Madison, Wisconsin
Nourishing the links between land and table
306 E. Wilson St. #2W • Madison, WI 53703 • 608-310-7836
Job Title: Executive Director
Position Posting: September 21, 2016
About REAP:
For more than 19 years, REAP Food Group has been working throughout Southern Wisconsin to build and sustain a local food system that supports small family farms and locally owned businesses, promotes sustainable agricultural practices, and provides access to fresh, healthy food for the entire community. Pioneers in the local and sustainable food movement, REAP’s initiatives include Farm to School activities in the Madison Metropolitan School District; Southern Wisconsin Buy Fresh Buy Local, a certification program for restaurants and institutions; and the Southern Wisconsin Farm Fresh Atlas, a consumer guide to local food.
Mission:
REAP Food Group connects producers, consumers, businesses, and organizations to grow a healthful, just, and sustainable local food system in Southern Wisconsin. Our staff, members, volunteers, and partners envision sustainable, local food on every plate.
Position Summary:
The Executive Director, only the second in the history of this highly regarded and financially strong organization, will be tasked with nourishing REAP’s existing and well established programs and sharing their vision for a local, sustainable food system. The REAP board seeks a dynamic leader with a mastery of organizational management and fundraising, the ability to inspire a small dedicated staff, and the willingness to
work closely with REAP’s board and staff to create and execute a vision for a local food system that could serve as a model for regions throughout the country.
Starting Salary Range:
$55,000 – $65,000, depending on qualifications. Benefits include health and dental insurance and paid vacation and sick leave.
Job Responsibilities:
A. Organizational Leadership
1. Collaborate with REAP’s staff and Board of Directors to move forward a strategic vision that aligns with the organization’s mission and values and demonstrates a commitment to local producers and eaters.
2. Develop and track organizational goals, ensuring that programs and operation reflect these goals.
3. Recommend and develop policies, procedures and programs that move forward the organization’s strategic direction.
4. Regularly report to the board on the status of internal and external issues affecting the
organization.
5. Support the Board of Directors in the recruitment, orientation, and cultivation of new board members.
6. Implement practices and processes to ensure a strong sense of cooperation between the staff and the Board of Directors and committees.
7. Provide oversight and implementation of bylaws and other policies approved by the board.
8. Ensure all organizational documents are up-to-date and that accurate reporting to regulatory agencies is fulfilled.
B. Fund Development
1. Oversee all fund development activities and work in partnership with the staff and board to ensure sustainable and diverse revenue streams, including: foundation and government grants; individual giving/membership; community fundraising; corporate giving; and major donor development.
2. Pursue implementation of a plan for long range asset development.
3. Cultivate relationships with individual donors and stakeholders.
C. Community Engagement and Outreach:
1. Serve as spokesperson for and build the reputation of REAP, overseeing marketing and public relations efforts.
2. Conduct public speaking engagements and community outreach.
3. Establish and maintain relationships with a robust and diverse group of stakeholders interested in supporting REAP’s vision and mission.
4. Collaborate with other food and farming organizations in Madison and Southwest Wisconsin.
5. Lead the organization’s advocacy efforts to promote sustainable agriculture, food justice, and access to local, healthy food.
D. Administration and Personnel:
1. Provide direction for the day-to-day activities of REAP staff.
2. Maintain an environment that promotes high staff morale.
3. Support and motivate staff on an individual and collective basis.
4. Actively work to create a diverse and inclusive work environment.
5. Provide leadership for staff management including recruitment, hiring, supervision, evaluation and, if necessary, release of staff in accordance with Personnel Policies established by the board.
Skills and Experience:
• A minimum of 5 years of experience with a proven track record of success in non-profit, governmental or entrepreneurial leadership.
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Understand or have experience with local, regional and/or national issues impacting sustainable agriculture and local food systems.
• Demonstrated commitment to principles of equity, inclusion, and social justice.
• Ability to translate a strategic vision into an effective implementation plan.
• Excellent personnel management and facilitation skills with a focus on team building.
• Experience with organizational development and governance.
• Experience with fundraising and fund development for non-profits.
• Excellent communication and public speaking skills.
Application Instructions:
Please submit a resume, cover letter, and responses to the questionnaire below to jobs@reapfoodgroup.org or mail to: REAP Food Group, 306 E. Wilson Street, Suite 2W, Madison, WI 53703. To ensure consideration please submit application materials by midnight CST on Friday, October 21, 2016.
REAP Executive Director Application Questionnaire
Name:
Email:
Daytime Phone:
Please limit your responses to these questions to a total of two pages.
1. Please share your experience advancing issues of food justice and equity. Please include both volunteer
and paid work.
2. Describe your experience developing and managing budgets and providing fiscal oversight, including
specifics on size of the budget(s) you managed and your responsibilities regarding fiscal management.
3. Describe your experience related to fundraising, donor cultivation, and stewardship. Please share one
example of your work designing and leading a successful fundraising plan/strategy.
4. Please describe your experience with staff management, including the number of people in the largest
group you have supervised, and one quality that you believe great managers possess.
