Job: Executive Managing Director at New York Sun Works

Overview: The Executive Managing Director will guide the expansion of New York Sun Works. Our current focus is The Greenhouse Project, a program that is building 21st century environmental science labs on urban school rooftops. These spacious facilities packed with hands-on equipment invite students to study ecological science, natural resources, and human productivity through the lens of sustainable food production. Based on the successful Science Barge prototype launched in 2007, the first greenhouse is under construction at PS 333 in Manhattan and will be completed in October. The Executive Managing Director will oversee the implementation of outreach and service programs to foster similar projects at other schools, and will fundraise and advocate on behalf of New York Sun Works and The Greenhouse Project and with with the board of directors to guide our expansion. The Executive Managing Director will initially manage a team consisting of two or three program staff and a very modest part-time office support staff. The successful candidate will frequently serve as the public face of the organization and must be an effective executive leader.

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Description of Organization: New York Sun Works Center for Sustainable Engineering is a nonprofit organization founded in 2004. We have a track record of high-visibility projects focused on public demonstration of sustainable food production. Our Science Barge program, a prototype carbon-neutral urban farm featuring a hydroponic greenhouse mounted on a barge, powered by solar panels, and irrigated by rainwater, hosted over 20,000 visitors in Hudson River Park in 2007 and 2008. The Science Barge has been featured by National Geographic, the New York Times, Science, ABC World News, Dan Rather Reports, Urban Land, etc.

Over the past four years, New York Sun Works has played a significant role in the recent surge of interest in high-efficiency urban agriculture. In early 2009, we spun off BrightFarm Systems, a design consulting group with clients such as Whole Foods Market, Solar Two, Masdar City, Arup, and the Fraunhofer Institute, among others.

Today at New York Sun Works, our primary program is The Greenhouse Project, our sustainable rooftop greenhouse education system. The first such installation, modeled on the Science Barge and called the Sun Works Center, is expected to open in September at PS333 in Manhattan. Our model, which delivers on-campus sustainable food production and hands-on science learning at a relatively modest cost, is suitable for thousands of urban schools in New York and around the world.

This creation of the Sun Works Center presents a turning point and time of a great opportunity, resulting in a business development task not unlike that of a startup. Going forward, our mission involves project stewardship and promotion: fundraising for core program support; developing a pipeline of potential projects; guiding schools and other institutions through the development process; developing appropriate curriculum; designing specialized educational stations and displays; and training teachers.

The Position: The Executive Managing Director is a full time position, based in Manhattan and deeply committed to science, sustainability, and education in New York City.

The successful candidate must be effective at ALL of the following tasks:

Fund raising and development (35%) including researching leads, proactive networking, grant writing, and speaking at events. Assistance will be available from Greenhouse Project staff and board members, but primary grant writing will be required.

Strategic and financial leadership (35%): Develop and pursue specific plans for the success of The Greenhouse Project. Oversee program delivery by Greenhouse Project staff, and join them in representing our company in the education community. Draft and supervise program budgets for The Greenhouse Project and collaborate on overall company budget and audits. Determine fee schedules and administer assistance grants to schools.

Public affairs (15%): Coordinate and oversee press strategy and public affairs. Craft press releases and collaborate with program staff and company partners on the use of media to accelerate program interest.

Personnel and office management (15%): Directly manage NYSW staff and resources, reporting periodically to leadership. Make decisions on staffing, insurance, IT, etc for a small office environment.

Salary: Salary from 70k to 90k subject to 6 month review; health care; 3 weeks vacation. Potential for salary increases with successful program expansion.

Additional Qualifications:

Job Qualifications: The ideal candidate is a mid-career, dedicated, intelligent, energetic, and experienced New York City organizational leader with a strong interest in ecology and/or education, and a track record that includes: 4+ years of professional non-profit fundraising and/or development experience. 3+ years of executive experience including supervision of multiple employees, fiscal responsibility, and budgeting. At least 2 years in a small or startup organization. 2+ years of experience in science education or similar programming. Excellent English writing skills including grants, professional letters, and reports. A demonstrated and informed interest in environmental sustainability and science. Master’s degree in a relevant field of business, education, or science preferred but not required.

How to Apply: Please send resume AND detailed cover letter addressing the fit between your background and the search profile by email only to jobs@nysunworks.org. Sorry, NO PHONE CALLS please. We apologize that we may not be able to respond individually to all applications.