Executive Director

East Texas Arboretum and Botanical Society (ETABS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The Arboretum is set in 104 acres of formal gardens and natural woodlands, where we educate and celebrate our community through nature. ETABS operates formal gardens, a veterans memorial, gift shop, historical exhibits, woman’s building; manages volunteer support programs; offers educational programs through tours, classes, demonstrations, brochures and activities to diverse ages and audiences; and raises funds for capital projects, maintenance and improvements to the East Texas Arboretum.

Position Objectives: The Executive Director (ED) serves as the face of ETABS and is responsible for administration and oversight including fiscal management, community awareness, fundraising, strategic planning, operations, board relations, volunteers, communications, the guest reception and store, exhibits and historical buildings, programs and overall execution of the mission. The ED reports to the ETABS Board and will serve as ETABS’s primary contact with the City of Athens. The executive director’s job is critical to the success and future growth of the Arboretum. The Executive Director’s job responsibilities include: maintaining and building new major donor relationships; creating new revenue streams, meeting revenue goals and managing expenses; communicating in a consistent and meaningful way with our stake holders and diverse constituents; continually strengthen the board and staff; maintaining and creating new and relevant programs; and using creative hands-on management skills to develop fundraising events and programs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. Incumbents may be required to perform additional job-related duties other than those specifically presented in this description.

General Responsibilities

• Directs the Arboretum’s administration, operations, marketing, customer service, events management, facilities maintenance, safety, and security functions. Assumes management responsibility for assigned services and activities, including educational programs and special events. Is the chief spokesperson for ETABS and represents the organization and its mission to the general public, to city government, and other key constituencies including the media, neighborhood associations, civic clubs and affiliate non- profit organizations. Provides leadership to ensure that ETABS has the necessary resources to successfully fulfill its mission through general and allocated fundraising, communicating with the public to increase awareness, growing membership, building relationships and producing fundraising events and programs. Works closely with the ETABS Board in the development and implementation of goals, budgets, objectives, policies and priorities for operations, events and programs. Holds primary responsibility for the development and implementation of the strategic plan. Recommends, implements and administers policies and procedures. Ensures development and delivery of educational, public, and outreach programs. Serves as the liaison for ETABS with the City of Athens and other government entities. Seeks opportunities for additional partnership funding with them. Conducts needs assessments to ascertain customer/visitor interests and organize marketing and advertising efforts for programs. Performs other related duties as required.

Operations Management

• Oversees and coordinates the operation of the Arboretum’s visitor center, gift shop, office area, children’s areas, historical exhibits, Woman’s Building, and the Arboretum’s formal gardens. Develops reporting mechanisms detailed in the strategic plan that show progress toward performance and provides the Board with the information needed to make informed decisions. Supervises staff and volunteers, which includes prioritizing and assigning work; ensures that staff and volunteers are trained and that they follow approved policies and procedures; maintains a healthy and safe working environment. Monitors and evaluates the quality, responsiveness, efficiency and effectiveness of programs, maintenance, service delivery methods and procedures; works with staff and volunteers on continuous improvement in all facets of the Arboretum’s operations. Coordinates with vendors regarding the purchase of supplies, equipment, and maintenance services; administers vendor contracts and service agreements. Negotiates and administers lease and/or use agreements; ensures the delivery of high quality services to visitors/lessees. Plans for, implements, and facilitates maximized usage and increased revenues at the Arboretum. Administers the Arboretum’s annual operating budget; forecasts revenue and attendance projections; monitors and authorizes expenditures. Monitors and ensures compliance with all applicable regulations governing the operation and maintenance of public assembly facilities.

Leadership

• Work with the Board to recruit, engage, and support a strong Board of Directors; seek and build board involvement with strategic direction for both ongoing operations and special projects per the strategic plan. Compiles and analyzes statistical/financial data; prepares reports and studies pertaining to the number and type of events and programs, attendance/participation, revenue, and customer/visitor satisfaction; recommends modifications to programs, events, policies and procedures as appropriate to enhance customer/visitor experience. Prepare annual budgets for board approval and ensure compliance to the budget throughout the fiscal year; oversee internal and external bookkeepers and manage the financial reporting process with the Board Treasurer. Work with local educators, partners, youth groups, community groups, civic clubs, merchants, and volunteers in developing programs, demonstrations, events and partnerships to increase usage of the Arboretum and ensure quality program delivery. Compiles and analyzes statistical/financial data; prepares reports and studies pertaining to the number and type of events and programs, attendance/participation, revenue, and customer/visitor satisfaction; recommends modifications to programs, events, policies and procedures as appropriate to enhance customer/visitor experience.

Fundraising and Communications

• Collaborates with the Board and committees in their efforts to meet fundraising goals. Researches and identifies sources of funds (donations, grants, fund raising events), secures and allocates funds for long-range capital improvement projects. Creates and implements an annual fundraising plan and tracking system to diversify, renew and increase contributions. Implements communication plans to increase membership and awareness of Athens Arboretum and its progress, programs and activities through social and traditional media focusing on a diverse and multi-cultural audience. Works to retain current donors, cultivate new donors and new funding opportunities. Collaborates with Board to on all fundraising events.

Preferred Skills and Qualifications:

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or relevant experience in managing non-profit, public arboretums or botanical gardens.

Position Conditions

This full time salaried, variable schedule, position will require varying job tasks indoor and outdoor. Candidate should be able to travel the property to perform duties of the role. This may involve sitting, standing, lifting and navigating paved and unpaved walkways. being stationed at a desk for much of the tasks. Break are offered to move, stand, and walk to maintain focus and health and safety standards.  May require weekend or nighttime working hours.  Background check required and may be subject to drug screen.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Work Location: In person

Salary : $50,000 - $70,000