Executive Director/Publisher - Center for Northern Woodlands Education

[Sherry Sandretto <slsandre@xxxxxxx>]

Position Announcement

*Center for Northern Woodlands Education*


   Executive Director/Publisher

The Center for Northern Woodlands Education (Northern Woodlands) seeks 
an experienced leader with proven skills in organizational development 
and media. Familiarity with the Northeast’s forests and the various 
constituent groups – conservation organizations, forest products 
industry, environmental advocates, and natural resource departments of 
government – is important. A strong interest in the future of the 
region’s forests is essential. A background in the business of 
publishing is of particular value.

* *

Northern Woodlands is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to 
encourage a culture of forest stewardship in the Northeast by producing 
and distributing media content to increase understanding of and 
appreciation for the natural wonders, economic productivity, and 
ecological integrity of the region’s forests.

Since its inception, Northern Woodlands has been led by one of its 
founders. The board has established a succession plan through which it 
is seeking an orderly and efficient transfer of leadership to capitalize 
on the organization’s strengths and successes. Northern Woodlands is 
operationally mature with an experienced staff and a widely recognized 
brand, developed largely through its magazine, which has a paid 
circulation of 15,000. The ED/P will be responsible for building on a 
solid record of accomplishment and leading the organization forward.

*Major responsibilities*

         o Ensure ongoing financial stability through new fundraising
           and revenue generation from various sources, including
           philanthropy, sponsorship, foundation grants, planned
           giving, and direct mail appeals;
         o With the organization’s mission as the guide, maximize the
           potential of current programs and strategically develop new
           programs and media to reach wider audiences;
         o Serve as publisher of /Northern Woodlands/ magazine and
           manager of other ventures, taking responsibility for
           financial performance. Maintain the high quality of the
           programs as a cornerstone of the organization’s strength;
         o Work with board to secure major gift support for the
           organization and its projects;
         o Work with the staff to build circulation and advertising
           revenues through well-planned marketing efforts;
         o Increase Northern Woodlands’ visibility and brand
           recognition so that the organization reaches as many people
           as possible with its message of stewardship;
         o Develop new and nurture existing relationships and alliances
           with conservation, forestry, and environmental groups,
           governmental agencies, and the forest products industry;
         o Serve as the organization’s most active and visible link to
           the public;
         o Develop and supervise program and administrative staff.


   _Qualifications_

Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree required, plus three or more years of 
relevant management or executive leadership experience, with particular 
emphasis on publishing and/or fundraising experience, or a combination 
of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills 
have been acquired. A dedication to Northern Woodlands’ ideals and work 
in fostering stewardship of our forests is essential. The successful 
candidate will demonstrate:

· Excellent planning, organizational, analytical, and budget management 
skills;

· Strong interpersonal skills and excellent oral and written 
communications skills;

· Pertinent computer skills, including relevant word processing, online 
research, and database experience;

· A proven ability to think and work independently, to solve practical 
problems, and to enjoy working with a wide range of people;

· Experience in sales or nonprofit development and marketing;

· Ability to work cooperatively with the organization’s staff, board, 
membership and various outside individuals/organizations.

· An understanding of and interest in Northern Woodlands’ stewardship 
education work;

· Experience living in and working with rural communities, like those in 
northern New England or New York.

*_Application_*

Northern Woodlands is based in Corinth, Vermont, and all current 
Northern Woodlands staff is based there. It is expected that a 
significant part of the ED/P’s time will be spent away from the office. 
Therefore, the organization is open to the idea of a home office or a 
satellite office close to the director’s home for part of the work week.

Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. Benefit 
package includes health insurance, SIMPLE IRA, vacation, holidays. For 
more information about Northern Woodlands, visit our website at 
www.northernwoodlands.org 
<../../../../Documents%20and%20Settings/Steve%20Long/Local%20Settings/Documents%20and%20Settings/Steve%20Long/Local%20Settings/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.IE5/BMKHDWO0/www.northernforest.org>. 
Please mail a letter of application, resume, two writing samples, 
examples of other work as appropriate, and contact information for three 
references to: Search Committee, Northern Woodlands, PO Box 471, 
Corinth, VT 05039. No phone calls, please.