Somerville Local First hiring a new Executive Director

Announcement

Somerville Local First, a non-profit driven by strong business memberships, community, and artist seeks an Executive Director to guide staff and volunteers. This position will remain open until filled.

Summary The Executive Director for Somerville Local First (SLF) is a part-time, entrepreneurially-spirited professional who shares the SLF 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. The Executive Director will provide leadership in program management; work cooperatively with the Board; assist local businesses and the 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, events, fundraising, communications, and facilitation of the Board of Directors.

Background

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.

Somerville Local First changes the way people think about and behave in the economy through programs, events and public education campaigns. SLF encourages customers, public officials, and local businesses to value the wide range of benefits and contributions local businesses provide and educate on 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 partnership with the Board, develop and implement annual fundraising goals to ensure the sustainability of the organization

● Identify and approach prospects for funding

● With tenacity and persistence, pursue this funding

● Approach, cultivate and solicit major donors and sponsors

● Oversee the fundraising plan. This includes researching, tracking and writing proposals to businesses, foundations, individuals, and government agencies

● Establish and maintain relationships with funders and donors at all contribution levels

Program Management

● Work to execute, evaluate and deliver quality programs that fulfill the organizational mission and strategic plan

● Produce, manage, promote, and implement fundraising events throughout the year

● Create, plan, and manage technical assistance workshops

● Recruit, retain, and grow the organization’s membership in all categories, by ensuring great relationships and an exceptional value proposition

● Develop and maintain external relationships with other local first networks and Somerville non-profits

Administration and Financial Management

● Oversee the day-to-day operations of the organization

● Manage vendor relationships

● Develop and implement a balanced annual budget, in collaboration with the Executive Committee

● 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

● Act as the official Somerville Local First representative on City committees and at official events

● Serve as the liaison with the business membership, local community, and related constituencies

● 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

● With the Board, develop, manage, and implement the marketing plan, including overseeing the publication of newsletters, materials, social media, website, and events

Board Administration and Support

● Administer the Board of Directors

● Administer and prepare for all Board meetings, including participation in an additional monthly Executive Committee check-in

● Support Executive Committee to produce meeting agendas, monthly financial reports, and executive director reports, to be presented to the Board of Directors monthly

● Support the operation and administration of the organization by advising and informing Board members and developing needed work plans, policies and procedures

● Delegate and facilitate action by the Board of Directors

● Ensure compliance with the bylaws, and all other Board documents, in collaboration with the Executive Committee

QUALIFICATIONS Somerville Local First seeks an executive with proven experience in management and/or business formation and development, with a proven passion for Somerville. We seek an individual to continue the successful growth of the 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 skills. Prior background in fundraising, nonprofit management and/or business management is recommended. Experience with a locally owned and independent business is helpful, as is demonstrated knowledge of and commitment to strengthening local, living economies. The successful candidate will have an entrepreneurial spirit, be creative, social, outgoing, and a proven networker. This position requires a person with superb time management and organizational skills. While this position is part-time, there is room for growth and the ideal candidate will have an interest and plan for growing the organization. COMPENSATION

This is a 20-hour/week, salaried part-time position

TO APPLY All interested applicants are requested to submit a letter of interest and resume, as well as three professional references. Please send by email to [email protected]. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until finalists are identified.

Due Date: December 11; interviews scheduled upon receipt of application.