Executive Director-New York
Organization: Harris Rand Lusk
Position Title: Executive Director
Location: New York
Hours & Compensation: Full time.
Application Deadline: Not listed.
Background:
In July 2012, the National Park Service and the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation announced an agreement to form the Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to help restore and revitalize the Jamaica Bay and Rockaway parks. The Conservancy, which represents a partnership between the private sector, the National Park Service, and the City of New York, will advocate and fundraise for the parks as well as develop and implement programs and projects including sustainability and resiliency programs, like the newly formed Science and Resilience Institute, and wetland habitat restoration. Other initiatives include providing new recreational opportunities such as camping facilities and the development of a Visitors Center, which will help draw both residents and outside visitors to the new park. The Conservancy will also support the work of partner agencies in order to coordinate the disparate research and policy initiatives already underway in the Bay.
The Conservancy as an entity is now ready to develop a permanent organizational structure. As such, the Board of the Conservancy is seeking to hire its first Executive Director (“ED”). The ED will be responsible for developing an appropriate governance framework, the hiring of staff, as well as the execution of additional necessary contracts with the Institute and partner agencies.
The Position:
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director must be a dynamic leader and a self-starter who shares the Board’s commitment and vision of the opportunity. This leadership position is an exciting opportunity for a high-energy, entrepreneurial self-starter to play a transformative role in the future fabric of New York City. The ED will be the face of the Conservancy and serve as the lead spokesperson, fundraiser, strategic planner, and chief executive managing the organization and all of its programming.
The new Executive Director should have experience in large program management, public design and land use processes, environmental and sustainability issues, and/or parks and recreation, and must be able to demonstrate significant accomplishments and past successes. In addition, he or she must be an experienced fundraiser, a hands-on manager, a strategic thinker and planner, a problem solver and be able to respond to crises quickly and effectively. Most importantly, the ED must have the skills to lead efforts to build and mobilize a strong constituency for the Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy.
Leadership and vision will be key. In addition, he or she must be equally comfortable in making presentations before corporate executives, elected officials, government agency administrators, and the public. He or she must be able to work closely with the Board and hire necessary staff to support the work of the Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy. This person will also work closely with New York City government agencies, the National Park Service, and other partners’ staff to promote the work of the Conservancy. Lastly, he or she will be bright, diplomatic, analytical, of the highest integrity, and possess sound judgment as well as a sense of humor.
Specific responsibilities include:
• Serve as the main face of the organization, collaborating with and supporting the Board of Directors and staff to strategize on organizational goals.
• Develop and implement overall policies, as well as daily operational goals and objectives for the management of the Conservancy.
• Direct external relations and communications focusing on marketing, and public relations efforts including general promotions and brand management by overseeing the website, publications, and program literature.
• Manage fundraising operations and work closely with the Board on all public initiatives taken on behalf of the Conservancy.
• Manage strong relationships with the local community and stakeholders.
• Increase the visibility and understanding of the work and mission of the Conservancy.
• Develop new effective partnerships with corporations, foundations, networks and individuals to build the capacity.
• Implement and oversee the growth and strategic management of the organization.
• Monitor the impact and effectiveness of the Conservancy.
• Provide regular reports to the Board and attend their meetings.
Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline required; Master’s degree preferred.
● Executive level experience in operational management in the private, government, or nonprofit sector with significant administration, financial and fundraising responsibilities.
● Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to be a strong, team-oriented colleague in a programmatic environment; skilled manager and leader of staff at all levels.
● Power and presence to advocate successfully on behalf of the organization in the public and private sectors.
● Knowledge of New York City government and experience in developing relationships with key government agencies and individuals.
● Passion for parks and public spaces.
● Solid track record of fundraising among major donors, foundations, corporations, and sponsors.
● Commitment to the mission and goals of the Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy.
● Self-starter with a bright and diplomatic attitude, strong issue resolution skills and advanced interpersonal and negotiation skills.
● Ability to work independently, prioritizing workflow to meet critical deadlines with attention to detail.
● Strong financial analysis and management skills.
● Excellent writing, editing, and communication skills are critical.
How to apply:
To Apply:
The Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy has retained the services of Harris Rand Lusk to conduct this search. Inquiries, nominations, and applications may be directed in confidence to:
Jack Lusk, Managing Partner
or
Anne McCarthy, Senior Director
Harris Rand Lusk
261 Madison Avenue, 11th Floor
New York, NY 10016
[email protected]
