MISSION

Marin Art and Garden Center (the Center) is an 11-acre, non-profit public garden where the community comes to celebrate and be inspired by conservation. Features include lush gardens, celebration spaces, an art gallery, historic buildings, a playground, a preschool, and gardening/educational facilities. The Center is designated a popular event space, named the best wedding reception venue for 2023 in the Pacific Sun. The Center is where the community gathers in celebration of what’s important to them — life, loved ones, the beauty of nature, conservation, the inspiration of the arts, a respite from our otherwise stress-filled lives; a wedding, a memorial, an art show, the summer concert series, the Ross Valley Players. It is a place to celebrate because it is a living tribute to the resilience of a few dedicated, visionary women of Marin who were instrumental in helping start the conservation movement in this county.

SUMMARY

The Center seeks an Executive Director to lead our organization with compassion, exceptional communication skills, and strong management abilities. As the driving force behind the Center’s growth and sustainability, you will guide a dedicated team while collaborating closely with our Board of Trustees. This role requires a flexible schedule, including some weekends and evenings. This position is located onsite with flexibility. 

RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership

• Nurturing Collaborations: The Executive Director will embody the Center’s mission within the broader community, fostering relationships with stakeholders that span resident organizations, donors, sponsors, town and county officials, volunteers, educators, event organizers, and service groups.
• Strategic Program Development: Working with the Board and staff, the Executive Director will conceptualize and execute new programs leveraging the Center’s unique history, gardens, facilities, and partnerships, thereby amplifying opportunities for growth and impact.
• Enhancing Revenue Streams: Diverse avenues for revenue generation will be explored, encompassing short- and long-term rentals, grants, major donor engagement, and capital campaigns, bolstering the Center’s financial sustainability.
• Board Governance: Collaborating with the Board, the Executive Director will delineate and execute strategic plans, objectives, and goals, reaffirming the Center’s status as a cherished community asset and innovative institution.
• Inspire Advocacy: Energize and rally a network of supporters to advocate for and realize the vision. Spearhead research, design, and execution of programs that propel the Center’s mission forward and drive its successful execution.

Board of Trustees

• Collaborate with the Board President to provide leadership for developing and implementing the organization’s vision and mission, employing governance best practice models.
• Provide timely and accurate written status reports to the Board, covering agreed-upon objectives, financial status, staffing updates, volunteer involvement, and other pertinent matters.
• Work harmoniously with Board committees and relevant staff to design, execute, and assess various programs and organizational and financial plans, policies, and procedures.

Financial & Operations Management

• Budget Oversight: The Executive Director will work with the CFO and the finance committee to oversee budgets, track revenue and expenses, and provide accurate financial reports to the Board. Analyzing financial data, identifying trends, and making informed recommendations.
• Efficiency Enhancement: Evaluating and refining staff and operational structures to ensure high-quality service and effectiveness while adhering to regulations.
• Facility Maintenance: Managing short- and long-term rentals, overseeing facility upkeep, and ensuring compliance with regulations.
• Technology Utilization: Ensuring effective use of data, IT systems, and crucial technology to support the Center’s success.

Community Relations & Marketing

• Cultivating the Center Brand: The Executive Director will conceive and implement the Center brand strategy, representing the organization as an advocate and spokesperson to highlight its community value.
• Strategic Marketing: Formulation and execution of marketing and communications strategies to effectively showcase the Center’s programs and offerings.

Staff and Volunteer Management

• Motivational Work Environment: A primary objective will be to nurture a conducive work environment that inspires staff and volunteers.
• Recruitment and Supervision: The Executive Director will assume responsibility for recruitment, training, and supervision of staff, fostering a team that epitomizes programmatic and organizational excellence.
• Human Resources: Implement sound Human Resources practices, policies, and procedures in alignment with legal requisites.

Fund and Resource Development

• Diversification of Income Sources: Collaborating with the Board and staff, the Executive Director will develop income streams that sustain and grow the Center’s endeavors.
• Rental Operations: The creation and oversight of operational and marketing strategies for increased revenue via short-term rentals—such as weddings, events, meetings, and more—will be pivotal.
• Strategic Fundraising: Crafting and steering a targeted Fundraising Plan with annual growth targets to identify and cultivate major individual, foundation, and corporate donors will be crucial.
• Grant Management: A comprehensive grasp of grant dynamics—ranging from research and proposal writing to implementation and evaluation—will be harnessed, often in partnership with key staff.
• Planned Giving: The ED will initiate a planned giving initiative to attract endowment contributions, a cornerstone for the Center’s enduring health.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum five years of nonprofit executive leadership experience with successful outcomes, including staff supervision.
• Proficiency in financial management reporting and controls.
• Knowledge of public gardens, the arts, and environmental conservation programs is an asset.
• Proven success as an influential fundraiser with experience developing fund development programs and initiatives 
• Capital campaign experience preferred.
• Knowledge and proficiency with Microsoft 365 are required.
• Proficiency in Honeybook events software, Brightwheel, QuickBooks, and Gusto payroll system is a plus.   
• Planning, developing, and overseeing successful special events experience. 
• Direct experience in all aspects of grant acquisition and management is preferred.
• Experience collaborating successfully with a Board of Trustees, including Board cultivation, training and development, and support of best practices in Board governance and leadership.
• Demonstrated appreciation of organizational history and understanding of the dynamics at the Center preferred
• Proven ability to work effectively with diverse community leaders, Board members, staff, and volunteers.
• Bachelor’s Degree required; a relevant Master’s Degree or equivalent work experience preferred.

HOURS

Full-time, salaried, exempt from overtime.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

Must lift 25 pounds and work in an outdoor garden environment.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The salary range is $160,000 – $180,000 and depends upon experience. Benefits include contributions to a health reimbursement plan (ICHRA) or toward your own individual health plan that is equivalent, a 403b, and personal paid time off (PPTO) as outlined in the employee handbook.  

TO APPLY

Please send your resume and cover letter to Stacy Nelson Associates-Leadership Search at [email protected].  

Marin Art and Garden Center (the Center) is an equal opportunity employer.