Executive Director

North Carolina Rail-Trails (NCRT), a private, non-profit 501 c 3 North Carolina corporation, seeks an Executive Director, who will be responsible for leadership, development and management of all NCRT programs and activities. The position will be the first staff position for NCRT, founded in 1989, which has until this time been an all-volunteer organization. The ideal candidate will be a service-oriented manager with successful experience in fundraising, advocacy, and board management and development.

The Executive Director reports to the NCRT Board of Directors and serves as the Executive Director of the organization as well as President of the Board (a voting Board member), discharging such duties as are delegated by the Board. The Executive Director is responsible for the management of the organization, ensuring that optimum results are received for existing programs and services, while developing new programs and funding opportunities. The Executive Director must feel comfortable working in a collaborative environment, with equal sensitivity to the needs of the NCRT Board of Directors, members, and volunteers. Core competencies include the ability to think strategically, manage time strategically, take initiative in developing action plans, and demonstrate strong writing and speaking capabilities.

Position Requirements

Minimum of a Bachelor degree, preferably in a related field such as public policy, political science, business, or environmental studies. Two or more years of experience in not-for-profit administrative or operational management or related experience with an environmental organization from any sector. Demonstrated familiarity with land conservation and/or environmental policy strongly preferred. Demonstrated familiarity with fundraising and/or sales, outreach, reporting and board development preferred. Strong verbal and written communications skills. Ability to build collaborative relationships.

Scope of Responsibilities

The Executive Director has overall responsibility for management of the organization and the development of policy options for consideration by the NCRT Board of Directors. Specific responsibilities include the following:

1. Work closely with the Board to help develop and monitor all adopted plans for NCRT's growth and development;
2. Provide the Board with information necessary to decide on the relative merits of various policy options;
3. Initiate and administer programs to fulfill objectives and priorities established by the NCRT Board of Directors and By-Laws;
4. In cooperation with the Board, implement and supervise fundraising and membership development;
5. Develop and supervise a volunteer program to fully utilize Board members, existing volunteers, and other available human resources, as well as recruit new volunteers;
6. In cooperation with the Board, initiate actions to assist the development of strategic rail-trail projects in the State of North Carolina, exercising land trust and/or railroad corporation powers as authorized by the Board, including acquisition of protective interests in rail corridors as authorized by the Board;
7. In cooperation with the Board and volunteers, develop and maintain stewardship programs for acquired protective interests and for selected, priority rail-trails in the State of North Carolina;
8. Establish, maintain, and monitor relationships with local, state, and federal government agencies and other organizations conducive to rail corridor preservation in the State of North Carolina;
9. Promote and maintain an inventory of North Carolina rail corridors;
10. Design and direct a public information program to increase public awareness and support of NCRT projects and priorities;
11. In cooperation with the NCRT Board chair and Board secretary, develop and carry out Board orientation, training, and development, and plan Board meetings;
12. In cooperation with the Board treasurer, prepare annual budgets and maintain fiscal operations and accountability;
13. Keep the Board informed of program accomplishments and problems;
and
14. Provide day-to-day direction and focus for the work of the organization, including hiring consistent with Board policy; supervising and coordinating staff (if any); and maintaining a functional, efficient office.