Executive Director

Job Announcement (PDF)

Scope and Responsibilities

The Executive Director reports directly to the Board of Directors and will focus on propelling the organization to the next level by enhancing the visibility of the organization, establishing priorities and significantly increasing the financial resources of the organization.

The new leader will provide vision, strong leadership and strategic direction along with administrative/operational oversight for the comprehensive fundraising and programmatic efforts of JRF. In the role of Executive Director, they must be able to navigate spending a significant amount of time at the farm working closely with staff, volunteers, clients and the animals to ensure they understand, experience and become knowledgeable about the life-changing successful programs, while also focusing externally on building and maintaining relationships and visibility with potential and current funders, new and existing community partners and leaders at the local and regional level.

Key responsibilities include:

• Partners closely with and effectively leverages the Board to create and develop the strategic direction for Jasper Ridge Farm which will encompass long-term and short-term plans and performance measurements that will guide both strategic, financial and operational decision-making.
• As a strong, engaging and experienced leader, will work with staff to translate broad strategies into financial, operational and programmatic goals and objectives.
• Provides overall leadership of the collaborative process with the Board, staff, volunteers and client community which will inform the establishment of goals and objectives to fulfill the mission.
• Ensures the periodic review, evaluation and modification of programs to meet the changing needs of the organization and those it serves.
  

• Develops and implements fundraising goals and strategies including identification, cultivation and solicitation of individual donors, foundations and corporations while also strengthening community and government financial partnerships.
• Manages and oversees the fund development activities with a focus on increasing both major donor giving and event participation and support.
• Focuses on partnering with the Board to build key relationships with current and prospective donors.
  

• Mentors and motivates staff and volunteers to focus on quality and value throughout all areas of the organization’s operations.
• Plans, develops and administers the annual operating budget. Closely monitors budget and cashflow. Presents and interprets budgetary needs to the Board for approval.
• Ensures employment policies and practices are implemented and followed.
  

• Develops a strong working relationship with the Board and ensures they can focus on governance along with strategy and fundraising while keeping them apprised of the organization’s operations and performance based on agreed upon priorities.
• Assists the Board in creating a culture of giving and identifying potential donors. Takes an active role in the recruitment, education and retention of Board members.
• Works closely with the Board to increase the visibility of Jasper Ridge Farm’s programs, funding needs, goals and mission.
• Maintains current collaborations with key organizations and establishes new partnerships that will enhance the resources and programs.
  

• Demonstrates knowledge, support and passion for the mission, vision and values of the organization externally with donors, clients, partners and communities.
• Be the champion and passionate spokesperson, ambassador and advocate for the organization both internally and externally.
  

• Oversees program staff and volunteers while working closely with them at the farm and in off-site locations.
• Collaborates with staff and volunteers to develop new and expanded programs that meet the mission of the organization and the needs of the individuals/clients it serves.
• Provides administrative components of all program services and ensures quality assurance monitoring and adjustment as needed.
  

Qualifications

The new leader must embrace the farm’s mission and should have an innate ability to identify new opportunities, initiate new ideas, and establish new relationships while ensuring existing relationships and operations are moving forward effectively. Experience with animals is preferred.

Experience/Qualifications

• Ability to provide strong entrepreneurial and innovative leadership in developing and implementing new and creative strategies for fulfilling the mission and creating change and organizational growth.
• Demonstrated track record in diversifying and increasing fund development, which includes individuals, corporations and key partners.
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills with both internal and external constituencies.
• Successful track record of over 5 years of non-profit leadership and fundraising experience.
• Significant experience in partnering, managing and working closely with a Board of Directors.
• Ability to strategize and work with funders to create new initiatives and pilot new programs.
• Skilled and knowledgeable in administrative tasks such as opening and closing bank accounts, using computers to create and maintain spreadsheets and slide decks and comfort in using technology to manage and respond quickly to existing and future needs of the organization. Proficient with Microsoft Office and donor management systems.
  

Personal Characteristics

The Executive Director should embody the following personal characteristics:

• Excellent communicator with people at every level; a leader and bridge builder. Can communicate opposing points of view in a professional and compelling manner.
• Establishes trusting relationships at all levels both internally and externally.
• Is both strategic and tactical with a roll-up your sleeves management style; can initiate new ideas/relationships while keeping a small, dynamic organization on track.
• Ability to work well under pressure and adapt easily to changing situations and priorities. Good judgment and consensus building skills.
• Inspiring, creative, visionary, and compassionate.
• Curious, optimistic and humble.
• A confident presence – completely comfortable and at ease being “the face” of and the primary spokesperson for Jasper Ridge Farm.

Physical requirements:

Ability to:

• walk 1 mile on uneven ground
• lift 20 pounds
• stand in one place for an hour
• bend and reach
• work in a farm environment which could include dust, mud, animal dander and insects
  

Education

Bachelor’s degree is preferred. Relevant experience with a successful track record is

equally important.

Compensation

A competitive compensation package will be provided to the successful candidate.

Procedure for Candidacy

Please submit resumes and letters of interest to:

Tarek Azzani:

Azzani Search Consultants

San Francisco, CA

tazzani@azzanisearch.com

Eunice Azzani is available for questions:

415-987-3300 (Cell)

Jasper Ridge Farm is an equal opportunity employer and committed to a policy of equal treatment and opportunity in every aspect of its relations with staff members and prospective employees.

Thank you for your interest in working at Jasper Ridge Farm!

Learn more about our team