Executive Director Position Summary

Friends of Nachusa Grasslands

     Friends of Nachusa Grasslands (Friends) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization founded in 2008 by volunteers dedicated to providing for the long-term care and management of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) owned and operated Nachusa Grasslands. The mission of Friends of Nachusa Grasslands is to build endowments that will help defray the cost of natural areas management, staff, and operating expenses; conduct and encourage stewardship; support education and scientific activity; and fund land acquisition at the preserve. Although we work closely with TNC and advertise Nachusa Grasslands and TNC activities on the preserve, Friends is a separate entity unaffiliated with TNC. More information about Friends and Nachusa Grasslands can be found at our website:
www.nachusagrasslands.org.

     Friends of Nachusa Grasslands welcomes you to apply for this newly created full-time position as our Executive Director. As the Executive Director, you would work closely with our all-volunteer organization to build financial and leadership capacity, grow volunteerism, and provide organization representation. This position bridges the gap between our volunteer group, the public, TNC, and other organizations through administration and in-person outreach. This on-site position is based at Nachusa Grasslands HQ near Franklin Grove, IL. Job duties will require limited travel and occasional evening/weekend work.    
     We seek a candidate with a background in leadership, fundraising, and working with volunteers willing to make this unique position their own.

Core Responsibilities

FUNDRAISING & DEVELOPMENT

• Work with the Board of Directors and Officers to devise a long-term plan to build the financial capacity of Friends and lead the implementation of that plan
• Continue a personal and tailored approach to donor communication
• Identify new donors and expand new, lapsed, and legacy donor programs
• Explore the potential of corporate giving and identify and pursue grant funding opportunities
• Learn current donation/fundraising software CRM and help utilize it and other needed software effectively

LEADERSHIP & COALITION-BUILDING

• Become familiar with Friends’ objectives, volunteer committees, scientific research, and natural areas restoration
• Develop a working knowledge of administrative tasks and collaborate with the Officers, Board of Directors, and volunteer committees to achieve the objectives of Friends
• Devise and lead volunteer recruitment strategies focusing on engagement and communication with local groups
• Maximize volunteer participation and continuity in operations and leadership of Friends
• Serve on the science grant review committee and support the annual Science Symposium
• Participate in on-the-ground volunteer stewardship workdays
• Collaborate with TNC and other conservation organizations on behalf of Friends

COMMUNICATIONS & OUTREACH

• Plan and administer the yearly print communications strategy, including the Annual Report
• Provide support and guidance to the social media team
• Help coordinate and plan Friends meetings and events
• Represent Friends at TNC-sponsored events, regional conferences, volunteer fairs, and other outreach events

MANAGEMENT & ADMINISTRATION

• Schedule, organize, and moderate the Annual Meeting
• Respond to inquiries or direct them to the appropriate person
• Review and direct for payment Friends liability and insurance premiums
• Maintain Friends ratings at Charity Navigator and Candid and maintain federal grantee status at ASAP.GOV and SAM.GOV
• Oversee audit and IL-990 filing and submit yearly State of Illinois Annual Report (Form NFPCAF)

Qualifications

• Active fundraising experience. Excellent donor relations skills and understanding of the funding community
• Ability to effectively communicate the organization’s mission to donors, volunteers, and the overall community
• Ability to maintain the organization as a volunteer-centric organization
• Demonstrated project management and capacity-building skills in pursuit of strategic goals and objectives
• Previous success in establishing relationships with individuals and organizations including funders, partner agencies, and volunteers
• Solid organizational abilities, including planning, budgeting, delegating, program development, and task facilitation
• Experience working in a leadership or senior support role
  

    ​​ Don’t meet every single requirement? We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set potential for the role.

Compensation

Starting Salary: $60,000-$80,000, based on experience. Friends will provide a computer and workspace at the Headquarters Barn near Franklin Grove.
     Benefits: 15 days of vacation, 11 federal holidays, 8 sick days/personal days; Health insurance: $3,000/ year cash stipend; Budget for outreach opportunities such as conferences and meetings as approved by the Board of Directors.

How to Apply

​​Send your resume with three references and cover letter to: [email protected]
     Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Download Executive Director Position Summary