CITY of KENNESAW

Job Description

Job Number 1

Position: Garden Executive Director                                          

Department:  Smith Gilbert Gardens

Responsible to: Assistant City Manager                                   

Pay Grade: 35

General Nature of Work:

The Executive Director is responsible for the overall administration and management of the Smith-Gilbert Gardens including fundraising, business operations, education programs, facility and garden maintenance and marketing.  The Executive Director provides overall leadership for strategy, organizational development, budget development and financial oversight.  The Executive Director must be able to handle and manage multiple projects to ensure they are completed within financial and time constraints.  Effectiveness as a fundraiser with experience in capital and major gift campaigns as part of Strategic Plan and overall Master Plan will be critical for the successful performance of this position.

Examples of Work:

·         Ability to successfully develop, implement and sustain a capital campaign engaging a diverse funding base with an emphasis on corporate and foundation giving, growing the membership base and expanding the individual donor base.

·         Raise the visibility of the Smith-Gilbert Gardens through the development and implementation of a sustainable marketing campaign.  Increase and diversify funding sources to achieve Capital Campaign goals.  Serve as the chief spokesperson for the Garden and ensure appropriate representation to potential corporate, foundation and individual donors.

·         Oversee all programs and projects to ensure compliance with Strategic Plan and Master Plan.

·         Oversee strategic planning process and ensures planning decisions are used in setting annual program and project goals.

·         Facilitates an active planning process with the Board and staff.Set annual goals and objectives and develop income projections and funding needs as part of the annual budget development process.

·         Develop policies, guidelines and priorities to support the effective management of the Garden.

·         Develop, recommend and monitor annual and special projects budgets.

·         Approve expenditures and ensure proper fiscal record keeping and reporting.

·         Ensure compliance with all City of Kennesaw financial guidelines.

·         Work closely with City Manager’ office to develop annual budget while working to diversify income through memberships, grants, admission and gift shop revenues and special events.

·         Hire and supervise an effective team, including use of legal hiring and termination procedures; disciplinary actions; annual performance evaluations and professional development opportunities.

·         Maintain a climate which retains, keeps and motivates top quality people, both professional staff and volunteers.

·         Promote an organizational culture that fosters passion for the Smith-Gilbert Garden’s mission, cooperation, open and frequent communication, trust and teamwork.

·         Guides the Smith-Gilbert’s Gardens Foundation Board of Directors’ in critical thinking, strategic planning, resource development and overall organizational wellness.

·         Serves as the primary staff contact person for the Foundation’s Board of Directors and the Executive, Finance and Governance committees.

·         In cooperation with the Foundations’ Board President, develop meeting agendas and materials to ensure the opportunity for the Board to effectively fulfill its responsibilities.

·         Keep the City Manager and City Council fully informed on the condition of the Smith-Gilbert Gardens and all important factors.

NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Successful and demonstrated fundraising experience, particularly in support of a Capital Campaign. Documented success in attracting foundation and corporate grants.  Proven leadership skills in advanced horticulture and business developed through several years in senior management positions.  Experience in managing a complex budget.  Understanding of non-profit organizations and experience working with Boards of Directors and volunteers.  Excellent organizational, interpersonal, marketing, communications, analytical, administration and personnel management skills.  Visionary and innovative with a high energy level. Excellent presentation skills. Demonstrated passion for horticulture and the mission of education and public engagement through public gardens

Work Hours and Conditions:

The Director will normally work from 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday with one

hour off for lunch daily. Attendance at evening/weekend meetings and events may be required. The majority of the Director's work will be performed indoors, in a controlled environment.

Education, Training and Experience:

Four-year baccalaureate degree, advanced degree preferred, in business administration, public administration, horticulture or other related field of study.  A minimum of five years of senior level/executive director management experience in a public garden or similar institution. Effectiveness as a fundraiser with experience in capital and major gift campaigns as part of Strategic Plan and overall Master Plan will be critical for the successful performance of this position.

ADA REQUIREMENTS

Use of upper and lower limbs is required. Eyeglasses or corrective lenses may be worn, to provide normal 20‑20 vision for the incumbent. Hearing aids are also satisfactory.

The City of Kennesaw is a drug free workplace.  All offers of employment are contingent on passing a drug test and criminal background check.  The City of Kennesaw participates in the Federal E-Verify program; proof of eligibility to work in the United States must be presented within three days on the job.  The City of Kennesaw is an Equal Opportunity employer.