The Executive Director is the Chief Executive Officer of Des Moines Water Works Park Foundation (DMWWPF). The Executive Director reports to the President of the DMWWPF Board of Directors and is responsible for the achievement of its mission and financial objectives. The Executive Director shall supervise and oversee all the business, finances, and affairs of the Des Moines Water Works Park Foundation.

Key Functions of the Executive Director include:

Program Development and Administration:

• Assure the organization has a long-range strategy that achieves its mission, and toward which it makes consistent and timely progress.
• Develop programming, organizational, and financial plans with the Board of Directors staff and contractors and carry out plans and policies authorized by the Board.
• Maintain official records and documents, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Provide relevant information regarding trends and initiatives within the community that impact the Foundation’s mission.
• Establish sound working relationships, partnerships and cooperative arrangements with community groups and organizations necessary to accomplish success.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by the President of the Board of Directors.

Governance:

• Work with Board of Directors, committees, volunteers, staff, and contractors by providing the leadership necessary to accomplish the goals of the Foundation.
• Attend meetings of the Board of Directors and committees as appropriate.
• Recommend to the Board of Directors such policies as may be necessary to carry out the business of the Foundation efficiently and effectively.
• Keep the Board fully informed of the condition of the Foundation facilities, events, finance, and all-important factors influencing it.
• Leverage Board member skill sets, experience, and passion to assist with completion of the work.

Marketing and Communications:

• Publicize the activities of the Foundation, its programs, and goals.
• Represent the programs and point of view of the organization to agencies, organizations, and the public.
• Be DMWWPF’s official spokesperson to the media and outside constituencies.
• Maintain a visible and professional profile in the community, representing the Foundation in a positive and professional manner.
• Manage communication tools with park user groups, donors, vendors, and aligned organizations.
• Manage and coordinate communications with key Des Moines Water Works staff.
• Promote the accomplishments of the Foundation to members, investors, and residents of the community.
• Pursue professional development and networking opportunities to ensure that the Foundation’s programs are constantly evolving to meet community need.

Management of Staff, Volunteers, Partners, and Contractors:

• Responsible for the recruitment, employment, and release of all personnel, both paid staff and volunteers.
• Ensure that job descriptions are developed, complete regular performance evaluations, and utilize proper human resource practices.
• See that an appropriate provision for succession is in place.
• Encourage staff and volunteer development and education and assist program staff in relating their specialized work to the total program of the organization.
• Periodically review the staff and the volunteer organizational structure to ensure they optimize the delivery of service to members, investors, and partners.
• Promote active and broad participation by volunteers in all areas of the organization's work.

Budget and Finance:

• Ensure the fiscal stability and accountability of the organization.
• Responsible for developing and maintaining sound financial practices.
• Work with the Board in preparing a budget; see that the Foundation operates within budget guidelines.
• Ensure that adequate funds are available to permit the Foundation to carry out its work.
• Jointly, with the President and Secretary of the Board of Directors, conduct official correspondence of the organization, and jointly, with designated officers, execute legal documents.

Events and Park Usage:

• Oversee and coordinate park use, operations, and maintenance with DMWW staff per our 28E agreements.
• Coordinate schedules of vendors, events and provide onsite support as necessary.
• Manage relationships with key park user groups and neighbors.
• Facilitate relationships with local and regional aligned groups that support conservation, education and/or health/recreation.

Fundraising and Revenue Generation:

• Develop and manage the ongoing revenue generation strategies, including fundraising.
• Ability to build and retain donor relationships.
• Write for any appropriate grants and complete related reporting.
• Work with outside consultants on special projects/capital opportunities as necessary.
• Oversee execution of donor recognition strategy.

Qualifications and Employment Requirements:

• Successful track record of accomplishment in non-profit management, fundraising and building community partnerships.
• Transparent and high-integrity leadership.
• Strategic perspective able to identify opportunities and create solutions to challenges.
• Capital campaign fundraising experience.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills with ability to relate to staff, volunteers, community leaders, donors and partner organizations.
• Ability to understand and adapt to community and group dynamics.
• Excellent communication skills, written and verbal.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and manage time effectively.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position manages all employees and contractors of the Foundation and is responsible for the performance management and hiring of employees, when applicable.

Work Environment:

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands and fingers, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. This position requires the ability to occasionally lift office products and supplies, up to 50 pounds.