Executive Director Job Description Portland Parks Foundation (PPF) is a small nonprofit organization with a mission to mobilize public and financial support for a thriving and accessible parks system for a healthy Portland. Founded in 2001, we work closely with Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) to achieve the city’s vision for an exceptional parks system on a par with any in the world. Through leadership and partnership, PPF has raised over $14 million and organized events with hundreds of volunteers for Portland parks. Current major efforts include building the Footbridge Over Burnside to provide safe passage on the Wildwood Trail; supporting local, parks-based advocates through a small grants program and technical assistance; and supporting priority programs of PP&R such as Summer Free For All. PPF is committed to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in its work. The Executive Director is the chief executive officer of the Portland Parks Foundation (PPF) and is responsible for successful implementation of PPF’s mission, partnership with Portland Parks and Recreation, and raising funds for on-going parks operating support as well as capital projects. The Executive Director reports to the board of directors with core responsibilities including: Securing private resources to support public parks • • • • • •
Build and sustain PPF’s capacity to raise funds for public park projects in alignment with PPF’s strategic plan and PP&R priorities. Create and implement a development plan that includes individual, corporate, grant and capital funding for short-and long-term usage. Develop an annual budget and ensure adequate funding for the Foundation’s operations. Cultivate strong relationships with individual, business and foundation donors and expand PPF’s donor base. Encourage community appreciation and volunteerism for public parks to build a base of public support for parks initiatives. Assess and create innovative ideas for providing resources to city parks.
Creating and managing positive relationships with donors, partners and the community • • • • • • •
Sustain and strengthen PPF’s relationship with its chief fundraising partner, Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R), serving as PPF’s key liaison with the Director of PP&R and other key staff of PP&R. Ensure that PPF fulfills its commitments in its current Memo of Understanding with PP&R. Sustain positive relationships with the City of Portland council members and staff, especially the Parks Commissioner. Sustain and build relationships with current and future community partners. Build and sustain a strong, diverse Board of Directors and committee structure with excellent fundraising and community networks. Communicate effectively with PPF constituencies and audiences through all available means, including community meetings, traditional media and social media. Assess opportunities for expanding the PPF community using an equity lens.
Ensuring effective management of the PPF board, staff, systems, and resources • • • • •
Have a strong understanding of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and the role parks plays in ensuring equity in our community. Ensure that PPF’s Board regularly refreshes its vision, mission, and focus through strategic planning. Provide staff or direct oversight of PPF programs including grants, training, technical assistance, volunteers and other services PPF provides to the community to ensure optimal implementation. Ensure the maintenance of up to date personnel policies, effective management of PPF staff development and benefit programs, and PPF alignment with best practices in nonprofit management. Ensure the responsible and prudent stewardship of financial resources entrusted to the Foundation, maintenance of records, and compliance with all applicable laws.
Minimum Requirements: • • • • • • •
Minimum five years leadership experience, preferably in an executive director role or equivalent. Personal connection with Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in a leadership role. Demonstrated skill in successful fundraising in non-profit or related field. Exceptional interpersonal skills with demonstrated knowledge of developing and implementing a fundraising plan. Affinity for public parks and programs, understanding of the impact of urban parks, and appreciation for the roles of public and private sectors in parks development and maintenance. A proven track record of building and cultivating personal and professional relationships and managing multiple stakeholders across organizations to collaborate and achieve mutually beneficial initiatives. Strong drive, initiative and commitment; demonstrated success in setting and achieving financial, organizational and leadership goals; experience with successful fiscal responsibility and budget management.
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Strong written and verbal communication skills; a persuasive and passionate communicator with excellent interpersonal and multidisciplinary project skills. Must be able to communicate and collaborate with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures, from executives, community leaders and high net worth individuals to grassroots community leaders and immigrant Portlanders.
Effective Date: November 1, 2018 Classification: Full-time, Exempt Salary Range: $92,000-$96,000 Supervises: All staff Benefits: Competitive, including vacation, personal holidays, sick leave, health care insurance, 401(k) retirement plan