Executive Director

Position Title: Executive Director 
Reports To: Board of Directors 
Location: Remote. Ability to represent districts in-person at meetings statewide required, including frequent presence in Montpelier during the legislative session.
Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt

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Position Overview: 

The Executive Director of the Vermont Association of Conservation Districts (VACD) is the chief executive officer of the organization, responsible for advancing VACD’s mission to support Vermont’s 14 Natural Resources Conservation Districts (NRCDs) in their work to protect and enhance the state’s natural resources. As the State of Vermont rapidly expands its work to address climate change, water quality, land conservation, and other natural resources issues, VACD and its member NRCDs are experiencing rapid growth and organizational evolution. In this dynamic context, the Executive Director will provide strategic leadership, manage day-to-day operations, ensure financial sustainability, and advocate for statewide conservation programs and policies.

Note that the job description includes a wide variety of responsibilities and we are aware that candidates may not be strong in all aspects of the position. We encourage candidates who are highly qualified in most but not all areas of responsibility to apply.

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Key Responsibilities:

1. Leadership and Strategic Planning

• Lead the development and implementation of VACD’s strategic vision and initiatives in alignment with the mission and the needs of local NRCDs.
• Serve as the primary spokesperson and advocate for VACD, fostering relationships with local, state, and federal agencies, legislators, partner organizations, and the public.
• Provide leadership to member NRCDs, promoting collaboration on conservation efforts and statewide programs that enhance water quality, soil health, and natural resource management.
• Lead organizational change management efforts to support sustainable growth and evolving program needs.

2. Advocacy and Policy Development

• Advocate for legislative and regulatory policies that support the work of Vermont’s NRCDs, representing their interests before the Vermont Legislature and in state and national policy discussions.
• Monitor and influence policy developments related to natural resource conservation, agriculture, water quality, and environmental protection.
• Lead efforts to mobilize support for VACD’s priorities through grassroots advocacy and coalition-building.

3. Organizational and Board Management

• Collaborate with the VACD Board of Directors, made up of representatives from each NRCD, to set organizational goals and oversee governance and financial management.
• Prepare and present reports to the Board on organizational performance, financial health, and strategic initiatives.
• Ensure that the Board is well-informed on key issues affecting NRCDs.

4. Financial Management and Oversight

• Oversee the financial management of VACD, including budgeting, grant management, and financial reporting for a $2.8 million budget.
• Explore strategies to diversify VACD’s funding streams, including fee for services, new grant opportunities, and private philanthropy.
• Manage VACD’s funding portfolio to support operations and conservation programs.
• Ensure compliance with all financial and legal obligations.

5. Program and Partnership Development

• Develop and oversee conservation programs and services that enhance the capacity of Vermont’s NRCDs to address local and regional natural resource challenges.
• Foster partnerships with government agencies, nonprofits, private sector entities, and community groups to advance conservation goals and secure resources for collaborative projects.
• Ensure the successful execution of programs related to soil and water conservation, agricultural resilience, and climate adaptation.

6. Staff Management

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of professional staff (currently ~25), ensuring that they have the resources and support necessary to succeed.
• Collaborate with and support the staff leadership of Vermont’s 14 NRCDs, and provide opportunities for staff professional development and collaboration across VACD and NRCDs.
• Promote a positive and inclusive work culture that values collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Engage contractors/professional services to support VACD’s mission and programs as needed.        

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Qualifications:

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resource management, environmental science/policy, sustainable agriculture, public administration, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience in natural resource conservation, nonprofit management, or public policy advocacy.
• Experience working with or within NRCDs, government agencies, or environmental organizations is highly preferred.
• Proven experience in fundraising, grant writing, and managing organizational finances.

Skills and Competencies 

• Demonstrated leadership and strategic thinking abilities, with a proven track record of advancing organizational goals.
• Strong advocacy skills, with the ability to effectively represent VACD in policy discussions and public forums.
• Demonstrated ability to build coalitions and/or partnerships to address complex natural resource management needs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to engage and inspire diverse audiences.
• Strong financial management skills, including experience developing budgets, managing grants, and securing diverse funding streams.
• Ability to represent collective interest and build consensus across diverse member organizations.
• Ability to build and sustain relationships with NRCD supervisors and staff as well as key stakeholders, such as government officials, and community partners.
• Passion for conservation and environmental stewardship, with a deep understanding of the natural resource challenges facing Vermont.

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Salary and Benefits: 
Starting salary range is $90,000 to $105,000, commensurate with experience. Benefits include paid vacation, sick and holiday leave, as well as an employer-funded Section 125 “cafeteria plan,” through which employees may purchase health and/or dental insurance and contribute to a Health Savings Account. In addition, VACD offers a 401(k)-retirement plan with an employer contribution of up to 4%.

Application Process: 
Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references to Jessica Miller at jess.miller@vacd.org. by 5 PM, December 2, 2024 for priority consideration.

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Equal Opportunity Employer: 
VACD is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or veteran status.