Jobs/Volunteers

Position Overview:
Appalachian Sustainable Development (ASD) seeks an experienced, creative, visionary, and entrepreneurial leader to fill the position of Executive Director. The ideal candidate is a dynamic and flexible individual with a personal interest and investment in sustainable development. The candidate should additionally have a distinguished record in leading organizations and a history of working effectively within and across low-wealth communities, public institutions, and private business.

The Executive Director (ED) has the primary responsibility for the leadership of ASD, both in terms of implementing its vision and in developing a strong board and staff capable of achieving the organization's goals. The ED is also the primary representative of ASD and its mission of sustainability to the public - locally, nationally, and internationally

About Appalachian Sustainable Development:
ASD is a not-for-profit organization working in the Appalachian region of Virginia and Tennessee. Formed in 1995, ASD focuses on developing healthy, diverse and ecologically sound economic opportunities through education and training, and the development of cooperative networks and marketing systems.

ASD owns and operates two early stage businesses; Appalachian Harvest organic foods and Sustainable Woods. In addition to these two social enterprises, ASD provides community-based education through our Learning Landscapes program on sustainable development, sustainable living, buying local, and related topics; collaborates and advocates with universities, public agencies, businesses and other non profits to promote sustainable development; and, sponsors a wide range of tours, seminars and workshops, classes and local meals to help cultivate community involvement in sustainable development. ASD employs 14 full-time staff and up to 20 additional seasonal workers.

Qualifications: The Executive Director must have the following:
• Vision, dedication, and passion for the mission of ASD and sustainability.
• A deep and thorough understanding of sustainable development, including a strong grounding in ecology, economics, community development, and rural development. A solid understanding of sustainable agriculture and/or forestry is advantageous.
• Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships.
• A demonstrated track record in leadership and financial management of innovation-oriented not-for-profit organizations.
• Resilience, an open mind, and a sense of humor.

Executive Director Responsibilities:
In program and business management the Executive Director will:
• Regularly review progress towards implementing statements of goals and objectives.
• Provide support to the Business Manager and the manager of Learning Landscapes.
• Facilitate and support the introduction of new programs and ventures through collaborations with other organizations with shared interests.

In outreach, education, and networking the Executive Director will:
• Provide workshops, presentations, and other educational activities.
• Write articles, chapters, and other material related to sustainable development for a wide range of audiences
• Continually build relationships with potentially new organizations, partners, board, and task force members.

In fundraising Executive Director will:
• Secure adequate support from foundations through grant writing, presentations, and networking with potential funders.
• Provide quarterly and annual grant and fundraising reports.
• Provide oversight to the planning and implementation of fundraising events; attend and present ASD's work at fundraising events.

In budget control the Executive Director will:
• Develop and submit for approval the annual budget to the board of directors.
• Review and approve quarterly and monthly budgets with the Business Manager.
• Approve expenditures not directly related to the operations of Appalachian Harvest or Sustainable Woods.

In internal communication with the Board of Directors the Executive Director will:
• Maintain regular communication with the Board of Directors and board committees, ensuring their involvement and ownership of ASD.
• Ensure effective communication among board members and between board and ASD staff.

In staff supervision the Executive Director will:
• Directly supervise senior staff and assist with overall personnel management.
• Lead regular staff meetings with full staff, between staff and contractual personnel and other participating partners.
• Ensure effective communication with and among staff.
• Oversee recruitment, hiring, and disciplinary actions related to staff.

Physical Demands & Travel
It is preferable that he/she is capable of being outdoors, visiting farms/forestland, etc. Additionally, the responsibilities of the Executive Director require significant travel and therefore it is preferable that he/she have both the capacity and physical health for maintaining frequent travel requirements.

Salary
Compensation and benefits are competitive and commensurate with previous experience.

How to Apply
To apply please submit resume and cover letter to asdsearch@hotmail.com. Application deadline is July 19, 2009. No phone calls please.

To learn more about Appalachian Sustainable Development, please visit our website at www.asdevelop.org. ASD is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Internship and apprenticeship opportunities submitted by farmers all over North America are listed here: http://www.attrainternships.ncat.org/

Heifer International

Heifer International lists all current career opportunities within its organization and provides a Job Announcement Email list. Visit them on the web by clicking here.

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Sustainable agriculture employment or volunteer opportunities in the South are routinely posted on this web site.  Please submit listings for consideration to info@ssawg.org .