Jobs

September 17, 2014

North Carolina Rail‐Trails Seeks Executive Director
North Carolina Rail‐Trails (NCRT), a private, non‐profit 501(c)3 North Carolina corporation, seeks an Executive Director, who will be responsible for leadership, development and management of all NCRT programs and activities. The ideal candidate will be a service‐oriented manager with successful experience in fundraising, advocacy, and board management and development.  The position is 20 hours a week with the potential to go full-time with fundraising success.

The Executive Director reports to the NCRT Board of Directors and serves as the Executive Director of the organization as well as President of the Board (a voting Board member), discharging such duties as are delegated by the Board. The Executive Director is responsible for the management of the organization, ensuring that optimum results are received for existing programs and services, while developing new programs and funding opportunities. The Executive Director must feel comfortable working in a collaborative environment, with equal sensitivity to the needs of the NCRT Board of Directors, members, and volunteers. Core competencies include the ability to think strategically, manage time strategically, take initiative in developing action plans, and demonstrate strong writing and speaking capabilities.

Position Requirements
Minimum of a Bachelor degree, preferably in a related field such as public policy, political science, business, or environmental studies. Two or more years of experience in not‐for‐profit administrative or operational management or related experience with an environmental organization from any sector. Demonstrated success with fundraising is required.  Demonstrated familiarity with land conservation and/or environmental policy strongly preferred. Demonstrated familiarity with outreach, reporting and board development preferred. Strong verbal and written communications skills. Ability to build collaborative relationships.

Scope of Responsibilities
The Executive Director has overall responsibility for management of the organization and the development of policy options for consideration by the NCRT Board of Directors. Specific responsibilities include the following:

  1. Work closely with the Board to help develop and monitor all adopted plans for NCRT's growth and development;
  2. Provide the Board with information necessary to decide on the relative merits of various policy options;
  3. Initiate and administer programs to fulfill objectives and priorities established by the NCRT Board of Directors and By‐Laws;
  4. In cooperation with the Board, implement and supervise fundraising and membership development; including annual fundraising events;
  5. In cooperation with the Board, initiate actions to assist the development of strategic rail‐trail projects in the State of North Carolina, exercising land trust and/or railroad corporation powers as authorized by the Board, including acquisition of protective interests in rail corridors as authorized by the Board;
  6. In cooperation with the Board and volunteers, develop and maintain stewardship programs for acquired protective interests and for selected, priority rail‐trails in the State of North Carolina;
  7. Establish, maintain, and monitor relationships with local, state, and federal government agencies and other organizations conducive to rail corridor preservation in the State of North Carolina;
  8. Promote and maintain an online inventory of North Carolina rail-trails;
  9. In cooperation with the Board, continue newsletter and social media presence to increase public awareness and support of NCRT projects and priorities;
  10. In cooperation with the NCRT Board chair and Board secretary, develop and carry out Board orientation, training, and development, and plan Board meetings;
  11. In cooperation with the Board treasurer, prepare annual budgets and maintain fiscal operations and accountability;
  12. Keep the Board informed of program accomplishments and problems; and
  13. Provide day‐to‐day direction and focus for the work of the organization, including hiring consistent with Board policy; supervising and coordinating staff (if any); and maintaining a functional, efficient office.

Compensation and Benefits
This position is intended to be a half time (20 hours a week), salaried position. Salary is paid monthly; the annual range offered is commensurate with experience.  NCRT personnel policies are described in its North Carolina Rail‐Trails Personnel Manual, which is available to position applicants upon request. Benefits include sick leave and vacation leave accrual, and ten paid holidays per year. The Executive Director’s reasonable work‐related expenditures are reimbursed by the organization, in accordance with board policies. 

To Apply or for more information
Send letter of application, resume and three references by email to David Connelly, Board Chair at drpconnelly@gmail.com by October 8, 2014.