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Executive Director

Position Summary

The Executive Director is accountable to the Board of Directors and responsible for the overall leadership, strategy, and operations of the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership. Areas of responsibility include oversight of SGP’s three program areas; the procurement and management of private and public grants; leading a team of staff, including seasonal staff and volunteers; playing a key role in program development and implementation; overseeing personnel and fiscal management; developing and implementing a multifaceted fundraising strategy; cultivating and sustaining relationships at the community, state, and national level; maintaining a strong rapport with the board of directors; and advancing SGP’s strategic goals and objectives as outlined within SGP’s strategic plan.

About the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership

The Susquehanna Greenway Partnership is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. The Susquehanna Greenway Partnership is dedicated to advancing the Susquehanna Greenway, which is a planned corridor of land trails, water trails, and communities that run along the Susquehanna River within Pennsylvania. SGP’s mission is to grow the Greenway by connecting communities, promoting active healthy living, and facilitating collaborative partnerships along the Susquehanna River. This work strives towards accomplishing our vision for a Greenway that builds connections along the Susquehanna River, inspires people to engage with the outdoors, and transforms communities into places where people want to live, work, and explore.

Essential Functions and Duties

Strategic Partnership

Serves as the SGP liaison to key partners at the local, county, state, and federal level, as well as other allied organizations, foundations, and institutions. Attends virtual and in-person meetings, represents SGP on select committees, and facilitates new -as well as maintains existing- partnerships.

Operations and Culture

The ED works collaboratively with the Board of Directors and staff to develop an operational plan which incorporates SGP’s vision, mission, goals, and objectives to ensure the continued advancement of SGP’s strategic plan and ensure the organization meets the expectations of its partners and stakeholders. ED oversees the day-to-day operations of the organization ensuring that continuing contract obligations are being fulfilled; allocating resources for greater program effectiveness and efficiency; and developing organizational and administrative systems for Board’s consideration.

ED maintains a culture where staff can develop creative approaches to recreation and community-based programming and supports ongoing professional growth among staff with opportunities for professional development, leadership training, and mentorship.

Human Capital

The ED is responsible for the Human Capital/Staff of the organization and works collaboratively with the Board of Directors and Advisors on the development and ongoing implementation of SGP’s policies, procedures, and best practices. Staff members include full-time, part-time, AmeriCorps members, and seasonal interns. The ED is responsible for the development and review of staff job descriptions, talent acquisition, hiring, onboarding, professional development and training, and overall performance management to include implementing yearly reviews, recommending training and development, disciplinary actions, separations, and exit interviews.

Fiscal Strategy

The ED works with the Board Chairman, Treasurer, Governance & Finance Committee, and accountant to prepare an annual, comprehensive budget. ED collaborates with the accountant to ensure sound bookkeeping [QuickBooks Online] and accounting procedures are followed, administers funding according to budget, identifies and facilitates outside donations, ensures compliance with legislation and taxation, and reports on revenue, expenditures, activities, and finances to the Board of Directors.

The ED identifies state, corporate, foundation, and government grant prospects, develops funding proposals, constructs accurate and realistic grant budgets, and aids in other grant writing projects as needed. In collaboration with staff, the ED will oversee and track grant milestones including, but not limited to, funding awards, proposals that have been issued or canceled, grant reports, deliverable completion, grant communications, and 3rd party contracts.

Board Management and Board Development

In collaboration with the Administrative & Operations Assistant, ED supports all activities associated with the Board of Directors and Advisors. This includes recruitment, producing meeting schedules, development of agendas and meeting materials, and the production and/or review of meeting minutes. ED works to ensure both current board members and new board members have a solid understanding of the organization’s mission and programs. ED communicates in a consistent, transparent manner, alerting board members to internal and external issues, and at times acts as spokesperson for the officers, board, advisors, and other facets of governance.

Programing and Event

The ED oversees the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the organization’s roster of programs and events for alignment with the mission and vision of SGP, and reports on delivery to maintain and improve quality of programs and events. ED develops outreach and content strategies in collaboration with the Director of Communications to advance SGP’s brand and overall awareness among target audiences.

Other Duties

ED addresses to-be-determined priority issues and challenges necessary for the success of the SGP. Given the unpredictable nature of nonprofit work, it is difficult to identify all the specific duties, thus the candidate must be willing to take on unforeseen activities and perform other duties as assigned and needed.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management or Public Affairs, City and/or Regional Planning, Conservation, Recreation Management, Outdoor Education, Urban Planning, or related major; or related work experience or equivalent combination.
• Senior nonprofit management experience with increasingly responsible administrative, supervisory, and related programmatic experience.
• Previous experience reporting to, or serving on, a board of directors is required.
• Proven track record in financial management, including grant management, and multifaceted budget preparation for multiple audiences, analysis, and reporting.
• Competitive applicants will have a basic knowledge of QuickBooks Online.
• Fundraising experience with an ability to raise funds from individuals, foundations, corporations, special events, and the public sector. Grant writing and management experience is highly valued.
• Understanding the outdoor recreation and community planning industry’s best practices, trends, and emerging systems is highly valued.
• Event planning and management experience, including a level of volunteer supervision experience, is highly valued.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal communications) are required.
• Be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident of the United States.

Personal Attributes

• A passion for the organization’s mission and vision.
• Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to facilitate and maintain collaborative partnerships at the local, state, and federal level.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, take initiative, deliver high quality work, and work independently.
• Experience in fostering a positive work environment, promoting teamwork, trust, and collaboration.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify challenges, develop innovative solutions, and make informed decisions to advance a collective vision.

Compensation

Hiring range is $55,000 – $65,000 with the exact salary dependent on experience. This is a full-time, exempt position. In addition to salary, SGP offers a competitive benefits package, including participation in an employer-sponsored health insurance plan, a generous Paid Time Off package, IRA retirement plan, and other benefits.

Statement of Non-Discrimination

The Susquehanna Greenway Partnership is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to excellence through diversity. Employment offers are made on the basis of qualifications and without regard to race, sex, national or ethnic origin, disability, or age.

To Apply

Submit resume and cover letter to Board Chairman, Bob Rolley at [email protected].

Deadline to Apply

Position will be open until filled. The first round of applicant reviews will take place the week of October 1, 2023. Those interested in being considered in the first round should provide their application materials by 11:59 PM on September 30, 2023.

Interviews will be conducted via Zoom or phone.