Description
Mission:
We cultivate community connections and equitable access to quality food through empowerment and learning with the people who grow, prepare, and eat food in New Britain.
Workplace Climate:
New Britain ROOTS fosters a collaborative, mission-driven workplace grounded in respect, equity, and shared leadership. Staff are encouraged to bring creativity, initiative, and a commitment to community engagement while working in a supportive environment that values professional growth, open communication, and teamwork. The organization prioritizes a culture where employees feel empowered to contribute ideas, celebrate accomplishments, and remain connected to the impact of their work in strengthening food access, environmental stewardship, and youth development in New Britain.
Accountability Objective:
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director (ED) has overall strategic and operational responsibility for ROOTS’ programs, staff, funding, and the execution of its mission.
Dimensions:
Staff: Directly reporting to the ED: Program Manager, Project Manager, Bookkeeper, and outside contractors. The ED is responsible for creating and maintaining a positive working environment and a culture that is nurturing to the development of all staff and volunteers.
Programs and Projects: The ED is responsible for administrative oversight of programs and assistance with staffing, evaluation, and planning.
Fleet: The ED is responsible for managing ROOTS’ 2 vehicles: the refrigerated van and pickup truck.
Budget: The ED is responsible for presenting an annual budget to the BOD at their November meeting for Board consideration. ED will provide the BOD with quarterly updates on the present year budget with an explanation of any significant departures from the adopted budget.
Nature & Scope of Responsibilities:
Strengthen and expand ROOTS’ network of partners, supporters, and participants by cultivating relationships with community organizations, institutions, and residents in ways that grow the organization’s alliances, participation, and membership while remaining aligned with its mission and values.
The ED ensures the ongoing excellence of school-based food and agriculture programs. The incumbent works with the New Britain Board of Education and other school districts to develop contracts, works with school administrators and staff to coordinate programs,
develops curriculum, and hires and trains teachers.
This position is active in the New Britain Hunger Action Team, the CT Farm to School Collaborative, and the CT Network for Children and Youth.
This position plans and executes workshops, speaking engagements, and programs for community groups.
The position provides support to the Program & Project Manager, helping troubleshoot issues and support staff as needed.
The ED manages the personnel and payroll administration for all ROOTS’ staff; filing employment papers, generating checks, and personnel records.
The ED advocates for local and state policy as it relates to advancing sustainable food systems and farm to school work.
Fundraising & Communications:
In partnership with the BOD Fundraising committee, the ED executes revenue generating and fundraising activities to support existing program operations. This position researches applicable grant opportunities, writes grants, creating budgets for awarded funds, tracks and
maintains records for grant reports.
The incumbent is responsible for deepening and refining all aspects of communications for ROOTS, from web design and maintenance to community relations. The ED represents the organization with the goals of garnering new opportunities, building business and community partnerships, cultivating relationships with donors, and creating a stronger brand for ROOTS and its mission. The ED engages citizens by promoting community gardening in the City of New Britain.
The ED advises the Board on other revenue producing and fundraising goals and opportunities, such as an Annual Appeal to develop a dedicated donor base.
This position is responsible for timely reports to the Board on the financial status of the organization and will alert the board when cash on hand dips below the 3 month threshold.
The ED communicates with the Board on a monthly basis at minimum to assure that the program, staffing, and financial status of the organization is in overall good health.
Strategic Planning:
The ED keeps abreast of trends in education, agriculture, and non-profit practices to advise the Board on program and funding growth potentials.
The incumbent serves as ex-officio on sub-committees as established by the Board
The incumbent keeps current with city, state, and federal policies along with local regulations and alerts the Board of significant changes which would affect ROOTS’ mission.
Qualifications:
The Executive Director must demonstrate a strong commitment to the mission of New Britain ROOTS. Candidates should possess proven leadership and community engagement experience, along with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Experience developing and implementing strategic plans, setting and achieving organizational goals, and managing organizational budgets and financial resources.
Demonstrated success in grant writing, fundraising, and public relations, with the ability to engage supporters, partners, and stakeholders in advancing the organization’s mission.
Ability to collaborate effectively with a diverse range of community members, partners, staff, and board members.
This position requires a self-directed, action-oriented, innovative, and adaptable individual capable of managing multiple priorities in a dynamic nonprofit environment.
Proficiency in more than English (especially Spanish, Arabic, and/or Polish) a plus.
Compensation: Annual salary of $65,000 (non-negotiable) and employee benefits package: 70% employer-paid premium healthcare, employer-matched Simple IRA, unlimited PTO, and free fruits and vegetables.
To Apply: E-mail a resume and cover letter to the email indicated below with the Subject: Executive Director Application.
New Britain ROOTS is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), national origin, caste, tribe, age, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
