Executive Director

TreesCharlotte

ORGANIZATION:
TreesCharlotte is a public/private nonprofit collaboration to grow, diversify, and steward the city’s iconic urban forest. Trained volunteers and science-based programs teach residents about the value of trees and how to plant and care for them.

For more information, please visit TreesCharlotte.

REPORTS/RELATIONSHIPS:
The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and leads a team of approximately eight people.

BASIC FUNCTIONS:
The Executive Director provides overall strategic and operational responsibility for the staff, programs, expansion, and execution of TreesCharlotte’s mission. This individual will initially develop deep knowledge of the field, core programs, operations, and business plans. The Executive Director has overall accountability for the management of all fiscal and program operations, implements policies established in partnership with the board, evaluates program and service data, and provides detailed reports to the Board of Directors.

The Executive Director is an advocate for the city’s urban forest. The Executive Director works with the Board of Directors and other staff to develop, implement, evaluate, and maintain programs, services, and activities that fulfill the mission and goals of TreesCharlotte.

Specific duties will include, but not necessarily be limited to:

Board of Directors:

• Develop, maintain, and support a strong Board of Directors; serve as ex-officio on committees; seek and build board involvement with strategic direction.
• Share in the development of the strategic plan and oversee its implementation.
• Create the fund development plan and oversee its implementation.
• Prepare and assist in leading board meetings.
• Develop, review, and implement effective personnel policies and procedures.
• Develop work plans for the board and major committees.
• Act as a business partner with the Board of Directors.
  
  

Leadership and Management:

• Lead and manage staff and Board of Directors to achieve the mission, objectives, and strategic plan.
• Recommend timelines and resources needed to achieve the strategic goals; establish an effective partnership with the City of Charlotte and county partners to ensure a shared vision for our canopy.
• Manage response and resolution to day-to-day inquiries and issues.
• Ensure ongoing local programmatic excellence, rigorous program evaluation, and consistent quality of finance and administration, fundraising, communications, and systems.
• Actively engage and energize TreesCharlotte volunteers, board members, partnering organizations, and funders.
• Lead, coach, develop, and retain TreesCharlotte’s high performers on the team.
• Hire, evaluate, and review all staff.
  
  

Finance and Administration:

• Oversee the Business Director on all components of business operations.
• Execute the financial guidelines within a financial management system.
• Manage the budget and monitor all receipts and disbursements.
• Evaluate insurance options and provide the board with recommendations.
• Oversee payroll process for employees.
• Oversee preparation and delivery of accurate and timely financial reporting to the Board of Directors.
• Maintain legal and accounting compliance according to 501(c)(3) requirements.
  
  

Fundraising/Donor Responsibility:

• Develop fundraising strategy and targets based on growth and financial goals.

• Execute annual fundraising target as approved by the Board of Directors.
• Assure issuance of timely donor letters, correspondence, and reporting.
• Expand local revenue-generating and fundraising activities to support existing program operations and regional expansion while working towards building sustainability.
• Use external presence and relationships to garner new opportunities.
• Research and write grant proposals.
• Oversee and participate in all fundraising activities.
• Identify and cultivate major donors.
  
  

Public Relations/Communication/Events:

• Supervise all work related to public relations, internal communication, promotional and collateral material, and publications.
• Supervise communication to staff and consultants.
• Advocate activities for special events, newsletters, printed materials, and the website.
• Implement public education and outreach activities, including public presentations, advocacy, training, and testimony.
  
  

Programming/Facility:

• Oversee the Director of Programs and team on all components of day-to-day operations and programming, including program design, measurement, and delivery.
• Determine opportunities to create programs for affordable housing and disadvantaged neighborhoods.
• Assist appropriate professionals with the creation of site plans.
• Establish and maintain affiliate relationships.
• Lead maintenance of the current office, as well as development of a future location in partnership with the City of Charlotte.
  
  

REQUIREMENTS:

• Passion for the organization’s mission.
• Minimum of five years of successful experience in a management role that includes operations, finance, human resources, and a specific understanding of basic nonprofit financial accounting and budget management.
• Outstanding communicator, both oral and written; active listener; able to connect with diverse stakeholders; effective public speaking skills.
• Strong relationship builder with social and political savvy; able to enhance relationships with key city and county stakeholders; comfortable in a high-profile role.
• Demonstrated track record of successful fundraising and organizational growth preferred; comfortable “making the ask” and serving as the lead fundraiser.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills and sensitivity to the needs of a diverse ethnic population; influencer and negotiator.
• Strong organizational skills; able to balance multiple tasks and priorities and to navigate adversity with grace and kindness.
• Physical and emotional stamina to function at a high level.
• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree in a related field preferred.
  
  

COMPENSATION:
Compensation will be commensurate with experience, including a competitive base salary, bonus opportunity, and competitive benefits package.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Gregory Lynn Tennent
[email protected]
704.377.0362