carrying, stooping, bending, reaching, walking, standing, sitting and computer use,
  • identify, analyze, and solve problems,
  • plan for safety and follow risk management principles,
  • achieve work objectives using good time management,
  • drive a 15-passenger van, hook up and move trailers, transport equipment,
  • read, write, and communicate in English,
  • work nonstandard hours and overtime when the need arises, and
  • show energy and passion for the River Bend Nature Center mission.
  • Enthusiasm for learning and working with children.
  • Strong project management and organizational skills with ability to take initiative to shape daily priorities and coordinate long-term projects and meet deadlines working as a team with staff and volunteers.
  • Proficiency with computer and online applications (Google, Office) and social media (Facebook, Instagram) and ability to learn/use other applications (constituent/program management software).
  • Spanish, Somali, or American Sign Language experience or fluency a plus.

Essential Duties

  1. Programs
  • Plan, implement, and evaluate creative and enriching environmental education / outdoor recreation programs for all ages, abilities and backgrounds which meet current science / academic standards and/or achieve organizational goals and objectives.Some of these include: on- and off-site pre-K-12th grade school programs, homeschool, camps, after school programs, scouts, outreach, public programs, and special events.
  • Schedule and coordinate activities and programs in specific focus areas which could include: school programs, county-wide waste education, marketing and outreach, volunteer coordination, event planning, and/or animal care.
  • Design interpretive and promotional displays and exhibits.
  • Implement fiscally responsible use of resources within program budget and report on metrics of activities.
  • Establish and evaluate long-term goals and objectives for programs and plans using data from research, evidence-based best practice, and stakeholder input. 

2. Relationships

  • Develop and maintain strong working relationships with staff, volunteers, community, Board of Directors / Board committees, the public and other organizations and entities.
  • Implement strategies to attract, recruit, train and motivate volunteers matching volunteer skills and interests to opportunities.
  • Assist with volunteer retention and recognition activities; provide training to volunteers
  • Field questions from and cultivate interest in River Bend Nature Center from Interpretive Center visitors and trail users
  • 3. Communications / Marketing
  • Develop ongoing relationships and nurture potential collaborations with diverse stakeholders and plan strategies to promote River Bend Nature Center to targeted audiences.
  • Represent and promote River Bend Nature Center in a professional, responsible manner in a variety of public forums (e.g. newsletter articles, press releases, interviews, public speaking and communicating face to face, on the website and on social media)
  • Handle visitor and public input courteously and responsively with respect for differing opinions and maintain positive relationships across sectors.
  • 4. Other
  • Assist with grant and revenue development, program agreements, and organizational planning.
  • Maintain accurate records and data collection to facilitate evaluation, ongoing quality improvement, and inventory of supplies and equipment.
  • Exhibit professionalism and commitment to the River Bend Nature Center mission, guiding principles and policies.
  • Work as a team to integrate organizational operation objectives and actions.
  • Positive, optimistic attitude and willingness to be flexible and work flexible hours including some evenings and weekends.
  • Ensure health maintenance, wellness, and enrichment of live animals and coordinate their care and involvement with programming.
  • Keep public and work spaces neat and orderly.
  • Carry out other duties as directed.

How to Apply

To apply, please send cover letter and resume by Monday, May 23, 2022 at 4:30 PM to:

Katy Anderegg, Operations Manager

River Bend Nature Center

PO Box 186

Faribault, MN 55021

or email rbncinfo@rbnc.org

River Bend Nature Center was established in 1978 in Faribault, Minnesota and is a non-profit nature center located on 743 acres which includes maple basswood forests, restored prairies, wetlands and the Straight River. The mission of River Bend Nature Center is to help people discover, enjoy, understand, and preserve the incredible natural world that surrounds us. Through contact with River Bend Nature Center, we envision that people will develop understanding of natural systems and our connections within them and be inspired to conserve and be stewards of the natural world. River Bend Nature Center provides environmental education, conservation and recreational programs, events, and activities for area schools and the public. Visit year-round to explore ten miles of multi-use trails and an interpretive center open to the public with no entrance fees. Become a member, donate, or learn more at www.rbnc.org

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