Executive Director

New Roots Community Farm

Executive Director

Full-Time, Exempt

Job Description

NRCF Overview: New Roots Community Farm (NRCF) is a place-based land project in Fayette County, West Virginia. We cultivate an ag-entrepreneurial ecosystem that is giving rise to a vibrant local foods economy in the New River Gorge region. As a 501c3 agricultural nonprofit, our work centers on food and farm business development, market access, community education and engagement, and farm to school initiatives. We work with farmers, food producers, community organizations, policymakers, and consumers to build a more sustainable, fair, and inclusive food system in our region.

Located on an 82-acre farm just outside the Town of Fayetteville, West Virginia, we operate a year-round market, purchasing products from over 50 regional food and farm businesses. We manage a 6-acre production demonstration farm and provide space and resources for an 18-plot community garden. Throughout the year we host a variety of on-farm workshops, events, and field trips for community members, farmers, and students.

NRCF’s business model relies on a diversity of revenue that includes federal, state, and foundation grants alongside earned income generated from market, farm, and event ticket sales. With these various revenue streams, the NRCF annual budget is nearing $1 million. Current operations are managed by a nine-member staff team with governance provided by a three-member volunteer Board of Directors.

The Executive Director will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations, program development, fundraising, and organizational strategy of the non-profit. This role is an exciting opportunity for a collaborative and visionary leader to drive the organization’s mission forward while growing its impact in the community. The ED will work closely with staff, the Board of Directors, community partners, public and philanthropic funders, and other local, regional, and national stakeholders to ensure the organization remains financially sustainable and effective in advancing its mission and goals.

Key Responsibilities

Organizational Leadership and Strategy 25%

• Support the organization to develop and implement strategic plans in alignment with its mission and values
• Lead organizational visioning
• Set the pace for organizational growth and filter new opportunities
• Lead planning around organization-wide challenges and opportunities
• Hold and communicate the organization's annual calendar and other organizational rhythms
• Develop and manage internal tools and practices for team coordination
• Manage external contractor and consultant relationships

Program Development and Management 25%

• Hold macro-management of program goals
• Lead and inspire staff to create and implement impactful programs that build community and support the organization’s mission
• Monitor and assess program effectiveness and identify areas for growth or improvement
• Prepare program updates, evaluations, and financial reports for funders and donors
• Lead development of grant and program tracking systems to ensure deliverables are met
• Work with Finance Director to track spending and ensure compliance with funding requirements
• Develop and implement client management and data management systems for tracking relationships with food and farm businesses and other entities that receive technical assistance
• Lead Land Access Program development
• Lead Ag Center development

Staff Support and Organizational Culture 20%

• Support overall staff management
• Manage director-level staff
• Design, convene, and facilitate regular staff meetings and retreats
• Support leadership, coaching, and professional development opportunities for staff
• Approve recruitment, hiring, and retention of staff
• Build and reinforce a healthy organizational culture

Fundraising and Financial Management 15%

• Lead budgeting strategy to ensure organizational stability
• Authorize adjustments to budget
• Lead fundraising strategy to secure and diversify funding streams
• Identify and pursue fundraising and earned income activities
• Cultivate and maintain funder relationships
• Coordinate grant prospecting, application preparation, and reporting
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with existing and prospective donors and explore the creation of an individual donor program
• Work with Finance Director to ensure sound fiscal management and state and federal grant compliance
• Act as secondary point of contact for audit and tax prep

Communications and External Relationships 10%

• Evaluate, cultivate, and maintain partnerships and external relationships
• Enhance NRCF’s visibility and reputation in the community
• Oversee development of a unified communications and marketing strategy
• Craft internal and external organizational narrative

Board Relations and Governance 5%

• Support board governance and development
• Convene board meetings
• Prepare materials for board meetings and board retreats
• Consult with board on major strategic decisions

Skills and Experience

• Proven experience in nonprofit leadership, with at least 5 years in a senior management role (Executive Director or equivalent preferred)
• Strong knowledge of food systems, sustainable agriculture, food justice, and community engagement
• Demonstrated success in fundraising and financial management, including securing grants, donations, and partnerships
• Excellent communication, writing, and public speaking skills, with the ability to represent the organization effectively to diverse stakeholders
• Strong facilitation, strategic planning, and problem-solving skills
• Experience building and managing complex organizational systems
• Experience managing staff
• Passion for social justice, sustainability, and equitable food systems
• Knowledge of local, state, and national food policy is a plus
• Prior relationships with funders is a plus

Compensation

• Annual Salary of $57,000-$62,000 based on experience
• Healthcare stipend of $300/month
• 120 hour Paid Time Off plus paid select holidays including Labor Day and Thanksgiving and a paid organization-wide winter break from December 23rd-January 2nd
• Free NRCF produce and store discount

This position is predominately computer based and will require performing repetitive computing tasks. This position allows for some remote work, but regular attendance at the on-site office will be required. This is a full-time exempt position. We respect our employees’ personal time and will attempt to schedule the majority of activities during typical work hours. However, there will be times when work is required outside of typical business hours.

To apply, please email a resume and cover letter to NRCF's Hiring Manager Kelsey Abad by Friday, April 25th at 11:59 pm. Email: board@newrootscommunityfarm.com

New Roots Community Farm is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $57,000.00 - $62,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Ability to Commute:

• Fayetteville, WV 25840 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Fayetteville, WV 25840: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $57,000 - $62,000