Job Posting - Executive Director

Marketumbrella.org is an internationally recognized leader and innovator in the use of public markets and public space. By operating the thrice-weekly Crescent City Farmers Market in New Orleans, marketumbrella.org is a public market practitioner, researcher and technical assistance provider. Through learning, sharing and growing, marketumbrella.org cultivates community markets that utilize local resources to bolster authentic local traditions. We believe that ambitious social, health, environmental and financial goals are achieved if trust and respect are present. Marketumbrella.org is an independent nonprofit 501(c)(3).

MISSION:

“cultivating the field of public markets for public good”

VISION:

“Through learning, sharing and growing, we cultivate community markets that utilize local resources to bolster authentic local traditions. We believe that ambitious social, health, environmental and financial goals are achieved if trust and respect are present.”

VALUE STATEMENTS:

learning: our markets are laboratories for learning
dignity: we value the dignity of labor and consumption
transparency: we build trust by being open and honest
diversity: by embracing the diversity of local customs & resources, we seek to cultivate a stronger community
bridging: we connect supply with demand and innovation with tradition
engaging: we seek to create a fun & engaging environment that allows people foster relationships with their food producers, neighbors and community

POSITION SUMMARY:

Market Umbrella seeks a visionary Executive Director that has the ability to work collaboratively according to the mission set by its Board of Directors. This full-time management position is responsible for the professional leadership and management of marketumbrella.org including the complete strategic, operational and financial operations of the organization. The Executive Director shall expand the vision of the organization, provide leadership and oversee the consistent high quality implementation of programs and activities designed to work towards achievement of the organization’s philosophy, mission, strategy and annual goals and objectives. The Executive Director shall serve as the lead developmental officer by forming relationships that will result in both short-term and long-term funds to sustain the organization. The Executive Director leads a team of directors and consultants and reports directly to the Board of Directors. Additional information about marketumbrella.org can be found at www.marketumbrella.org and www.crescentcityfarmersmarket.org.

RESPONSIBLITIES:

    The Executive Director is responsible for:
  • Keeping the Board of Directors fully informed on the condition of the organization and all-important factors that may influence the organization. Work with the Board of Directors to help them carry out their legal and fiduciary responsibilities according to the By-laws of marketumbrella.org and all current laws and regulations.
  • Leading all program, product and delivery of service by designing activities that align to the organization’s mission and goals by overseeing the design, marketing and execution of programs.
  • Oversee and lead the finance staff in annual budgeting and planning processes; administers and reviews all financial plans and make adjustments when necessary in order to conform with all financial, tax, risk management policies and procedures according to all current laws and regulations.
  • Effectively oversees all human resource staff assuring that all internal policies and procedures are followed and fully conform to current laws and regulations.
  • Creates new grant proposals, manage and administer existing grants and oversee any reporting requirements.
  • Maintain relationships with community members, partners and peers assuring the organization and its mission, programs, products and services are consistently presented in a strong, positive image to the general public and relevant stakeholders via television, radio, print or online media outlets.
  • Provide leadership for all fundraising efforts including long-term planning, identifying resources required, researching new funding sources, establishing strategic fundraising activities, submitting proposals, and maintaining all required fundraising documentation according to all current laws and regulations.
  • Assume and complete other duties and responsibilities deemed necessary by the Board of Directors.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, Masters preferred; plus relevant work experience with 5+ years as an entrepreneurial leader with experience launching, managing and expanding programs, managing people in a nonprofit or social enterprise. Proven (5+ years) of fundraising ability – developing, managing and executing varied approaches to fundraising with documented successful results of $500K or more annually. Show a history of strong strategic, analytical and planning skills; strong team building, planning, and problem-solving skills. Candidate must also have superior communication skills including comfort in working with farmers, fishers, urban growers, other producers, community stakeholders and an informed market community. Candidate must have significant experience in fund raising, foundation relationships, managing budgets and staff and grant writing and compliance. In addition, candidate must have strong administrative skills with ability in prioritizing tasks in a resource-constrained environment with flexibility to address evolving plans. Attention to detail and accuracy of work is essential. Successful candidate should have at least 5 years of Executive Level experience managing and motivating volunteers and staff and assisting a nonprofit Board of Directors to carry out their fiduciary responsibilities. A love for food, local food-systems, ecology, farmers markets and sustainable growing practices a must. Willingness to work irregular hours and weekends as necessary.

SALARY:

Commensurate with qualifications and experience.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

Interested parties are encouraged to submit their application materials electronically to Jonah Dowling, Chair of the Board, at jobs@marketumbrella.org. Submission should include a current resume and 2-3 paragraphs explaining how your passion for public markets and experience fundraising, innovating on limited budgets, developing collaborative partnerships with diverse stakeholders and transmitting knowledge have prepared you to lead this organization, plus salary history and the names of three references. References will only be contacted with prior approval from candidates.