The Lord and Schryver Conservancy (https://lordschryver.org/ ) is seeking a dynamic, experienced nonprofit leader interested in history and landscape design. This is a unique opportunity to raise awareness and support for a premier cultural nonprofit.

Established in 2005, the Lord & Schryver Conservancy is a cultural non-profit that works to preserve, interpret, and steward the legacy of pioneering women landscape architects Elizabeth Lord and Edith Schryver. Headquartered at Gaiety Hollow, the historic home, office, and garden of Lord & Schryver in Salem, Oregon, the Conservancy offers educational and cultural programming to the public.

A successful board-managed grassroots capital campaign enabled the Conservancy to purchase Gaiety Hollow and rehabilitate the nationally recognized garden to its period of significance. It is now poised to engage and cultivate diverse new audiences through community-responsive programming and educational opportunities.

Job Summary

The Executive Director will be responsible for building strong fundraising and sustainability practices; developing successful mission-based programming; developing and maintaining community outreach; working in partnership with the Board of Directors to advance the mission; and managing staff and operations. 

This is a full-time position with flexible scheduling and includes some weekends and evenings. Perks include a flexible work environment, one of the most beautiful office locations in Salem, and working alongside a committed and dedicated board and donor base.

Responsibilities and Duties

Leadership

• Manage the daily operations of the Lord & Schryver Conservancy

• Be our principal ambassador and spokesperson to the community

• Articulate and promote our mission, vision, and values

• Manage Lord & Schryver Conservancy communications (in coordination with the graphic designer)

• Lead marketing efforts for the garden and house, promote and manage rentals and events and increase number of visitors to the garden.

Fundraising

• Create an annual fundraising and development plan
• Develop a longer-term strategy for financial and organizational sustainability
• Develop and manage donor appeals and corporate sponsorships
• Research grant opportunities and prepare grant proposals

Board Development

• Work in partnership with the board to carry out the mission and strategic plan

• Maintain regular communication with the board president

• Help build and sustain board functions such as education, policy compliance, and committee work

Financial Management

• Prepare the annual budget in collaboration with the Treasurer and Finance Committee.

• Oversee financial projections and performance.

• Receive, review and monitor revenue and expense reports.

Staff and Operational Management

• Manage, supervise, and evaluate staff; manage contracts with contractors and consultants

• Oversee the volunteer program

• Maintain and update policies and procedures, and develop new ones, as applicable.

Programs

• Develop, promote and implement mission-based educational programs and other activities.

Community Relations

• Cultivate and enhance relationships within the community; partner with neighboring organizations and government entities

• Present programs to other audiences and organizations to promote the legacy and public awareness of Lord & Schryver and Gaiety Hollow.

Board Development

• Work in partnership with the board to carry out the mission and strategic plan

• Maintain regular communication with the board president

• Help build and sustain board functions such as education, policy compliance, and committee work

Financial Management

• Prepare the annual budget in collaboration with the Treasurer and Finance Committee.

• Oversee financial projections and performance.

• Receive, review and monitor revenue and expense reports.

Staff and Operational Management

• Manage, supervise, and evaluate staff; manage contracts with contractors and consultants

• Oversee the volunteer program

• Maintain and update policies and procedures, and develop new ones, as applicable.

Programs

• Develop, promote and implement mission-based educational programs and other activities.

Community Relations

• Cultivate and enhance relationships within the community; partner with neighboring organizations and government entities

• Present programs to other audiences and organizations to promote the legacy and public awareness of Lord & Schryver and Gaiety Hollow.

Required Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have:

Education and Experience

• Management experience in a nonprofit organization, with at least three years of advancing responsibilities

• Demonstrable fundraising experience, raising funds for operational and/or project goals 

• Experience designing, implementing and promoting events and programs

• Proven management experience, including budgets, personnel, volunteers, contractors

• Experience working with a board and/or board service, understanding of board relations

• Familiarity with, or desire to learn about, preservation, management and interpretation of historic properties and gardens

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree or equivalent experience

Skills

• Creative and strategic thinker with excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Creative and entrepreneurial spirit, with the ability to motivate individuals and teams to work together

• Self-starter who can work independently on concurrent projects and meet deadlines; enjoys seeing plans turned into action and evaluated for results

• Excellent people and communication skills, and ability to manage people and projects

• Skilled in understanding the nuances of managing a nonprofit organization and enjoys working in a collaborative atmosphere towards shared goals

• Consistency in matters of accuracy, presentation and attention to detail

• Ability to passionately engage the public in the mission of Lord & Schryver

• Savvy with technology and donor databases

Diversity and Equity

The Lord & Schryver Conservancy recognizes the dignity and worth of every person and is committed to provide equal rights and opportunities without discrimination. The intention is to create a just and dynamic climate of understanding and mutual respect for the dignity and worth of each person so that each person feels a part of and able to contribute to the community. Recognizing and understanding the diversity of the community are key elements to improving our performance. All Conservancy employees, volunteers, members of the Board and others representing the organization are required to conduct themselves in accordance with the entirety of this Human Rights and Equity Policy, and with all applicable local, state and federal laws.

To Apply:

Submit your chronological resume and a cover letter outlining why your experience is relevant to this position to Karen Freeman, Board President, at karen@lordschryver.org Resumes and cover letters will be accepted until the position is filled.