This is a unique opportunity to serve as Executive Director of a nationally recognized leader in community-based urban forestry. Since its founding in 1982, the Tree Foundation (STF) has gained well-earned recognition for innovations in urban forest education, civic engagement and partnerships. The Executive Director oversees all aspects of STF including leadership, management, program development and oversight, Board relations, public and government relations, and fund development. The organization has 27 staff members and a $2.6M budget.
The Tree Foundation’s Mission
To grow thriving communities through stewardship of our urban forest.
We envision an urban forest canopy that benefits the entire region and every neighborhood, especially those that historically have been underserved and under-canopied.
Dedicated to reaching the largest audience possible, the organization builds partnerships and empowers communities to create the best places to live and work by investing in their urban forest. It has an engaged Board, a dedicated and passionate staff, and strong partnerships with local governments, SMUD, CalFire, the US Forest Service, state agencies, colleges and universities, and other nonprofits with complementary missions.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership:
- Build a positive work environment that values and supports an open exchange of diverse ideas, capitalizes on staff strengths, and creates a team-oriented culture.
In partnership with the Board, lead strategic planning to assure the Foundation remains true to its mission and responds to new opportunities and changing conditions.
- Assess the Foundation’s activities, celebrate accomplishments, and evaluate setbacks.
- Create a learning organization that encourages collaboration, seeks feedback, develops staff, and is responsive to opportunities.
- Communicate best practices and participate in advancing urban forest policies, budgets, programs and best practices at national and statewide levels.
- Ensure that the staff and Board reflect the diversity of the communities served and that the organization is a leader in addressing racial, social, economic, and environmental injustice.
Management:
- Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Foundation, including programs, activities and staff.
- Develop and maintain operational policies and procedures.
- Manage employees and ensure programs are implemented efficiently, effectively, safely, and professionally.
- Ensure HR policies are in place to recruit, hire, train, develop, and evaluate a diverse group of dedicated employees.
- Ensure performance issues with staff are effectively addressed, both timely and constructively.
- Make changes to the Foundation’s structure as appropriate for effective, efficient operations.
- Provide fiscal oversight, including contracts; budgets; investment, endowment and retirement funds; and statements of financial position. Ensure financial policies and procedures are documented and followed.
- Recommend to the Board an annual budget that aligns with the mission and strategic goals.
- Secure financial audits and ensure preparation of tax documents.
- Ensure the Foundation is in compliance with policies, procedures, and regulations pertaining to the operation of a nonprofit organization.
- Oversee the Foundation’s facilities to ensure proper operation and maintenance.
Program Development and Oversight:
- Develop and implement programs, activities, and services that fulfill the mission and accomplish the goals of the organization, consistent with the mission statement and strategic plan.
- Evaluate programs and recommend appropriate action, including modifying existing programs and/or establishing new programs or activities as needed, and as capacity and funding allows.
- Identify, explore, and manage partnerships with educational, community, and government organizations that will advance the Foundation’s impact throughout the region.
Board Relations:
- Serve as the principal resource to the Board, Executive Committee, and key Board committees. Attend all meetings of the Board or designate an appropriate delegate when unavailable.
- Assure Board members know and understand established policies, and provide the Board with policy recommendations and assistance with policy formulation and interpretation.
- Support the Board in understanding and following best practices in nonprofit Board governance, including regular training on governance issues.
- Assure new Board members receive appropriate and effective onboarding and orientation.
- Actively involve the Board in advancing the Foundation’s mission, goals, and programs.
- Support Board with the recruitment of new, diverse Board members from throughout the region.
- Communicate regularly and openly with the Board; ensure that Board members are informed of matters and developments that warrant their attention and action.
- Provide regular reports to the Board on the Foundation’s financial standing, activities, and progress towards meeting strategic objectives.
- Encourage and maintain positive working relationships and collaboration between Board members and staff.