Wesselman Nature Society
Executive Director
About Wesselman Nature Society
The Wesselman Nature Society (WNS) is a 501c(3) not-for-profit, environmental organization. We were founded in 1972 for the purpose of protecting approximately 200 acres of hardwood forest in Evansville, Indiana now known as Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve. The forest is the largest tract of virgin forest located inside any city limits in the United States. Today, WNS is responsible for the management and daily operations of Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve, Howell Wetlands, and the future home to one of the largest Nature Playscapes in the nation.
Our mission is to create experiences which connects people with nature, motivating them to lead sustainable lives and take action to protect wildlife and wild places. The Society is governed by a member volunteer Board of Directors charged with ensuring the sustainability of our properties, achieving our mission and strategic plan.
Job Summary
The Executive Director is the chief executive officer of WNS and is responsible for strategic thinking and implementation, ensuring all activities are aligned with our mission, leadership, fundraising, staffing, supervision and administration. Through guidance and approval from the WNS Board of Directors, the Executive Director has authority to lead and govern the operations of the nature center and accompanying properties to achieve its mission and strategic goals. The Executive Director reports to the WNS Board of Directors while the Chairman of the Board acts as the Executive Director’s supervisor.
Position Responsibilities
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Oversee all aspects of the Nature Center’s staffing needs, including recruitment, day-to-day supervision, leading and retaining employees.
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Work with the Board of Directors and staff to develop and monitor policies for the Nature Center, and ensure their implementation.
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Develop, in conjunction with the Board of Directors and staff, short and long-range plans for the Nature Center and strategies for achieving them.
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Manage all aspects of the day-to-day operation of the Nature Center.
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Oversee compliance with all federal, state, and local government requirements, including those relating to the Nature Center’s non-profit, 501(c)(3) status.
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Oversee WNS annual finances and ensure a balanced budget. This includes developing, implementing and monitoring the budget, supervising bookkeeping activities, and meeting annually with the WNS auditor.
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Plan for future revenue needs and resources to sustain WNS programs and operations through establishing and executing clear fundraising strategies, annual goals and detailed revenue development plans.
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Work with Board to develop ongoing fundraising and development activities, including cultivating strong relationships with major individual, foundation and corporate donors.
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Seek out and prepare grant proposals.
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Lead the communication efforts of WNS including public relations activities and marketing of programs.
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Provide direction and leadership in the development of all programs, exhibits, special events and other activities.
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Oversee maintenance and improvements of WNS buildings, machinery, vehicles and grounds.
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Adhere to the environmental demands of the old growth preserve and ensure the property is properly maintained.
Qualifications
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Strong leadership, communication, and people skills. Must be dedicated to a team approach.
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Must be enthusiastic, hard-working, and passionate about the organization and its mission.
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History of success in strategic planning, leadership, and execution.
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Minimum of seven years of relevant experience working in a nature center or related organization in the nonprofit sector.
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Experience with capital campaigns, grant writing and fundraising.
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Comfortable being involved in public speaking, working with diverse groups of stakeholders and direct solicitation of donors.
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Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Natural Resources, Environmental Education or related, relevant field.
How to Apply
For interested candidates, please send a cover letter and resume to wesselmannature@gmail.com.
Wesselman Nature Society
Evansville, IN
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