Executive Director

Organization:

Rise Up Community Farm (RUCF) is a nonprofit regenerative community farm located on an acre of land in Wilmington, NC. Our mission is to plant hope in the community by cultivating land and community, nourishing our neighbors in need, educating and empowering local youth & adults. RUCF uses chemical-free/regenerative agricultural practices to produce healthy fruits and vegetables ensuring that our community has access to fresh produce while empowering local youth and adults through educational programming.

Position Summary:

The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and is responsible for carrying forward the vision and mission of the organization, including daily farm operations, staff management, fundraising, board relations, financial planning, legal compliance and strategic planning. It is crucial that the Executive Director have a heart for cross-cultural community development, welcoming people, stewarding the land, and working for justice as we care for our neighbors experiencing food insecurity.

This role comes with substantial board, staff and community support. As we seek new leadership for the farm, we are prioritizing finding the right passionate person and are willing to be flexible to align the role to their skillset.

Position Responsibilities:

• Oversight of staff inclusive of hiring and termination, delegation of tasks, staff reviews and development, and fostering a safe and collaborative working environment
• Developing and managing an annual budget
• Fundraising and grant writing/reporting
• Monitoring and analyzing financial performance to ensure fiscal responsibility and legal compliance including tax filings, insurance, state filings and policies
• Working closely with the board, keeping them informed, providing data for decision-making and implementing strategic decisions
• Shaping the work of the organization through strategic planning and partnership development, ensuring programming is aligned with RUCF’s vision and mission
• Organizing community events & media marketing in partnership with program staff

The Executive Director collaborates and works closely with:

• RUCF staff
• RUCF Board of Directors
• Community partners
• Donors & volunteers

Minimum Requirements:

You will thrive here if you have strong leadership skills, integrity and accountability and enjoy building an inclusive environment for the community, volunteers and youth. Being hard-working, strategically-focused and a creative problem solver is integral to the role as agricultural work is inherently unpredictable. You must be willing and able to work well as both a team player and independently.

• Fundraising and grant writing experience
• Management experience
• Passion for chemical-free/regenerative agriculture and environmental stewardship
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Valid driver’s license

Preferred Experience:

• Degree or certification in a related field
• Farming or market gardening experience
• High physical stamina and endurance for long shifts on your feet, including the ability to walk, bend, squat, and lift up to 50 pounds with proper form

Wage/Hours:

Hours are negotiable in correlation to responsibilities and previous experience.

Hours: Hours may be set part-time (20-30hrs/week) or full-time (40hrs/week)

Wage: $22-$25/hour dependent upon relevant experience

Pay: $22.00 - $25.00 per hour

Expected hours: 20.0 – 40.0 per week

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Wilmington, NC 28412