[PCA] New England Wild Flower Society Job Opening

[Debra Strick]

POSITION DESCRIPTION
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
          NEW ENGLAND WILD FLOWER SOCIETY

OVERVIEW

The New England Wild Flower Society, headquartered near Boston in 
Framingham, Massachusetts, was founded in 1900, and is the oldest plant 
conservation organization in the United States.  The mission of the Society 
is to promote the conservation of native plants through habitat management, 
horticulture, education, research and advocacy.  The Society is principally 
a regional conservation organization known nationally and internationally 
for its effectiveness in accomplishing its mission through collaboration 
and volunteer engagement.  The Society owns and operates the 45 acre 
botanical garden and accredited museum, Garden in the Woods, as well as 8 
native plant sanctuaries totaling 950 acres, and is significantly expanding 
its native plant nursery business.  In addition, the Society provides the 
largest and most comprehensive native plant adult education program in the 
nation.  The Society has over 6,000 members, 22 full-time and 15 part-time 
staff, and more than 1,200 active volunteers throughout New England.  It 
operates with a $2.5 million budget and $8 million endowment. There is a 
complete description of all programs and a more detailed history on the 
website: www.newfs.org.

For the last 10 years the Society has prospered under the excellent 
leadership of David DeKing, who is leaving to pursue other professional 
opportunities.  The organization has recently completed a comprehensive 
planning process, which has resulted in a new strategic plan for the 
Society. The Society has a talented and committed staff, which includes 
nationally recognized experts in fields including plant conservation and 
horticulture, and a board ready to provide effective governance and 
energetic support for the next leader of this organization.  The new 
executive director will have an opportunity to review the Society's many 
opportunities for growth and innovation, and to guide the Board and 
organization on the focus and implementation of the plan.

ROLE

The executive director serves as the organization's chief executive 
officer, with overall responsibility for fundraising, planning, 
administration and management of all programs and systems.  She or he is 
appointed by and reports to the Board, and will work in close collaboration 
with the Executive Committee.  The executive director is a member of the 
Board, and will serve as an advisor to the Board and play an active role in 
Board development. The executive director can expect the active involvement 
and support of the Board.

The new executive director will work with the Board and staff to implement 
the Society's new strategic plan, and in doing so, will influence the 
growth and direction of the Society far into the future.  She or he must 
exert smart, decisive leadership and mobilize broad-based support in order 
to carry out this plan, and must assure the Society secures the resources 
necessary to fulfill the mission and support growth.  The most significant 
challenge will be managing growth and the multiple system and programmatic 
tradeoffs that result.

As the Society's leader, the new executive director will be expected to 
continue to increase awareness of and support for the Society and its 
programs through collaborations, publications, media exposure, networking 
and other avenues.  She or he must maintain and expand a broad base of 
private and public support and funding, which includes members, volunteers, 
major donors, grant making organizations, program participants and retail 
customers.


QUALIFICATIONS

The Society is seeking an executive director who will be committed to the 
mission of NEWFS. Strong leadership and decision-making skills are critical 
to success in this position. Candidates should demonstrate the capacity to 
lead a complex, diverse organization through steady growth in a manner that 
is progressive and consistent.  Proven success in management, budgeting and 
finance, program development and implementation, and fundraising is 
essential.  Candidates should have an energetic, entrepreneurial style 
combined with a thoughtful, organized approach to planning and decision-making.

The new executive director will be a visionary leader who is able to 
fulfill that vision through a rich interaction with the Board, staff, 
funders, policy makers and volunteers. The executive director must have 
values consistent with the Society's culture, based upon teamwork, 
creativity, entrepreneurialism, respect, openness, honest communication, 
enthusiasm, high standards, a belief in the unique worth of each 
individual's contribution and a good sense of humor.

The new executive director must be able to communicate effectively and 
persuasively in a variety of forums.  Excellent written and oral 
communication skills are important. Demonstrated experience and ability in 
developing and securing financial resources and completing initiatives are 
essential.

The executive director must assure that the Society's programs are 
responsive to the dynamic, changing needs and opportunities in the fields 
of conservation and horticulture, and that the methods and resources 
employed reflect best practices.  In order to achieve this, it is necessary 
that the new executive director have a broad base of knowledge about these 
disciplines.

Significant executive level management experience in non-profit 
organizations or business enterprise is sought.  A Bachelor's degree is 
required, and an advanced degree is preferred.

COMPENSATION AND APPLICATIONS

The salary for this position is competitive, and includes a generous 
benefits and retirement package.  The New England Wild Flower Society is an 
equal opportunity employer.  All applications will be evaluated on a merit 
basis.

Resumes may be submitted, in confidence, to:

Ford Webb Associates, 
Inc.                      or                     flowers at fordwebb.com
27 Main Street
Concord, MA 01742
Attn: NEWFS