|
The Gorman Heritage Farm Foundation (GHFF), the entity with responsibility for operating Gorman Heritage Farm, seeks an Executive Director. (www.gormanfarm.org)
Gorman Heritage Farm is a 120-acre working farm and outdoor education center, located in Evendale, Ohio with a mission to explore and teach its visitors and the community the history, methods and values of a working family farm in a natural setting. The Farm consists of 30 tillable acres, a farmyard with a variety of animals, a garden, 40 acres of wooded hillside and other natural and agricultural features. GHFF provides educational services annually to thousands of school-aged children through field trips and summer camps; and to adults and families with workshops on such varied topics as beekeeping, flower arranging, and composting. The Farm is managed by the GHFF, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, under the direction of the Executive Director and the GHFF Board of Directors.
In 1996 Dorothy and Jim (sister and brother) Gorman turned their beloved farm over to the Cincinnati Nature Center (CNC). Under the stewardship of the CNC, the farm was transformed from a family farm to the Gorman Heritage Farm and outdoor education center. In 2003, the CNC turned the Farm over to the Village of Evendale, who established the GHFF to operate the Farm. The Foundation remains committed to preserving the legacy entrusted to them by Dorothy and Jim Gorman
Reporting to the Foundation’s Board, the successful candidate will bring vision, strategic thinking, sound leadership, operational and fundraising skills and, in partnership with the Board, will set the strategic course for an organization with a current operating budget of roughly $500K, and five (5) full-time staff members in addition to the Executive Director.
The successful candidate will possess strong leadership experience and exemplary interpersonal and verbal/written communication skills. S/he must have strong organizational and time management skills. S/he will have demonstrated success and creativity in fundraising and development. S/he must have demonstrated the ability to inspire trust and confidence among multiple constituencies while leading fundraising operations. S/he will have the presence, passion, and proven skills to build strong internal and external relationships in a highly collaborative manner. S/he must be a proven recruiter and developer of talent who can masterfully leverage the skills of staff, volunteers, and Board members to accomplish the mission of the Farm. S/he must be a passionate ambassador for the Farm and its mission, and a visible spokesperson/advocate in the community.
The ideal candidate will have will have at least 8 years of non-profit or private executive level fundraising and leadership experience, a baccalaureate degree in a related field, and possess exceptional fundraising and oral and written communications skills. Familiarity with and/or past involvement with educational farming and/or sustainable agriculture is preferred, but not required. Knowledge of and active participation in the Tri-state area’s philanthropic community, with a proven track record of securing donations is a strongly preferred. Commensurate with experience, the Executive Director will receive a competitive compensation and benefits package.
Confidential nominations and applications are encouraged on or before close of business Friday, February 17, 2012. Preference will be given to candidates who include a resume and cover letter explaining their personal and professional interest in this career opportunity, salary history, and five professional references with contact details. Confidentiality is assured all parties; no listed references will be contacted without prior approval by the nominee/applicant.
By U.S. Mail:
GHFF Executive Director Search
Smith Beers Yunker & Company, Inc.
Post Office Box 54556
Cincinnati, Ohio 45254-0556
By electronic mail: weiglein@sbyco.com |