Coverdale Farm Preserve Site Director

DELAWARE NATURE SOCIETY INC

1d • $60,000 - $68,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Site Director is responsible for the day-to-day leadership, operations, and management of the Coverdale Farm Preserve. This 377-acre site, located in Greenville, Delaware, is comprised of both natural and working lands: two hundred acres of rolling countryside is managed as a nature preserve, while 177-acres is an active farm featuring vegetable production, livestock, and nature-based education. Farm operations use regenerative agriculture methods which restore and replenish natural resources. Lands across the entire site are carefully managed for biodiversity and clean water. The Site Director works to develop and grow relationships and initiatives to elevate DelNature’s presence and impact through the practice and promotion of regenerative practices. They lead a team of on-site staff comprised of year-round and part-time/seasonal employees and work collaboratively with staff from other departments to ensure the alignment of site-based activities with the mission and strategic goals of the Delaware Nature Society. The Site Director fosters cross-department collaboration, financial sustainability, and strong community partnerships while maintaining excellence in daily operations. This position reports to the Chief Operating Officer and is part of a leadership team of site and department directors.

Requirements

• Strong commitment to and passion for the mission of Delaware Nature Society, regenerative agriculture, and modeling healthy environmental practices.
• College degree in a related field plus at least 5 years’ experience leading a professional team in a nonprofit setting demonstrating operations, management, finance, and leadership skills (or equivalent skills and experience.)
• A minimum of five (5) years’ experience leading a professional team in a nonprofit setting demonstrating operations, management, finance, and leadership skills.
• Experience in creating and managing budgets and contracts and tracking fulfilment of grant/donor deliverables.
• Proven ability to think strategically, take initiative, and proactively solve problems while managing competing priorities.
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to use technology and business acumen to manage site logistics, resources, scheduling, and operational efficiency.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in an active, evolving environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including positive and engaging interpersonal skills.
• Excellent public relations skills with comfort and enthusiasm engaging individuals of all ages and backgrounds.
• Valid driver’s license and the ability to operate farm equipment, including tractors, mowers, off-road utility vehicles, pick-up trucks (including towing livestock trailers), and small machinery.
• Flexibility and adaptability to work a schedule that meets the needs of the site including day, evening, and weekend responsibilities and actively participate in farm operations as needed.
• Ability to live on-site, perform off-hour duties, and respond to site emergencies.
• Must have a team-focused attitude, flexible mindset, and willingness to learn new skills and share knowledge with others.
• Must pass a background check.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in agriculture, food systems, or farm-based nonprofit organizations preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversees all site-based operations, programs, and staff to ensure cohesion, collaboration and that the organization’s mission and strategic objectives are being supported and implemented.
• Serves as the primary on-site leader, addressing operational needs, problem-solving in real time, and ensuring compliance with organizational, and state laws, policies, procedures, and health and safety protocols.
• Collaborates with land management and facilities staff to develop plans and execute strategies for managing natural areas, buildings, and other improvements.
• Supports farm operations with hands-on work at critical times, including farm chores when needed.
• Develops and implements business plans and strategic initiatives to optimize use of the site for programming, production, and conservation.
• Evaluates data, outcomes, and performance metrics to guide informed decision-making, track, and report on results, and make improvements.
• Works with department directors to develop and manage the CFP site budget, focusing on financial sustainability and strategic initiatives.
• Collaborates with advancement staff to identify, cultivate, apply for, and manage grants and other sources of support for the site.
• Actively participates as a member of the DelNature Site and Senior Leadership Team, collaborating with other departments and sites to share ideas and resources and advance shared priorities.
• Works with site staff and the marketing team to develop and implement marketing strategies and plans.
• Identifies and establishes relationships with external partners and community collaborators to advance site and organizational priorities, including through engagement of the Coverdale Community Advisory Committee.
• Supports donor and member engagement efforts in collaboration with the site and advancement team.
• Promotes DelNature’s mission, values, goals, activities, and membership to diverse audiences, including by serving as a welcoming and knowledgeable presence for the site.
• Performs other duties as requested by the supervisor or leadership staff.

Benefits

• Starting annual salary of $60,000-$68,000 with housing provided. Employee is responsible for utility costs.
• This is an Exempt full-time position with health, dental, paid time off, employer/employee matched retirement benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director