Position Overview:

Appalachian
Sustainable Development (ASD) seeks an experienced, creative, visionary, and
entrepreneurial leader to fill the position of Executive Director. The ideal candidate is a dynamic and flexible individual
with a personal interest and investment in sustainable development. The
candidate should additionally have a distinguished record in leading organizations
and a history of working effectively within and across low-wealth communities,
public institutions, and private business.

The Executive Director (ED)
has the primary responsibility for the leadership of ASD, both in terms of
implementing its vision and in developing a strong board and staff capable of
achieving the organization’s goals.  The
ED is also the primary representative of ASD and its mission of sustainability
to the public - locally, nationally, and internationally

About Appalachian Sustainable Development:

ASD is a not-for-profit
organization working in the Appalachian region of Virginia
and Tennessee. 
Formed in 1995, ASD focuses on developing healthy, diverse and ecologically
sound economic opportunities through education and training, and the
development of cooperative networks and marketing systems.

ASD owns and operates two
early stage businesses; Appalachian Harvest
organic foods and Sustainable Woods.  In addition to these two social enterprises,
ASD provides community-based education through our Learning Landscapes program on sustainable development, sustainable
living, buying local, and related topics; collaborates and advocates with
universities, public agencies, businesses and other non profits to promote
sustainable development; and, sponsors a wide range of tours, seminars and
workshops, classes and local meals to help cultivate community involvement in sustainable
development. ASD employs 14 full-time staff and up to 20 additional seasonal
workers. 

Qualifications: The Executive Director must have the following:

Ø 
Vision,
dedication, and passion for the mission of ASD and sustainability.

Ø 
A deep and thorough
understanding of sustainable development, including a strong grounding in
ecology, economics, community development, and rural development. A solid
understanding of sustainable agriculture and/or forestry is advantageous.

Ø 
Excellent oral,
written and interpersonal communication skills.

Ø 
Demonstrated
ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships.

Ø 
A demonstrated
track record in leadership and financial management of innovation-oriented
not-for-profit organizations.

Ø 
Resilience, an
open mind, and a sense of humor.

Executive Director Responsibilities:

In program and business
management the Executive Director will:

Ø 
Regularly review
progress towards implementing statements of goals and objectives.

Ø 
Provide support
to the Business Manager and the manager of Learning Landscapes.

Ø 
Facilitate and
support the introduction of new programs and ventures through collaborations
with other organizations with shared interests.

In outreach, education, and
networking the Executive Director will:

Ø 
Provide workshops,
presentations, and other educational activities.

Ø 
Write articles,
chapters, and other material related to sustainable development for a wide
range of audiences

Ø 
Continually build
relationships with potentially new organizations, partners, board, and task
force members.

In fundraising Executive
Director will:

Ø 
Secure adequate
support from foundations through grant writing, presentations, and networking
with potential funders.

Ø 
Provide quarterly
and annual grant and fundraising reports.

Ø 
Provide oversight
to the planning and implementation of fundraising events; attend and present
ASD’s work at fundraising events.

In budget control the
Executive Director will:

Ø 
Develop and
submit for approval the annual budget to the board of directors.

Ø 
Review and
approve quarterly and monthly budgets with the Business Manager.

Ø 
Approve
expenditures not directly related to the operations of Appalachian Harvest or Sustainable
Woods.

In internal communication
with the Board of Directors the Executive Director will:

Ø 
Maintain regular
communication with the Board of Directors and board committees, ensuring their
involvement and ownership of ASD.

Ø 
Ensure effective
communication among board members and between board and ASD staff.

In staff supervision the
Executive Director will:

Ø 
Directly
supervise senior staff and assist with overall personnel management.

Ø 
Lead regular
staff meetings with full staff, between staff and contractual personnel and
other participating partners.

Ø 
Ensure effective
communication with and among staff.

Ø 
Oversee recruitment,
hiring, and disciplinary actions related to staff.

Physical Demands & Travel:

It is preferable that he/she is capable of being outdoors,
visiting farms/forestland, etc. Additionally, the responsibilities of the
Executive Director require significant travel and therefore it is preferable
that he/she have both the capacity and physical health for maintaining frequent
travel requirements.

Salary

Compensation and benefits are competitive and commensurate with
previous experience.

How to Apply

To apply please submit resume and cover letter to asdsearch@hotmail.com. Application
deadline is July 19, 2009. No phone
calls please.

To learn more about Appalachian Sustainable Development, please
visit our website at www.asdevelop.org.
ASD is an Equal Opportunity Employer