Heartland Farm Director

Description

The Director is responsible for collaboratively planning, directing, and evaluating the programs and services at Heartland Farm. Heartland Farm, an 80-acre ecological ministry of the Dominican Sisters of Peace (DSOP), strives to be an oasis of spirituality, peace, justice, refuge, education, and connection with nature, as well as a source of produce for the area and a model small farm in the face of climate change. The property includes large, organically-managed produce gardens and a high tunnel; volunteer, guest, and on-site staff housing; a strawbale arts studio and remote-site hermitage; a gift shop; an open-air events pavilion; and a 100-plus-year-old barn. Several miles of nature trails, a creek, and two ponds highlight the natural beauty and wildlife of Kansas. Staff and volunteers offer events, workshops, and camps for both youth and adults. The Farm utilizes its herd of alpacas for its fleece and organic manure and its flock of laying hens for its egg production. The Director will passionately share care for creation with the public and seek to align the Farm’s activities with the Farm’s mission of stewardship of Earth and healthy living through ecologically sound agricultural and environmental practices. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. (1) Major Activity: Operations: · Oversees the day-to-day operations of the ministry, facilitated by a weekly staff meeting. · Oversees and identifies maintenance needs of Farm property (including residences), equipment, and vehicles. · Develops, implements, evaluates, and updates strategic planning document on a yearly basis with staff and Advisory Council input based on goals and objectives grounded in the mission of the DSOP. · Provides a collaborative environment to address present and future physical, programmatic, and fundraising development. · Maintains a committed Advisory Council to help plan and implement the mission, programs, and projects, according to the guidelines set out in the Advisory Council handbook. · With the Chair of the Advisory Council, plans and attends a quarterly Advisory Council meeting on Farm property. · Represents Heartland Farm to the DSOP and the public as needed. · Fosters staff awareness of local, regional, and national eco-justice and creation focused groups and organizations for information and project ideas. · Networks and partners with local and area agencies and task forces. · Incorporates best practices and land-use ethics into all projects and programs. · Evaluates and makes recommendations to the DSOP Leadership Team concerning upgrades, additions, and procedures. · Interfaces with DSOP Office of Founded Ministries. · Travels to required meetings and attends virtual meetings of the Congregation and other necessary meetings. · Participates in workday activities as needed, including animal care, gardening, and maintenance. · Coordinates Heartland Farm’s participation in the Congregation’s Land Justice Futures planning. (2) Major Activity: Program Development and Budgeting: Works with the Advisory Council to develop strategies to sustain the ministry and increase funding to meet future needs. Oversees event and program planning and implementation and creates appropriate staff and volunteer committees as needed. Plans and initiates the budget process in accordance with the DSOP’s fiscal year. Researches and evaluates fiscal needs for operations and capital expenditures. Works alongside both the DSOP Mission Advancement Office and grantors to find and manage grants and other alternative sources of funding that support organizational goals and objectives in compliance with guidelines, procedures, and reporting. Participates in programs and events. (3) Major Activity: Staff Management: Determines staffing for entire operation. Supervises staff of four: an Operations Coordinator (FT), a Media/Marketing Coordinator (FT), a Farm Manager (FT), and an Apprentice (PT). Provides input, direction, and evaluation to staff as needed and attends and schedules a weekly staff meeting to facilitate communication. Completes annual congregational staff evaluation as directed by the Human Resources Director. Provides, seeks out, and participates in professional development and training for staff as needed. Encourages a collaborative atmosphere of open communication and staff participation in planning, project implementation, and decision making. Supports staff by participating in staff and volunteer activities as needed, including volunteer management and recruitment.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, or Experience

QUALIFICATIONS EDUCATION: The position requires a four-year college degree with preference given to Environmental Science, Agriculture, or other related field. EXPERIENCE: Experience in an administrative role including fiscal management and fundraising. Preferred experience with religious, nonprofit, or agricultural associations. An ideal candidate will have experience with farming, animal husbandry, food systems, environmental issues, or related fields. REQUIREMENTS: Be willing to work a flexible schedule that may include some weekends, evenings, and holidays. This position requires that the successful applicant have and be able to maintain a valid Kansas Driver’s License and no excessive ticket history. The successful candidate must pass a background check and post-offer drug screening. KNOWLEDGE: The Director will possess knowledge of, or have the ability to learn: Ecology and organic farming principles; networking with a variety of entities engaged in local and global ecology; nonprofit organizations; budgeting principles; grant management; fundraising and event planning; community outreach; volunteer management; environmental and sustainability issues; livestock, farm management, and maintenance; group facilitation techniques; working within a Religious Sisters organization. ABILITY: The Director will: Communicate well in both oral and written form; problem solve; create and manage both short and long-term plans; lead, motivate and supervise employees and volunteers; oversee fiscal management; work efficiently and effectively on multiple tasks; understand eco-spirituality and concepts of justice, including eco-justice; work in a collaborative style utilizing holistic principles; utilize creativity in the development of new programs and events; use and learn technology; be open-minded and accepting of people of different backgrounds; maintain a broad understanding of building maintenance and land management; possess or acquire practical farm-related skills. SKILL: The Director will: Show passion for the Heartland Farm’s mission and how it relates to the mission and spirituality of the Dominican Sisters of Peace; communicate and interact comfortably with staff, volunteers, the Office of Founded Ministries of the Dominican Sisters of Peace, the Advisory Council, and the public for the purpose of providing information, instruction, and motivation; give presentations and facilitate groups that attend programs on and off-site; develop and implement short and long term plans designed to meet established goals and objectives in alignment with the mission; show flexibility and be able to adjust to changing priorities; manage staff in to leverage individual and team strengths; create and implement budgets; apply principles of eco-justice and best practices in all ministerial situations; provide leadership in the planning and organization of programs and events; utilize computer programs, such as Microsoft Office and the internet; use practical skills in maintenance and farm management.