Executive Director
The Wallace Centers of Iowa (WCI) seeks an Executive Director to shape the future of the organization and help realize its mission: To preserve the Wallace family legacy of agricultural innovation and public service with programs and two historic locations that connect Iowa’s food, land and people.
Enriching communities and gathering together are at the core of our work at the Wallace Centers of Iowa and how we honor the Wallace family legacy. Our current programming includes locally sourced dining, produce production for food-insecure Iowans, agritourism, educational offerings and more.
THE ROLE
Today, we seek an entrepreneurial leader: an individual who can help conceive and launch mission-driven growth initiatives that expand our audience, impact and long-term financial sustainability. We seek someone who can bridge the Wallace family legacy to forward-looking programs and partnerships that advance our communities, civic engagement and agrifood systems. We seek someone who operates with enterprising resourcefulness – and who embraces piloting, rapid learning and responsible experimentation.As Executive Director of the Wallace Centers of Iowa, you would work with the Board of Directors to ensure successful implementation of the organization’s strategy and objectives, provide vision and leadership to the organization, and build a healthy and thriving workplace culture. You would also oversee the Wallace Centers of Iowa’s fundraising efforts, program delivery, and administrative functions – and represent the organization in the community.
You would lead a team of eight staff members, plus multiple seasonal employees. To be effective in leading this team – and performing other functions – you would need to spend time in both WCI locations: the Wallace House in the Sherman Hill neighborhood of Des Moines, Iowa, and the Wallace Farm in rural Adair County. You’ll also need to have a flexible schedule that allows you to be part of events and other activities outside of standard business hours.
But this role isn’t just about the “what.” (And, there’s a lot of what – see below for more details.) It’s also about the “how.” How you see opportunity where others might not. How you show up each day to inspire your team. How you transform the legacy of “America’s first family of agriculture” into something even more meaningful for today.
If that “how” is compelling to you, we’d love to talk.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategy- Helps define the organization’s strategic plan in conjunction with the Board
- Works with the Board to ensure that all strategic priorities reflect the organization’s mission and vision
- Ensures staff execute the overall strategic plan and is personally accountable on for deliverables as appropriate
- Provides onboarding to new Board members
- Acts as the primary liaison with the Board; informs the Board about the organization’s operations and programs
- Raises awareness of issues to the Board for resolution
- Supports the development and implementation of policies and procedures established by the Board
- Plays an active role on Board committees
- Manages employee performance; establishes performance goals and holds staff accountable for performance, including annual performance management, ongoing development, and corrective action when needed
- Ensures continuity of the team by overseeing succession planning and recruitment efforts for key staff and volunteer positions
- Builds an effective, mission-driven, and positive culture, evidenced by a committed and engaged team
- Oversees the organization’s fundraising efforts to support its long-term sustainability, including support of capital budget for property maintenance and renovation
- In collaboration with development and marketing staff, builds relationships and raises funds
- Plays an active role in nurturing relationships with key donors
- Builds strong relationships with individual Board members with a goal of achieving 100% Board contributions at a level that is impactful to them
- Conducts community outreach and engagement by promoting mission and programs in the community
- Helps oversee organizational volunteers
- Manages all public relations inquiries and acts as the organization’s liaison with the media
- Oversees development of the annual budget and collaborates with the Board to approve the budget
- Manages the organization’s financial affairs in accordance with the approved budget
- Ensures accurate and timely financial reporting to the Board
- Maintains compliance with tax and accounting requirements associated with a nonprofit organization
- Designs and oversees implementation of new programming in support of WCI’s vision and mission
- Oversees program operations at Wallace Centers of Iowa sites
- Ensures efficacy of programs by guiding regular program evaluation
- Oversees administrative functions for the organization
- Establishes, promotes, and upholds the ethical standards for the organization and its representatives, including staff and volunteers
ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
Leadership- Eight or more years of experience as a leader, including leadership at the executive level and the demonstrated ability to build and motivate high-performing teams
- Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, food, or farming or equivalent work experience
- Experience with fiscal management and demonstrated ability to set and administer a budget
- Experience building and maintaining relationships with funders and in conducting fundraising activities
- Success collaborating with a Board of Directors to cultivate an engaged and highly effective Board
- Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to effectively conduct public relations activities
- Ability to interact with the public and represent Wallace Centers of Iowa positively
- Demonstrated ability to work with diverse cultures including members of urban and rural communities
- Critical thinker and problem solver who demonstrates decision-making and time-management skills
- Basic project management skills including the ability to plan, execute, track, and report on work in progress
- Ability to pay attention to detail while also being able to step back and consider the bigger picture
- Basic computer skills including experience working in Microsoft Windows and Office products
- Flexible schedule to attend events and conduct other activities outside of standard business hours
- Clear criminal background check
- Acceptable driving record
- Ability to travel between the Des Moines and Orient sites regularly
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
- Working knowledge of small farming and farm-to-table practices
- Experience in historic preservation and/or storytelling
- Background in, and/or knowledge of, food systems, hospitality, management of multi-site operations and/or house museums, as well as Iowa cultural, agricultural, and philanthropic communities
OUR BENEFITS
- Paid Time Off
- Qualified Health Insurance Reimbursement Plan
- Professional Development
- Staff Discounts on meals and rental facilities
HOW TO APPLY
Please send a cover letter indicating reason for interest in the position, resume and salary requirements via email to:Doug Jeske, Chair of Search Committee
dougjeske@meyocks.com
The application deadline is Wednesday, December 24. The search committee is targeting early January for initial interviews with a goal of having a new Executive Director in place by the end of February. Finalists may be asked to complete an assignment asking for preliminary thoughts on strategic direction for the Wallace Centers of Iowa. (Timeline may be adjusted based on situational requirements.)
Our mission celebrates diversity. The Wallace Centers of Iowa is an equal opportunity employer.
