Executive Director, Asheville GreenWorkds

The Position

The next executive director will build on Asheville GreenWorks’ fifty-one-year legacy and reputation in the community by continuing to:

• develop, evaluate, and refine programs to meet the new strategic direction of the organization,
• strengthen necessary organizational infrastructure,
• lead on our commitment to equity, and
• cultivate relationships with a diverse mix of community partners, donors, and funders to broaden the organization's impact.

The next executive director will also be a dynamic, effective communicator, and strongly aligned with the organizational values of community, equity, adaptability, and humility.

Primary Responsibilities

• Vision, Mission, and Strategies – Work closely with the board and staff to translate the organization’s mission and vision into clear, equity-driven strategic directions, goals, and initiatives.
• Fundraising and Resource Development – In partnership with the board and staff, develop and implement appropriate and diversified fundraising and development strategies.
• Fiscal Management – Oversee planning and budgeting systems and continue to ensure that income is managed wisely and that the organization’s goals serve as the basis for sound financial planning. Ensure that systems and staff are in place to accurately monitor, assess, and manage the organization's financial health and fiscal sponsors.
• Accomplishment of Management Objectives – Oversee operational and program objectives that support the organization’s strategic goals and lead the staff in their implementation.
• Human Resources Management – Foster and maintain a strong staff built on teamwork and collaborative decision-making in a positive and empowering environment. Oversee staff development activities that build leadership skills and motivate performance. Ensure adherence to the personnel policies in all hiring and employment practices.
• Community Engagement, Public Image, and Partnerships – Serve as the primary spokesperson and public face for the organization, representing it regionally and nationally. Develop dynamic working relationships and collaborations with diverse constituencies, including constituents, funders, volunteers, legislators, and other stakeholders that comprise the work of the organization.
• Equity and Values Alignment – Continue leading efforts to operationalize organizational values and successfully navigate those complexities in today’s environment.

Key Organizational Priorities

In the first 12-18 months of their tenure, the new executive director will partner with staff, board, and key stakeholders to work toward the following priorities:

• Update the most recent 2023 strategic plan
• Securing a sustainable and diversified revenue stream, by collaborating closely with the Development Director and Fund Development Committee and focusing on major gifts, grants, contracts, and earned income.
• Strategically investing in infrastructure and internal capacity, to bring the organization to the next level in terms of operational, programmatic, and financial maturity.
• Leading and empowering staff with compassion and integrity, helping to support and inspire their work efforts and fostering collaboration.
• Prioritizing equity by convening and catalyzing resources towards community-identified needs and strengthening internal practices which contribute to a culture of inclusivity and belonging.

Desired Experience, Skills, and Attributes

Asheville GreenWorks is committed to building a diverse workforce and leadership team that includes strong representation from historically marginalized communities and groups that are most impacted by our work. We strongly encourage Black, Indigenous and People of Color, women, transgender, and gender non-conforming people, LGBTIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.

While we recognize that no one individual will possess every qualification outlined, strong candidates will bring a compelling combination of the following experiences, skills, and attributes to this role:

• Successful leadership or management experience in the nonprofit sector, with experience in change management
• Demonstrated commitment to environmental, climate change, and/or sustainability issues
• Educational, professional, personal, and/or lived experience related to the essential functions of the job
• A champion of racial equity and environmental justice work
• Strong fundraising and stewardship skills with primarily individual and major donors, foundation grants, government contracts, and/or earned income
• Experience in community organizing, advocacy, and/or policy work
• Financial literacy and experience with budget preparation and management
• Human resource management skills
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, and public speaking skills
• Success in increasing organizational visibility
• Ability to work with and facilitate strong board development and leadership
• A collaborative, “bridge-builder” mindset with an exceptional ability to foster a spirit of cooperation with external partners and among board members and staff
• Track record as an authentic partner with local frontline community leaders and groups
• Awareness, appreciation, sensitivity, and enthusiasm for working with diverse communities and cultures, including people across the generational spectrum

Location

Asheville GreenWorks’ office is based in Asheville, NC, and is the primary work location for the executive director position. In the spirit of our flexible work environment, some working from home is permitted; that said, a regular physical presence in the office helps set the tone for a collaborative working environment.

Reports To

The Board Chair and the Board of Directors.

Timeframe

The next executive director will ideally start as early as April 2025.

Compensation

The salary range for this full-time, 40-hours-per-week position is $80,000 - 90,000, with the exact salary commensurate with experience. Asheville GreenWorks benefits include a flexible working environment, a competitive health insurance package, a generous PTO and holiday leave package (10 PTO days/fifteen after one year, five sick days, 10 paid holidays, two-week winter break), as well as funds for professional development.

Application Process

To apply, send a letter of interest and résumé in PDF form via email: careers@ashevillegreenworks.org

The process will include a phone screening, interview and a full day with staff and board members for final candidates. Please, no phone calls.

Application Deadline:

Accepting applications through February 2025 unless the position is filled sooner. Applications reviewed on a rolling basis.

For more information about Asheville GreenWorks, please visit: www.ashevillegreenworks.org