Executive Director of NOFA-NY- Rochester, NY

Organization: The Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York (NOFA-NY)

Position Title: Executive Director

Location: 

The position is based at NOFA-NY’s office in Rochester, NY. Extensive statewide travel will be part of the job.

Hours and Compensation: 

Salary and benefits will be commensurate with experience and comparable to those of organizations of similar type, size, and location. NOFA-NY’s benefits package includes employer-paid medical insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, and a 403(b) retirement plan. Vacation, personal, and compensatory time policies are generous.

Application Deadline: We anticipate the position will be filed by January 2014

 

Organization Overview

Founded in 1983, NOFA-NY is the premier statewide organization growing a strong organic and sustainable agriculture movement in New York State. NOFA-NY provides education and assistance to local organic and sustainable farmers; connects consumers with these farmers; and advocates policies that support a sustainable food and farm system at both the state and federal levels.

Description

The Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York, Inc. (NOFA-NY) is seeking a dynamic Executive Director to lead the organization into the next decade. The successful candidate will have a strong commitment to organic agriculture as well as experience in non-profit management and fundraising.

NOFA-NY’s Executive Director oversees a vibrant member-based organization representing over 1,500 certified organic and sustainable farms in New York State, the nation’s largest consumer market, and a dedicated staff of 12. The Executive Director is based in NOFA-NY’s Rochester, NY office.

Context:

Kate Mendenhall currently serves as the Executive Director of NOFA-NY. After almost ten years with NOFA-NY, she and her family have decided to return to her NW Iowa hometown to be closer to family. She has helped grow NOFA-NY to the strong prominent organization it is today and will assist in the hiring and training of her successor.

Responsibilities

The Executive Director will work collaboratively with the Board of Directors and Staff in the following areas:

 Organizational Management – Oversee and support a staff of 12 and work collaboratively with the NOFA-NY, LLC organic certification staff of 12. Support the Staff Management Team and Board of Directors. Oversee and support financial management, communications, development, and program development.

 Fundraising – Lead and work with Management Team to maintain and grow NOFA-NY’s financial stability by writing grants for federal, state, and foundation funding, cultivating major donors, growing individual donations and membership, organizing fundraising events.

 Program Development – Work with staff to develop and support educational programs that meet the stated needs of our constituents.

 Policy – Create, articulate and implement clear policy that promotes sustainable and organic farming and food in New York State.

 Networking – Expand and strengthen NOFA-NY’s role as a leader of the local, organic farming and gardening community by building relationships with state and national organizations.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have extensive practical experience in non-profit senior management and a record of exemplary success in the professional domains encompassed by the position requirements and expectations described above. The successful candidate will have:

 An engaging and positive personality.

 A proven ability to manage and inspire a professional staff and board.

 Extensive experience with non-profit administration.

 Excellent verbal and written communication skills through all media channels.

 A proven, creative and effective fundraising record with public and private donors, foundations, and grant writing.

 An effective and respected public presence.

 An ability to build bridges among diverse communities, stakeholders and networks.

 A vision of New York State as a leader in the national organic food and farming movement.

 Appreciation of New York’s rich agricultural history, culture and diversity.

 Experience with local, organic agriculture, and rural community development.

How to Apply

Application:

Candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, two relevant writing samples, and three references (two supervisor references) to NOFA-NY’s Search Committee. The cover letter should specifically address the following three points:

1.Your commitment and passion for NYS organic food and farming.

2.Your experience in non-profit management.

3.Your experience in fundraising detailing experience with grants and donors.

Application materials shall be submitted electronically as a single PDF attachment and addressed to [email protected], subject line: “<candidate’s name> – NOFA-NY ED Application.” Review of candidates will begin on a rolling basis. The hiring process will remain open until we find the right candidate. We anticipate the position will be filled by January 2014.

Contact

Questions regarding this announcement may be submitted by email to [email protected]; subject line: “<your name> – NOFA-NY ED Inquiry.” Please include your full name and contact information (email address and phone number) in the body of the email.