Human Nature School seeks an experienced full-time Executive Director (ED) with a passion for youth environmental education and a demonstrated commitment to operational excellence to guide the organization. Exciting possibilities lie ahead for Human Nature School, and the ideal candidate will balance continuity of programming with intentional growth that meets the demands and desires in the community.

Organization

Human Nature School was established in 2011 by Kriya Miller and Matt Miller to provide Northwest Lower Michigan with quality nature-based education rooted in mentorship, ecosystem regeneration and a deep connection to place and community. Since the beginning, Human Nature School has offered school-year programs for homeschooled students, forest kindergarten, weeklong summer day camps, and occasional programs and workshops for teens and adults. More recently, Human Nature School has scaled back our offering to a three season homeschool program and summer camps. Looking ahead, there is enthusiasm in the community to restart our teen program and forest kindergarten, and create more adult offerings, regenerative agricultural projects and vibrant partnerships with kindred organizations and local tribes.

Mission Statement

To foster a deep connection to and awareness of the natural world, ourselves, and each other.

Values

1. DEEP NATURE CONNECTION
2. HOLISTIC HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
3. CULTURAL REGENERATION
4. PEACEMAKING
5. HANDS-ON STEWARDSHIP
6. COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT
7. ANCESTRAL KNOWLEDGE
8. FUTURE GENERATIONS
9. REVERENCE FOR ALL LIFE
   

Programs and Services

• Summer Camps
• Fall/Winter/Spring Homeschool Sessions
• Teen Programs
• Adult Programs
  
  

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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DETAILED JOB DESCRIPTION

Personal Attributes

The ideal new Executive Director will have demonstrated knowledge of and passion for environmental education and youth programs. The position requires proven successful organizational leadership experience and the ability to guide finances, fundraising, programing, and overall operations. The Executive Director must also possess the talent to listen, lead, communicate effectively and build strong relationships with multiple constituencies, including the Board, staff, volunteers, donors, partners, and the wider community.

Reporting Relationships

The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors. All staff and admin personnel will report to the Executive Director.

Key Responsibilities

1. VISION, MISSION, and STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT
   Working with the Board, staff, clients, and key stakeholders, the ED will shape the implementation of strategic long-term and annual planning to guide HNS towards success in its vision and mission.
2. EXTERNAL LIAISON and PUBLIC IMAGE
   As primary spokesperson for HNS, the ED will inspire external partners to collaborate towards achieving its mission. The ED oversees marketing, public relations, and advocacy efforts, acts as liaison with partner organizations, and nurtures and expands the organization’s key external relationships. The ED must cultivate healthy working relationships with multiple diverse constituencies.
3. PROGRAMS and SERVICES
   The ED is responsible for the successful operations of all programs, services, and functions of the organization, as well as evaluating their impact. At times it may be necessary for the ED to work as an instructor for school-year programming and or summer camps.
4. FUNDRAISING and RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
   The ED, in partnership with the Board and Development staff, will drive fundraising initiatives for developing and implementing appropriate and diversified fundraising strategies.
5. FISCAL MANAGEMENT
   The ED will oversee planning and budgeting systems to ensure that income is managed wisely to serve the organization’s goals, and that systems and staff are in place to accurately monitor, assess, and manage the financial health of the organization.
6. HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
   The ED maintains strong internal leadership built on teamwork and collaborative decision-making. The ED will emphasize staff leadership development activities that upgrade employee skills, motivate performance, and promote staff retention and morale. The ED will also ensure adherence to the personnel policies in all hiring and employment practices. They will apply best practices in equitable leadership and management, translating equity and inclusion into plans for staff recruitment, development, retention, strategy, and improving culture.
   

Key Organizational Priorities for the New Executive Director’s First 12-18 Months

1. Infrastructure Investment
   Lead a strategic planning process, engaging all key community stakeholders to co-create a collective vision resulting in a 3-5 year strategic plan, including issues of needed infrastructure as well as growth and sustainability. The new ED will ensure the success of HNS, with a focus on solidifying and supporting the current partnerships, and an eye toward future further expansion .
2. Financial Sustainability
   The new Executive Director will continue HNS’ ongoing work to evaluate the financial sustainability of the programming model, taking into consideration funding (individual donations, grants, business sponsorships, program fees, and state funding), programmatic and growth objectives. The ED will also enhance individual, foundation, and corporate fundraising efforts, as an integral part of the development team.
3. Staff Culture
   Practice an inclusive leadership style to empower, develop, recruit, and retain an expanding staff and instructors, and systematize effective internal communications and workflows.
4. Board Engagement
   In addition to continuing HNS’ efforts to enhance Board effectiveness and governance, the ED will cultivate a healthy Board–staff connection and support the recruitment of the Board.
5. Equity and Values Alignment
   The new ED will continue leading HNS’ efforts to operationalize its values and be able to successfully navigate those complexities in today’s environment.
   

Ideal Candidate Strengths

• Visionary to inspire/lead growth
• Ability to develop external relationships
• Committed to fostering internal culture of trust
• Non-profit leadership experience
• Commitment to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion. Decolonizing experience / motivation
• Ability to establish bonds with public sector / government
• Experience growing an organization
• Financial literacy and management experience
• Fundraising experience
• Ability to work with and develop a strong board
• Volunteer management and task delegation
• Exceptional communication skills / interpersonal skills
• Systems design and implementation
• Office technical skills
• Curriculum planning
• Love of education and nature
  

Location

The Executive Director position will be located in the Traverse City/Leelanau County area.

Compensation

The beginning salary is $52,000 annually, 14 days paid time off.

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At HNS, we know that a rich diversity of perspectives and wisdom is imperative to our mission and can only come from a wide variety of life experiences. HNS is committed to attracting, developing, and retaining exceptional people and to creating a work environment that is dynamic, rewarding, and responsive, enabling each of us to realize our potential. Our team is committed to a growth mindset and recognizes that healthy change requires intention, humility, and lifelong learning.  The HNS work environment is safe and open to all employees and partners, respecting and valuing the full spectrum of race, color, religious creed, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and all other classifications protected by law. This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the job.

Please apply by June 30, 2024. Send resumes to info@humannatureschool.org.