GrassWorks Inc. Executive Director position opening:    
This is your opportunity to help build an exciting membership driven organization that is dedicated to the promotion and education of managed grazing systems in Wisconsin.  An ideal candidate will be highly motivated, have knowledge of livestock grazing systems, excellent communication, computer, facilitation, fund raising and grant writing skills.  Ability to organize high quality educational opportunities for livestock producers, work with all types of groups and people, and thrive in an independent setting.  Ability to fundraise, write and administer grants, maintain organizations financial records and manage the day to day operations of a non-profit organization. Flexible hours, location of position is flexible, minor travel is required, the position is currently ½ time but can grow into more.  Salary is commensurate with experience.  For more information call GrassWorks.org or call Joe Tomandl III 715-748-9816.  Applications are due May 15th, 2008. 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR GRASSWORKS INC.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

SUMMARY:  The Executive Director of the Nonprofit (501)c(3) functions as the coordinator and manager of the organization.  In this capacity the incumbent is responsible for implementation of policies annual goals and objectives established in cooperation with the Board of Directors, as well as financial, program, and administrative management of the organization. The President and Board of Directors provide guidance and direction through regular meetings and direct communication with the Board President.

CORE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.  Other duties may be assigned.

§  Organize and carryout a highly quality annual grazing conference that provides excellent educational and professional development opportunities for people interested in managed grazing.

§  Responsible for overall leadership in the development and implementation of short and long range plans and policies and other activities.

§  Responsible for the writing, securing and administrating grant funding for the organization.

§  Responsible for financial management of the organization, including the development and implementation of the annual budget.  

§  Responsible for the development, implementation, and accomplishments of the annual work plan of the organization as approved by the Board of Directors.

§  Effectively communicate and represent GrassWorks with other organizations and agencies, such as the USDA Natural Resources, Wisconsin DATCP, UW Extension, UW Research, Land Conservation Departments, Farm organizations, and other non-profits.

§  Responsible for providing information, advice, and counsel to the Board of Directors in the creation of policies, programs, and strategic direction of GrassWorks.

§  Responsible for support of all activities associated with the Board of Directors, meeting schedules, locations, development of agenda, and meeting materials.

§  Responsible for administration and overall operation of GrassWorks, including: reviewing and evaluating the results of program activities, ensuring that continuing contractual obligations are being fulfilled; allocating resources to maximize program effectiveness and efficiency; developing organizational and administrative policies and program objectives for Board consideration.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITES:  Responsible for supervision of any part time staff to carry out duties as needed. Responsibilities along with the board include interviewing, recommendation for hiring and training employees; planning, assigning and directing of work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

· EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:  An ideal candidate will have an Associate degree and six years of relevant experience or a Bachelors degree with four years of relevant experience is highly preferred.  Knowledge of management intensive grazing and the passion to educate and promote it to others is highly desirable. Experience using computer programs including Microsoft Suite including Word, Excel, Publisher, Access, PowerPoint or ability to quickly learn these skills.

· LANGUAGE SKILLS:  Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional journals, financial reports, legal documents, technical procedures, or governmental regulations; write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals; efficiently respond to questions from membership, staff and members of the community; effectively present information to membership, public groups, decision makers, elected representatives and/or board of directors.

· REASONING ABILITY:  Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; exhibit independent judgment in the development, implementation and evaluation of plans, procedures and policies.

· OTHER KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:  Knowledge of the principles and techniques of grant administration, contract administration fiscal and organizational management.  Ability to plan, direct and coordinate activities; negotiate and administer contracts.  Work with diverse groups of people.

TRAITS AND CHARACTERISTICS:  The Executive Director should be a visionary and a strategic leader who can work effectively at the intersections of livestock producers, members, UW Researchers, Government employees, politicians and the Board of Directors to bring consensus and the vision of the Board to fruition.  An ideal candidate will be the voice for graziers in Wisconsin and will help to grow a fledgling membership organization into a highly respected organization that develops quality educational and professional development opportunities for graziers of all levels.  

The Director needs to be a creative thinker, educator, and motivator.  S/He will be an open-minded, confident professional who enjoys planning and carrying out educational and professional development opportunities for livestock producers in Wisconsin.  Ability to plan, over-see, and direct a highly inspirational Annual Grazing Conference.  The Executive Director will be an enabler and facilitator who will have the strength of character and conviction to work with a strong, engaged Board that is dedicated to the mission of GrassWorks.

Ability to work with very little supervision, keep all activates on schedule, keep Board members well informed of progress and activities as well as present clear reports and budgets. 

Strong written and oral communication skills are critical to insure that the Executive Director will be effective and persuasive in presenting GrassWorks and its mission to its partners and various government agencies and the public.

Successful candidates will have strong organizational, administrative, and financial management skills. The Director will be comfortable in a hands-on role and willing to do the essential tasks required to meet the goals of GrassWorks.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: While performing the duties of this Job, the executive director is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, speak and hear.  The position requires extensive computer use so the employee must have sufficient hand dexterity to use a computer keyboard and be capable of reading a computer screen.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

TRAVEL: The executive director must be able to travel, infrequently, to attend conferences, training, meetings, tradeshows and other events as required to acquire and maintain proficiency in fulfilling the responsibilities of the position.  Access to a vehicle is required along with a Driver's license in good standing; travel will be reimbursed.

HOURS, SALARY and WORK ENVIRONMENT: Flexible work hours are allowed.  Salary is commensurate with experience.  The work environment is flexible; location can be a home, a small rented office of the Director's choice with confirmation of location by the Board.  Reasonable accommodations in the work environment may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

APPLICATION: Complete resumes including work experience, education, training and references are due May 15th, 2008 to Joe Tomandl III President of GrassWorks Inc, 7234 Gad Road, Medford, WI 54451

GrassWorks  is a membership association of farmers who promote successful and sustainable farming through the use of managed grazing.