Somerville Local First Seeking New Executive Director

Announcement
Somerville Local First, a four-year-old, established non-profit driven by strong community, artist, and business membership, seeks an Executive Director to guide staff and volunteers along a strategic direction established by the Board of Directors. The position opens July 1st, 2012.

The Executive Director for Somerville Local First is a part-time, entrepreneurially-spirited professional who shares the Somerville Local First vision, mission and values. The Executive Director is accountable to the Board of Directors and is responsible for creating and implementing the organization’s goals and objectives with the Board. The Executive Director will provide leadership in program management; work cooperatively with the Board, local businesses and local community; and manage the daily operations and finances of Somerville Local First. The Executive Director has primary responsibility for the development and implementation of Somerville Local First programs, fundraising, and communications.

Somerville Local First is a fiscally sponsored non-profit, 501(c)3 tax exempt, grassroots organization led by its membership, working together to educate and engage local residents, governments, business and non-profits to build an economy that is local, green and fair. SLF changes the way people think about and behave in the economy through programs, events and awareness campaigns. Somerville Local First encourages customers, public officials and local businesses to value the wide range of benefits and contributions local businesses provide and the importance of buying local, first. Our Executive Director must not only know how to gather and synthesize important information to raise this awareness, they must be able to connect, communicate, organize and lead people towards change.



Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Fundraising
• In conjunction with the Board, develop and implement annual fundraising goals to ensure the sustainability of the organization.
• Identify prospects for funding.
• Approach, cultivate and solicit major donors and sponsors.
• Oversee the fundraising plan. This includes researching, tracking and writing funding proposals to businesses, foundations, individuals, and government agencies.
• Establish and maintain relationships with funders and donors at all contribution levels.


Program Management
• Work in collaboration with the Board and Program Steering Committees to execute, evaluate and deliver quality programs that fulfill the organizational mission and strategic plan.
• Recruit, retain and grow the organization’s membership in all categories.
• Develop and maintain external relationships with other local-first networks and affiliated organizations, including New England Local Business Forum, AMIBA and BALLE.


Administration and Financial Management
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the organization.
• Manage vendor relationships and negotiate contracts in collaboration with the Board.
• In conjunction with the Board Treasurer, develop and implement a balanced annual budget for Board approval.
• In conjunction with the Board Treasurer, oversee financial management of the organization through daily bookkeeping and adhering to financial policies and procedures to ensure fiscal responsibility.
• Ensure compliance with grant/funding requirements and manage related relationships.
• Ensure all non-profit requirements are met with fiscal agent, state, and federal agencies.
• Ensure all business- related filings are submitted annually.


Communication and Outreach Management
• Be the face of Somerville Local First and act as representative in all public settings
• Capitalize on personal networks to further the mission of the organization.
• Serve as the liaison with the local community, businesses and related constituencies.
• In collaboration with the Communications Committee, oversee all public relations.
• Oversee all media contacts and communication with members and the public to ensure the organization and its mission, programs, products and services are consistently presented in a strong, relevant and positive image.
• Work with Communications Committee to implement social media campaigns.
• Develop and implement the marketing plan, with an eye towards internal fundraising goals, in collaboration with the Communication Committee.
• Oversee the publication of newsletters, materials, website and events.
• Integrate the fundraising and communications plans



Board Administration and Support
• Support the operation and administration of the organization by advising and informing Board members and developing needed workplans, policies and procedures.
• Participate in all Executive Committee meetings.
• Support the Executive Committee.
• Produce monthly Executive Director Reports.
• Ensure compliance with the by-laws, and all other Board-documents, in collaboration with the Executive Committee.



QUALIFICATIONS
Somerville Local First seeks an executive with proven experience in organizational management and/or business formation and development. We seek an individual to continue the successful growth of this dynamic organization in conjunction with the Board of Directors and, eventually, a stellar team of staff and volunteers. The successful candidate should have a bachelor’s degree, or equivalent experience, in a relevant field and demonstrate strong communication and organizational skills. Prior background in fundraising, nonprofit management and/or business management with a locally owned and independent business is helpful, as is a demonstrated knowledge of and commitment to strengthening local, living economies. The successful candidate will have an entrepreneurial spirit, be creative, vibrant, social, outgoing, and a proven networker. The job will require some travel around Somerville, occasional travel around New England, and attendance at the annual BALLE conference.


LOCATION
Somerville, MA

COMPENSATION
This is a part-time, salaried position, with the opportunity to grow into full-time with benefits in 6-12 months.

TO APPLY
All interested applicants are requested to submit a letter of interest and resume detailing their skills, experience and training that are relevant for this position, as well as three professional references. Please click here to apply.  Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until finalists are identified. About Somerville Local First: www.somervillelocalfirst.org Due Date: May 31st; interviews scheduled upon receipt of application.