Executive Director

Why Common Ground Center?

• Are you an energetic leader with enthusiasm for play and people?
• Are you eager to lead, promote and fundraise for an organization dedicated to strengthening diverse families, organizations, and communities?
• Are you ready to lead and continue to develop a strong organization into the next era?

Who Are We

Common Ground Center is a nonprofit, multi-age arts, and outdoor education center. CGC has been providing engaging, accessible, and family friendly programming since 1994. Program offerings include Camp Common Ground, a family camp that operates three one-week long sessions each summer; Adventure Camps, week-long day camps for local children during school breaks in February, April, and July; Camp Kaleidoscope, a family camp for families experiencing autism; as well as Opening and Closing work weekends for alumni and friends. CGC also welcomes local school groups for short programs as well as a host of partner programs that function autonomously of the program team. CGC's vision of Camp for Everyone is rooted in access for those on the margins, so most programs are offered at a sliding pay scale with generous camperships available for those who need it. CGC is committed to serving people from historically marginalized backgrounds, BIPOC families, Queer families, and economically disadvantaged folks. All programs are designed to connect participants to the natural world around them, create opportunities for learning and provide varied avenues for engagement.

Who You Are

As Executive Director, you are directly responsible for executing our vision, mission and overseeing all day-to-day operations and staff at CGC. Based on CGC's 2022 Strategic Plan, your focus is on continuing to accomplish the following strategic goals:

• Leverage and maximize the use of our beautiful 700-acre site, iconic central campus, with housing, reunion spaces and sports fields to support our community and enhance our bottom line.
• Increase the engagement level of its current donor base while also gaining new supporters.
• Increase CGC's public profile, evolving from our "hidden gem" status to Crown Jewel!
• Continue to expand the capacity of CGC's Board of Directors in support of the vision and mission.

You are highly motivated with excellent communication and relationship-building skills, both internally and externally. You have mentoring and coaching DNA and enjoy growing the competencies and skills of staff throughout the organization.

Your Day to Day

DEVELOPMENT

• Proactively direct and manage all aspects of CGC's fundraising activities.
• Oversee CGC's three direct mail appeals and peer to peer campaign for Camp K.
• In collaboration with the Board, develop and execute on CGC's long term development strategies.
• Connect with and engage in stewardship of CGC donors.
• Maintain awareness of grant and in-kind donation opportunities, conducting research, and apply for grants consistent with CGC's development goals.

FINANCE

• Lead participatory budgeting process for annual budget.
• Oversee all finance functions and staff, including providing coaching, feedback and performance management as warranted.
• Review finances and report to the Board as necessary.
• Collaborate with Board Treasurer, accountant and financial planner on all matters related to finance and budget.
• Ensure that the organizational finances and controls follow IRS requirements as they apply to public charities and private foundations.

GOVERNANCE

• Report to board as requested on rentals, site, registration, fundraising, and other special projects.
• Work with Board president to plan quarterly board meetings, annual meetings and special committee meetings.
• Facilitate new board member recruitment.

PEOPLE & CULTURE

• Organize staff meetings and ensure they are facilitated and notes are taken.
• Oversee hiring and onboarding process for new core staff members to ensure proper orientation and alignment with CGC's mission, vision and culture.
• Provide supervision, including coaching, feedback and performance management for CGC's core staff members (3).
• Administer benefits as outlined in the Employee Handbook.
• Ensure CGC remains in compliance regarding policies and/or HR practices by liaising with CGC's attorney.
• Facilitate annual performance reviews for all year-round staff.

SITE

• Ensure CGC's risk management plans are up to date and complete.
• Ensure CGC maintains compliance with lease, including ensuring proper repair and maintenance of grounds and facilities.
• Oversee capital projects and their financing.

What You Need to Have:

• A bachelor's degree in education, business or equivalent is required.
• Minimum of 5 years of executive management experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience with nonprofit organizations & boards.
• Experience with managing operations in a customer centric environment.
• Executive level experience in finance and budgeting.
• Demonstrated ability to engage with the community and constituents at all levels.
• Proven experience and active engagement with all aspects of fundraising including grant-writing, major gifts, & annual appeals.
• Policy management and implementation experience.
• Experience in hiring, leading & mentoring senior level teams.
• Demonstrated experience with strategic planning and programming.
• Demonstrated service orientation especially with marginalized communities.
• Familiarity with Vermont, land use, and sustainability preferred.