Executive Director

TITLE:            Executive Director

Details:           Exempt – 32 hours per week          

Reports To:    Board of Directors

Direct Reports: Market Managers

Founded in 2003, Common Greens is a 501(c)3 organization working to connect Central Ohio communities to small regional farmers and food producers in vibrant, inclusive marketplaces. We currently operate four Central Ohio farmers markets with a focus on amplifying the impact of our food producers, improving local food access, and growing consumer appreciation for locally produced foods. Learn more about us at www.commongreensohio.org

Reporting to the Board of Directors and acting as the highest-ranking employee for Common Greens, the ideal candidate is a passionate and strategic leader with a deep understanding of nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and community engagement. This individual will lead efforts to enhance the vitality of farmers markets, support local farmers and producers, and promote healthy, sustainable food choices in the community. The Executive Director will be responsible for the overall management of the organization, driving its mission, ensuring financial sustainability, and fostering strong relationships with vendors, consumers, and the broader community.

The goals of this position are to:

• Provide strategic vision, leadership and growth for the organization and staff within the direction set by the Board
• Define key performance indicators (KPIs); in conjunction with board, staff and other stakeholders, define strategic priorities
• Create and manage annual organizational budget
• Attract, develop and lead a team of engaged employees capable of delivering an excellent experience for our stakeholders
• Define and execute strategic growth to maximize operational impact, earned revenue and brand reputation

Metrics for success include:

• Operational metrics – market attendance, returning vendors, new vendors, stall utilization rate, etc.
• Budget management and financial sustainability
• Donor engagement and retention
• Producer engagement and retention
• Employee engagement and retention
• Market success and sustainability

Key Responsibilities

Leadership

• Provide strategic vision and leadership for staff and producers
• Responsible for management and administration within the governance and accountability frameworks established by the Board; work with the Executive Committee to enable Board members and employees to fulfill their duties and legal responsibilities
• Cultivate a culture where employees feel safe, valued, and respected and can work effectively
• Define key performance indicators (KPIs); in conjunction with board and other stakeholders, define strategic priorities; set annual organizational and employee goals; inspire and support employees to achieve or exceed targets in support of the mission
• Ensure clear lines of accountability and responsibility across the organization to foster and maintain effective working relationships

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

• Cultivate inclusive and equitable working relationships with employees, Board, funders, producers, sponsors, and community partners
• Support and enhance a sense of belonging and success of employees from historically  marginalized populations
• Model diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-oppression concepts and issues, especially as they apply to recruitment and performance management; actively promote an inclusive and equitable work environment

Finance and Legal

• Responsible to the Board for the overall financial health of the organization
• Produce an annual budget acceptable to the Board and ensure sound financial management within that budget
• Build and maintain the financial reserves to an appropriate level set by the Board
• Ensure full and accurate reporting including the preparation of an annual report, KPIs and financial statements
• Manage all risks that could significantly impact the organization
• Ensure that the organization has the systems and infrastructure in place to operate effectively, accountably and safely, and that all professional standards are met

Fundraising

• Lead the fundraising strategy for the organization; coordinate the work of fundraising to ensure  a sustainable portfolio of individual, corporate, foundation and earned revenue
• Act as the lead ambassador for the organization to build and maintain strong relationships with a variety of funders and oversee strategy for funder portfolio; ensure compliance with funder agreements
• Identify and cultivate fundraising opportunities with high-value donors

Communication

• Create and deliver key messages to stakeholders and encourage collaboration with communities served
• Oversee communication strategies to raise the organization’s presence and profile in an engaging way and that is in alignment with the needs of the communities served
• Act as an ambassador for the organization, networking widely locally and nationally to build new and existing strategic relationships

Qualifications

• A minimum of 7 years of experience as a senior leader in a nonprofit or other business
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant work experience required, master’s degree or equivalent work experience highly desirable

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Keen nonprofit business skills including ability to create and implement a successful sustainability plan
• Experience with farmers markets or similarly scaled community events desirable
• High emotional intelligence with a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion; able to understand the needs and concerns of stakeholders
• Strong attention to detail with an analytical mind and superb problem-solving skills
• Strong interpersonal skills, exceptional communication (both written and spoken), supervisory, and decision-making skills; demonstrates good judgment
• Highly organized with excellent time and project management skills
• Resourceful, proactive, and intrinsically motivated with a strong sense of ownership and accountability
• Possess the following personal attributes: trustworthy, strategic, organized, results-driven, self-starter, inclusive, transparent, and collaborative
• Proven success within a highly flexible entrepreneurial culture; ability to focus on the big picture while ensuring the day-to-day operations are fully attended to; leading in a hybrid work environment

Personal Attributes

• Passionate about local food systems and sustainable agriculture
• Collaborative and community-focused
• Innovative and adaptable to changing circumstances
• Demonstrates a willingness to engage in both high-level strategic planning and direct operational tasks
• Resilient and able to handle the challenges of a dynamic environment

Physical Demands

• Must be able to lift 25 pounds

Work Location

• Position is classified as hybrid with physical work location to include regular time spent at each of the markets, community meetings, and work from home
• The Executive Director will need to reside within a reasonable commuting distance to the Columbus, Ohio metropolitan area.

Salary Range

Salary range is $70,000-80,000 annually for 32 hours per week.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to [email protected]

Applications and interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Posting may close without notice.

Common Greens is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to a work environment that supports, inspires, and respects all individuals and in which personnel processes are merit-based and applied without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual  orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, disability, national or ethnic origin, military service status, citizenship or protected characteristic. All duties are to be accomplished based on the ADA guidelines. ADA (American with Disabilities Act) states that the duties are to be successfully completed with or without reasonable accommodations.