POSITION DESCRIPTION
Friends of the Lower Appomattox River (FOLAR) is seeking a dynamic leader to join its team as Executive Director. FOLAR is a well-established, highly regarded, regional environmental organization, with a focus on working with communities to conserve and protect the natural and cultural resources of the lower Appomattox River for all to enjoy.
This position offers an exciting opportunity to lead the 20+ year FOLAR organization to increase its positive impact and benefit for the region, drive financial growth of the organization, and strengthen vital services.
- Impact Thousands: FOLAR strives to increase the health and wellness and connectivity of our communities by increasing the acres of protected land along the river corridor and further develop the Appomattox River Blueway-Greenway Trail and Park system for all to enjoy.
- Foster a Strong Regional Network: Manage a collaborative cross-sector (government, nonprofit, business) community to grow our connections, leverage our voices, and advance our mission.
- Engage & Strengthen the Board and Staff: Work closely with a committed Board of Directors and a dedicated staff.
- Drive Financial Growth of the Organization: The more funds we raise, the more we can do to advance our strategic goals—including increasing sustainability of the organization and the compensation for our hardworking staff.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
The FOLAR Executive Director is responsible for the overall strategic direction, operational management, and financial health of the organization, working closely with the board of directors to ensure its mission is fulfilled. Requires some “roll up your sleeves”, active participation in the work and alongside the team.
Strategic Oversight & Board Development & Engagement:
- Collaborate with the board on development and implementation of the organization’s strategic plan, mission, and vision.
- Serve as the primary liaison between the board and the organization’s staff and operations.
- Support the board in its governance responsibilities.
Operational & Program Management:
- Oversee daily operations, including financial administration, program implementation, building operations, volunteer management, and event planning.
- Ensure effective and efficient use of resources, including human, technical, and financial resources.
- Knowledge of planning and implementing capital projects, especially related to green infrastructure – trails, parks, blueways, etc.
Fundraising and Fund Development:
- Develop and implement fundraising and marketing strategies to secure financial resources from various sources (grants, individual donations, etc.).
- Maintain relationships with donors, funders, and other stakeholders.
- Prepare grant proposals and reports.
External Relations and Communications:
- Lead advocacy efforts to promote FOLAR’s mission and goals.
- Represent FOLAR to the public, community, and funders.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with partners and stakeholders.
- Develop and oversee the organization’s communications strategy, including social media, website, and newsletters.
Staff Management:
- Recruit, hire, train, and supervise staff and provide performance evaluations and professional development opportunities.
- Develop and manage human resource policies and procedures
QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
Qualifications:
- Passion for FOLAR’s mission.
- 5+ years of leadership experience in nonprofit, business, or community-based roles.
- Fundraising and financial management experience.
- Exceptional relationship-building and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to adapt to a fast-paced and evolving environment.
- Supervisory and human resources experience, including managing staff, volunteers, and contractors.
- Willingness to be “hands-on” and adaptable to the needs of a small organization.
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
Skills:
- Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Proficiency in fundraising and grant writing. Experience with a DMS a plus.
- Experience in managing budgets and finances. Quickbooks experience a plus.
- Team-oriented with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Familiarity with nonprofit governance, laws, and regulations.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
Software/Tools:
- Microsoft Office365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams); Teams File Share
- Quickbooks
- Bloomerang (DMS and Volunteer Management)
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Compensation:
Salary is commensurate with experience: $70,000.00 – $80,000.00 per year
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- Paid Time Off: Fifteen (15) days annually.
- Paid Holidays: Fourteen (14) Holidays annually: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans’ Day, Thanksgiving Day, Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve.
- Flexible, hybrid-remote schedule. Minimum three days a week on site in Petersburg, VA and/or surrounding communities. Some weekends/evenings.
- Laptop provided.
- Simple IRA retirement benefits coming.
If you think you are a good fit for this position, we would love to hear from you. Please apply by sending your resume and cover letter to: Friends of the Lower Appomattox River (FOLAR), contactus@folar-va.org.
FOLAR provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
FOLAR reserves the right to change or modify this job posting at any time without notice or obligation to any party.
