JOB: Executive Director @ Local First Utah

Executive Director
Local First Utah

Location: Salt Lake City, UT

Job Description: Announcement
Local First Utah, a non-profit organization, seeks an Executive Director to guide a strong team of staff and volunteers with a strategic direction established by the Board of Directors. This position will be part-time or full time (as appropriate) so as to be flexibly structured within the existing team of board leadership, staff and volunteers.

Background
Local First Utah is a non-profit 501(c) 3 tax exempt corporation established in 2005 to promote and sustain local and independent businesses throughout the State of Utah. Local, independent businesses (those that are owned at least 51% by Utah residents who have the authority to make all business decisions) are critically important to both the economic strength of the regional economy and to the character and quality of life that it reflects. Currently, 2900 Utah businesses are registered as partners with Local First from locations throughout the state.

Increasingly, local and independent businesses are threatened by expanding national retail chains and uninformed public policy. Local First Utah was created to educate consumers, public officials and local businesses, themselves on the importance of buying local, first. Through periodic promotions, public seminars, events and awareness campaigns, Local First hopes to encourage consumers to value the wide range of benefits and contributions local businesses provide our community.


Primary Duties and Responsibilities

The Executive Director’s duties include the following:

Leadership

• Participate with the Board of Directors in developing a vision and strategic plan to guide the organization
• Identify, assess, and inform the Board of Directors of internal and external issues that affect the organization
• Act as a professional advisor to the Board of Directors on all aspects of the organization's activities
• Foster effective team-work between the Board and the Executive Director and between the Executive Director and staff
• Provide guidance and direction to staff and volunteers to effectively and efficiently achieve program objectives and priorities
• In addition to Board Members, act as a spokesperson for the organization
• Conduct official correspondence on behalf of the Board as appropriate and jointly with the Board when appropriate
• Represent the organization at community activities to enhance the organization's community profile




Development, Financial planning and management

• Work with staff and the Board Executive Committee to prepare a comprehensive budget
• Work with the Board to secure adequate funding for the operation of the organization
• Maintain existing sources of funding, research new funding sources, oversee the development of fund raising plans, implement annual fundraiser and write funding proposals to increase and diversify the funds of the organization
• Track and file appropriate funding reports
• Approve expenditures within the authority delegated by the Board
• Ensure that sound bookkeeping and accounting procedures are followed
• Administer the funds of the organization according to the approved budget and monitor the monthly cash flow of the organization
• Provide the Board with comprehensive, regular reports on the revenues and expenditure of the organization
• Ensure that the organization complies with all legislation covering taxation, reporting and withholding payments
• Assure that Local First Utah is in compliance with all Federal, State and local requirements as necessary to sustain corporate and tax exempt status

Operational planning and management

• Develop an operational plan in conjunction with key senior staff members which incorporates goals and objectives that work towards the strategic direction of the organization
• Ensure that the operation of the organization meets the expectations of its clients, Board and Funders
• Oversee the efficient and effective day-to-day operation of the organization
• Draft policies for the approval of the Board and prepare procedures to implement the organizational policies; review existing policies on an annual basis and recommend changes to the Board as appropriate
• Ensure that personnel, client, donor and volunteer files are securely stored and privacy/confidentiality is maintained
• Provide support to the Board by preparing meeting agenda and supporting materials

Program planning and management

• In consultation with the State Coordinator, oversee the planning, implementation and evaluation of the organization's programs and services
• Ensure that the programs and services offered by the organization contribute to the organization's mission and reflect the priorities of the Board
• Monitor the day-to-day delivery of the programs and services of the organization to maintain or improve quality
• Oversee the planning, implementation, execution and evaluation of special projects

Human resources planning and management

• Determine staffing requirements for organizational management and program delivery
• Oversee the implementation of the human resources policies, procedures and practices including the development of job description for all staff
• Establish a positive, healthy and safe work environment in accordance with all appropriate legislation and regulations
• Recruit, interview and select staff that have the right technical and personal abilities to help further the organization's mission
• Establish and communicate clear, achievable expectations for each team member
• Actively pursue and integrate volunteer and internship participation in Local First events and activities and provide support and guidance to existing staff volunteer coordinator
• Ensure that all staff receives an orientation to the organization and that appropriate training is provided
• Implement a performance management process for all staff which includes monitoring the performance of staff on an on-going basis and conducting an annual performance review
• Coach and mentor staff as appropriate to improve performance and conduct annual performance reviews
• Discipline staff when necessary using appropriate techniques; release staff when necessary using appropriate and legally defensible procedures

Community Relations

• Communicate with stakeholders to keep them informed of the work of the organization and to identify changes in the community served by the organization
• Establish good working relationships in conjunction with the State Coordinator and collaborative arrangements with community groups, funders, politicians, media, and other organizations to help achieve the goals of the organization


Qualifications
Local First Utah seeks an executive with proven experience in organization development and management; and/or business formation and development. We seek an individual to continue the successful growth and development of this dynamic organization in conjunction with the Board of Directors and a stellar team of staff and volunteers. The successful candidate should have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and demonstrate strong communication and organizational skills. Prior background in fund raising, nonprofit management and/or business management with a locally owned and independent business is helpful. The job will require some travel around the state of Utah.
How to Apply: All interested applicants are requested to submit a letter of interest and resume detailing their skills, experience and training that are relevant for this position. Please send email with letter of interest and resume to resumes@localfirst.org. The Director Recruitment Committee of the Board will review resumes and begin interviews during the week of July 5, 2011. The position will remain open until filled. For more information about Local First, please visit our website at www.localfirst.org.

Contact Name: Joelle Kanshepolsky
Email: resumes@localfirst.org