Executive Director

The Linda & Gene Farley Center for Peace, Justice, and Sustainability is a nonprofit organization in Verona, WI, dedicated to progressive change, community partnership, environmental sustainability, peace, and social justice. It works to build community and engages with a variety of stakeholders. Three primary programmatic areas include:

• a collaborative farm program,
• a nature preserve/ natural burial ground called Natural Path Sanctuary (NPS), and
• the promotion of peace and justice.

Job Overview

The Farley Center for Peace, Justice & Sustainability is seeking a warm, collaborative Executive Director who can build strong organizational systems while empowering our talented team. If you're a strategic thinker who leads with authenticity, excels at fundraising and financial management, and is passionate about sustainable agriculture, natural burial, and social justice, we want to hear from you. We are looking for an Executive Director who is excited to shape the vision for the next phase of the Farley Center while honoring our mission and history.

Duties

Strategic Leadership and Organizational Management

• Articulate and communicate a clear, cohesive vision that integrates the Center's diverse programs (farm, natural burial sanctuary, peace and justice initiatives) and connects them to the organization's mission.
• Ensure the Farley Center and Natural Path Sanctuary have a long-range strategic plan to make consistent and timely progress to achieve their mission
• Work collaboratively with the Board, staff, volunteers, and community partners on the development and fulfillment of the organization's philosophy, mission, and annual goals using consensus-based decision-making and transparent communication
• Coordinate with and support staff, board of directors, programs, site management, and administrative functions of the organization using collaborative decision-making
• Foster a workplace culture that reflects the values of the Farley Center
• Maintain a climate that attracts, retains, and motivates a diverse group of staff, interns, and volunteers
• Oversee all programs to ensure quality promotion and delivery of products and services
• Work with the Board on recruitment, employment, and evaluation of personnel; provide supportive and facilitative supervision of all staff
• Maintain a working knowledge of significant developments and trends in the field

Internal Operations

• Establish and implement efficient operational systems, policies, and procedures that support long-term organizational effectiveness and sustainability
• Ensure appropriate technology infrastructure for organizational effectiveness
• Develop clear documentation for organizational policies and procedures
• Ensure compliance with organizing documents, nonprofit status provisions, and state/federal reporting requirements
• Provide oversight of site improvements, stewardship, and maintenance of the Center's land and buildings

Fiscal Management

• Work with the Board in preparing annual budgets and ensure that the organization operates within budget guidelines
• Oversee the maintenance of financial records in coordination with the operations manager
• Oversee day-to-day banking needs
• Submit monthly financial reports for the treasurer and quarterly reports for the Board
• Conduct monthly bookkeeping reviews
• Ensure proper financial management of incoming funds and payment of expenses

Fundraising and Development

• Develop diversified revenue streams to ensure long-term financial sustainability
• Work with the Board and staff to develop a comprehensive fundraising strategy, including legacy and other gifts, grants, special events, and strategic partnerships
• Identify and build relationships with funding sources, particularly focusing on legacy donors related to Natural Path Sanctuary
• Pursue revenue sources beyond legacy donors through a variety of fundraising mechanisms consistent with the Farley Center's mission
• Build and maintain a program of gift support for the Center, including recognition and financial reports to donors
• Coordinate and oversee grant writing and grant reporting
• Coordinate special events to nurture and develop funder relationships
• Cultivate and expand sponsorships
• Ensure donor information management systems are maintained

Community Partnerships and Public Relations

• Serve as the primary spokesperson and face of the organization for events, media interviews, and other engagements.
• Develop and implement a public relations plan aimed at building awareness and support for the Farley Center's mission and Natural Path Sanctuary
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships and networks with community organizations, like-minded groups, media outlets, and individuals focused on peace, justice, and sustainability
• Cultivate awareness and involvement in the Farley Center through public presentations, tours, outreach to community groups and businesses, and other communications
• Seek opportunities to co-sponsor events and educational offerings both at the Center and in the community
• Participate in the community with groups actively engaged in peace, justice, and sustainability
• Nurture and maintain positive relations with neighbors
• Coordinate the production of outreach materials to support the Farley Center's mission

Program Oversight

• Develop an annual calendar of educational programs and public events that promote the mission of the Farley Center/NPS in collaboration with the events and marketing coordinator
• Coordinate and host groups interested in using the Center building or grounds
• Develop a strong focus on the Farley Center and Natural Path Sanctuary as it relates to the land
• Oversee volunteer management programs and coordinate with the Events and Marketing Coordinator
• Work with staff to ensure appropriate programming and service delivery

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of experience in nonprofit executive leadership
• Strong financial management and fundraising experience
• Demonstrated excellence in strategic planning and organizational development
• Demonstrated excellence in board relations and governance
• Collaborative, consensus-building leadership approach with strong interpersonal skills
• Warm, approachable demeanor with the ability to build authentic relationships across diverse stakeholders while maintaining organizational values
• Proven personnel management skills with emphasis on creating positive, collaborative work environments
• Experience building efficient internal systems and operations
• A passionate commitment to peace, justice, and sustainability (economic, social, environmental) issues
• Strong commitment to a land ethic that embraces responsible stewardship and sustainability
• Experience working with community-based organizations
• Experience working effectively with diverse populations
• Excellent communication skills, including public speaking and writing
• Proficiency with technology systems, including donor management software and operational platforms.
• Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed
• Valid driver's license

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with land management, sustainable agriculture, or collaborative farming programs
• Knowledge of natural burial practices and the death-positive movement
• Experience in peace and justice organizing or advocacy
• Familiarity with progressive nonprofit culture and values
• Bilingual, Spanish-speaking

To apply, please submit a cover letter that addresses:

• Why you're drawn to the Farley Center's mission
• Your relevant experience and how it aligns with our organizational needs
• Your leadership philosophy and approach to collaborative management
• What "success" would look like to you in this role

We look forward to meeting candidates who share our passion for peace, justice, and sustainability.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance