Position Title: Executive Director

Position Reports to: The GardenWorks Project Board of Directors

Employment Status: Part-time, 25 hours per week

Start Date: May 1, 2023

The GardenWorks Project (GWP) is seeking an Executive Director who, under the leadership of the Board of Directors, will be responsible for the administration and management of the organization through thought leadership, strategic planning, and capacity building. The GardenWorks Project is a growing organization, and is looking for its next Executive Director to foster and propel GWP’s mission.

Organizational Background/Mission

The GardenWorks Project, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving western Chicagoland, was founded in 2012. Our mission is to educate and empower all gardeners for the wellbeing of families facing food insecurity and the environment through the promotion of organic suburban agriculture. For more information visit: gardenworksproject .org.

Qualifications and Preferred Skills

The ideal candidate must be a creative, forward-thinking, driven professional with a proven track record of leadership, fundraising, engaging and establishing effective outcome-oriented relationships with diverse constituencies, and successfully and transparently completing projects. Reporting to and reviewed by the Board of Directors, the Executive Director focus their time and efforts on several projects, including:

●       Work closely with the Board of Directors to implement strategies that drive our mission and vision forward by building capacity, diversity, and expertise in key areas, including programmatic and operational growth.

●       Cultivate and steward partnerships with key stakeholders, donors and potential funders, and other food security community organizations and leaders

●       Collaboratively generate operational and programmatic revenue, providing visionary leadership to fundraising strategy.

●       Lead, motivate, mentor, and manage 2-person team and agency relationships to drive efficiency and high performance. Assist in recruiting and managing volunteers.

Minimum qualifications include:

●       Bachelor's degree. Relevant experience and a proven track record may be considered in lieu of educational attainment.

●       Five (5) years of nonprofit management experience, including program development, strategic planning and employee relations preferably at a community-based, nonprofit organization.

●       Proven track record of providing leadership and showing commitment to the organization's mission/vision/values.

●       Fundraising experience, as well as success in leading fundraising campaigns, and events management.

●       Successful in networking and building relationships, excellent communicator, and is a highly engaged community member.

●       Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to effectively juggle multiple and/or competing priorities. Ability to self-motivate, set and meet goals/deadlines to achieve desired results.

●       Ability to effectively manage employee relations issues, conflicts and resolve conflicts successfully.

●       Ability to use standard office equipment, Microsoft Office and Google applications.

Preferred Qualifications:

●       Preferred experience and/or understanding of the sustainable agricultural market, food growing, and food security.

●       Experience in grant writing and grants management/reporting.

●       Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) preferred, but not required.

Work Environment: Hybrid environment, with office headquarters in Wheaton (2100 Manchester Road, #970, Wheaton).

Employment Status: Part-time, starting at 25 hours/week, exempt. Some evenings and weekends will be required. Potential to grow to a full-time position based on performance and board approval.

Salary/Benefits: $39,000 ($30.00/hr at 25 hours/week). The position does not come with benefits.

Equal Opportunity Employer: The GardenWorks Project is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or belief. The GardenWorks Project has a zero tolerance policy for sexism, racism, and xenophobia. We believe there is a place in the garden for all. We will offer resources and support to gardeners to create the world we want to see - well-nourished and free from hate, discrimination, and harassment.

To Apply: Qualified candidates should submit their resume and cover letter electronically to employment@gardenworksproject.org.