Executive Director

Nashville Tree Conservation Corps

Apply

Job Summary

JOB TITLE AND INTRODUCTION:

Executive Director for Nashville Tree Conservation Corps (NTCC)

Nashville Tree Conservation Corps is a 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to promote, preserve, protect, and plant tree canopy in Davidson County. Through collaboration, community engagement, and policy advocacy, we strive to ensure a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future for all.

Our areas of focus are fundraising, legislative work, the annual tree sale, and the Shelby Arboretum.

We invite dedicated and visionary candidates to apply for the position of Executive Director at the Nashville Tree Conservation Corps. This is a unique opportunity to lead an organization committed to lasting change in preserving and enhancing Nashville’s urban tree canopy.

Join us in our mission to create a greener, more sustainable Nashville. We eagerly await your application and the opportunity to work together to advance our tree conservation initiatives.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT:

NTCC is committed to equal employment opportunity in all its employment practices. In accordance with federal, state, and local laws, we recruit, hire, assign, promote, and evaluate all employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, pregnancy, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, gender, marital or relationship status, sexual orientation or identity, veteran status, disability, or any other impermissible factor according to applicable law. Job applicants and present employees are evaluated solely on ability, experience, and the requirements of the job. This policy of Equal Employment Opportunity applies to all policies and procedures relating to recruitment and hiring, compensation, benefits, termination, and all other terms and conditions of employment.

Job Responsibilities

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The overall responsibilities of the Executive Director (ED) are to grow and lead the group in its mission.

Key responsibilities in the focus areas are:

Fundraising: The ED’s role in fundraising is multifaceted and requires a combination of leadership, relationship-building skills, strategic thinking, and a commitment to advancing our mission.

• Develop a comprehensive fundraising strategy that aligns with NTCC’s mission and long-term goals that includes methods, such as individual donations, corporate sponsorships, grants, special events, and planned giving. Set specific, measurable, and time-bound, fundraising goals.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with donors, supporters, and potential funding partners through meetings, events, and communications.
• Grant writing and management involvement to seek out grant opportunities, and managing the grant application and reporting process and ensure that grant proposals align with the organization’s mission and goals.
• Major donor relationship cultivation with high-net-worth individuals who can make significant contributions to the organization. To include personalized communication, stewardship, and recognition of donors’ contributions.
• Seek corporate partnerships and sponsorship agreements that can provide financial support or in-kind donations to the organization and ensure that corporate donors receive appropriate recognition.
• Oversee fundraising events or actively participate to ensure they are well-planned, executed, and effectively raise funds. Also, engage with attendees and donors during these events.
• Donor stewardship includes expressing gratitude, providing updates on the organization’s impact, and ensuring donors feel connected to the mission.
• Financial accountability. The ED is accountable for the financial health of the organization and must ensure that funds are used efficiently and effectively to achieve the nonprofit’s objectives. The ED will work with our accounting consultants to produce annual budgets. 
• Collaboration with the Board to engage them in fundraising efforts, leverage their networks, and ensure their active involvement in fundraising initiatives.
• Data analysis and reporting to monitor fundraising metrics and analyze data to assess the effectiveness of fundraising strategies. Provide regular reports to the board and stakeholders on fundraising progress.
• Ethics and compliance ensure that all fundraising activities comply with legal and ethical standards, including regulations related to nonprofit fundraising.
• Adaptation and innovation. The ED stays informed about emerging trends and technologies to adapt strategies and incorporate innovative fundraising approaches.

Legislation Work: Working closely with the Policy Committee, the ED’s role in legislative advocacy is:

• Strategic Planning: Develop a strategic plan for legislative advocacy efforts. This plan should outline the organization’s policy priorities, advocacy goals, and a timeline for action.
• Policy Analysis: Lead efforts to research, analyze, and stay informed on relevant policies and legislation affecting tree preservation, planting, and related environmental issues.
• Advocacy Campaigns: Designs and oversees advocacy campaigns to advance the organization’s legislative agenda. This includes developing messaging, mobilizing supporters, coordinating outreach efforts, and attending and speaking at Council meetings.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with legislators, government agencies, community leaders, and other stakeholders who can influence or support the organization’s advocacy goals.
• Coalition Building: Identifies and collaborates with other nonprofit organizations, advocacy groups, and community partners with similar objectives, forming coalitions to amplify advocacy efforts.
• Public Awareness: Leads efforts to raise public awareness about the importance of tree preservation and planting through advocacy initiatives, public education campaigns, and media outreach.
• Legislative Testimony: The ED may be called upon to provide expert testimony at legislative hearings, representing the organization’s perspective and advocating for policy changes.
• Legislation Monitoring: Monitors legislative developments, tracks bills and regulations relevant to the organization’s mission, and provides regular updates to the board and stakeholders.
• Fundraising for Advocacy: If legislative advocacy requires funding, the ED is responsible for developing and implementing fundraising strategies to support these efforts.
• Legal and Compliance: Ensure that all advocacy activities are conducted in compliance with relevant laws and regulations governing nonprofit advocacy and lobbying.
• Board and Volunteer Engagement: Engage with the board of directors and volunteers to involve them in advocacy efforts, leveraging their expertise and networks.
• Advocacy Impact Assessment: After legislative initiatives, assess the impact of advocacy efforts on policy change and the organization’s mission.
• Adaptation and Innovation: Stay informed about changing political landscapes, emerging advocacy strategies, and evolving legislative priorities to adapt and innovate advocacy approaches.
• Advocacy Reporting: Report to the board and stakeholders on the progress and outcomes of legislative advocacy efforts.

Tree sale: NTCC promotes the planting of trees through its annual tree sale. It also organizes volunteer tree-planting activities around Davidson County. The role of an Executive Director (ED) in organizing and managing a nonprofit organization’s tree sale is crucial for its success. Here’s a description of the ED’s role in overseeing the tree sale:

• Planning and Strategy: Develop a strategic plan for the tree sale that aligns with the organization’s mission and objectives related to tree preservation and planting to include goals, target audiences, pricing strategies, and marketing plans.
• Logistics and Operations: Work closely with the operations manager to oversee the logistical aspects of the online tree sale, procuring trees, arranging transportation, and setting up online platforms.
• Budget Management: Create and manage the budget for the tree sale, tracking expenses, and ensuring that the sale remains financially viable.
• Marketing and Promotion: Collaborate with marketing professionals to create promotional materials and develop advertising and/or social media campaigns.
• Community Engagement: Engagement with the community and potential customers to generate interest and support for the tree sale.
• Customer Relations: Work closely with the operations manager to ensure excellent customer service throughout the tree sale, addressing inquiries, resolving issues, and maintaining positive relationships with customers.
• Sustainability Practices: Ensure that the tree sale follows sustainable practices, such as sourcing trees responsibly and providing guidance on proper tree care to customers.
• Collaboration with Volunteers: If volunteers are involved in the tree sale, the ED coordinates their activities, provides direction, and recognizes their contributions.
• Evaluation and Improvement: Evaluate post-tree sales and their success by analyzing sales data, customer feedback, and financial outcomes to make improvements for future sales.
• Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Ensures that the tree sale complies with all relevant laws and regulations, including permits and licenses.
• Fundraising Component: Manage the financial aspect, track revenue, and ensure that funds are allocated appropriately.
• Community Impact Assessment: Assess the impact of the tree sale on tree preservation and planting goals, reporting outcomes to stakeholders and the board.
• Adaptation and Innovation: Stays informed about trends in tree sales and related environmental initiatives to adapt strategies and incorporate innovative approaches.

The Shelby Arboretum: https://www.shelbyarboretum.org/  The Shelby Arboretum is a linear streetscape, an impressive 1,000-tree arboretum along Shelby Avenue in East Nashville. Here’s a description of the ED’s role in overseeing the arboretum: 

• Horticultural Management: Work with horticultural staff and contractors to oversee the acquisition, care, and maintenance of trees.
• Visitor Experience: Enhance the visitor experience by maintaining a well-designed streetscape, signage, and amenities that ensure accessibility and safety for all visitors.
• Resource Management: of the arboretum’s budget and financial resources, allocating funds for maintenance, development, and improvements. This may also include fundraising efforts and grant applications.
• Staff and Volunteer Coordination: Oversee the staff and volunteers working at the arboretum, ensuring effective collaboration and productivity.
• Collaborations and Partnerships: Establish partnerships with educational institutions, health institutions, Sherrif’s Office, other arboreta, community organizations, and government agencies to further the arboretum’s goals.
• Environmental Stewardship: Ensure that the arboretum follows environmentally sustainable practices, such as responsible water management and pest control.
• Public Engagement: Engage with the public through events, lectures, and social media to promote the arboretum’s mission and activities.
• Membership and Donor Relations: Create membership program and donor relations, cultivating relationships with individuals and organizations that support the arboretum.
  Reporting and Accountability: Provide regular reports to the board of directors and stakeholders on the arboretum’s progress and achievements. 

REPORTING AND SUPERVISION:

The relationship between the Executive Director (ED) and the Board of Directors (BOD) is characterized by clear reporting and supervision mechanisms. The ED reports to the board, which provides oversight and guidance to ensure the organization’s mission is effectively pursued.

Reporting:

• The ED regularly reports to the board on the organization’s financial health, performance, and strategic initiatives.
• These reports include weekly employee reports, updates on fundraising, program outcomes, budget adherence, and any challenges or opportunities facing the organization.
• The ED provides insights and recommendations, enabling the board to make informed decisions.

Supervision:

• The board supervises the ED’s performance and ensures alignment with the organization’s mission and goals.
• Evaluation and feedback sessions are conducted to assess the ED’s leadership, management, and achievement of key objectives.
• The board is involved in the hiring, compensation, and, if necessary, the termination of the ED.

Collaboration:

• The relationship is collaborative, with the board offering strategic guidance and the ED responsible for day-to-day operations and implementation.
• The ED serves as a bridge between the board’s governance role and the organization’s daily activities.

Transparency:

• Both the ED and the board prioritize transparency and open communication to maintain a healthy working relationship.
• Clear channels of communication are established to share information, address concerns, and ensure mutual understanding.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

The ideal background for a candidate applying for the Executive Director position should have a combination of education, experience, skills, and personal qualities. Although one person may not have all the qualifications desired, here are some key qualifications and background characteristics we are hoping to find:

Nonprofit Leadership and Management Experience: Proven experience in a senior leadership role within a nonprofit organization, preferably as an Executive Director or in a similar capacity. Strong organizational and management skills, including the ability to oversee staff, programs, and budgets effectively.

Fundraising Expertise: A track record of successful fundraising, including grant writing, donor cultivation, and major gift solicitation. Familiarity with various fundraising strategies and techniques, both online and offline.

Advocacy and Legislative Experience: Knowledge of environmental legislation and advocacy, especially in the context of tree preservation and conservation. Experience working with government agencies, policymakers, or advocacy groups.

Arboriculture and Conservation Knowledge: A background in arboriculture, horticulture, forestry, or a related field, with a deep understanding of tree preservation and conservation practices. Familiarity with tree species, care, and maintenance.

Strategic Planning and Implementation: Strong strategic thinking and planning skills to develop and execute initiatives related to tree sales, arboretum development, and legislative campaigns. The ability to set and achieve organizational goals.

Financial Management: Financial acumen, including budget development, financial forecasting, and fiscal responsibility. Experience managing nonprofit finances and resources efficiently.
Community Engagement and Networking: The ability to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders, including community members, donors, volunteers, and government officials.

Additional Information

Benefits

How to Apply

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS AND CONTACT:

Please submit a resume, cover letter, references, or other application materials via email to:

NTCC Executive Director Candidate Submission

Gwen Arney- Secretary

gwen@treeconservationcorps.org

Carol Ashworth- Chair

carol@ashworthenvironmental.com

TIMELINE:

• Resume Submission Deadline: Friday, November 10, 2023
• Interviews: November 13 to 24, 2023
• Reference Checks: November 27 to 30 2023
• Job Offer Extended: TBD
• Acceptance Deadline for Candidate: TBD
• Onboarding and Start Date: Proposed January 1, 2024

Details

• Date Posted: October 16, 2023
• Type: Full-Time
• Job Function: Executive Leadership
• Service Area: Environment
• Start Date: 01/01/2024
• Salary Range: $75,000 - $90,000