EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SEARCH

Executive Director Job Description

Virginia Rural Center - Richmond, VA 23219

The Executive Director's primarily responsibility is to provide overall leadership and to develop, strengthen, and advance the policies and programs that impact Virginia's rural communities under the oversight of the Boards of Directors of the Center for Rural Virginia ("Center") and the Council for Rural Virginia ("Council"), two non-profit organizations governed by independent boards operating seamlessly through a collective services agreement under the umbrella of the Virginia Rural Center.

The position will effectively and efficiently grow and maintain a coalition of government, business, education and community stakeholders who share a broadly held vision on how to successfully create and identify opportunities and address the challenges for rural Virginia.

The Executive Director will perform difficult, professional and administrative work for the Center for Rural Virginia and the Council for Rural Virginia from a Richmond-based location. The Executive Director will report to the Chair of the Center Board of Trustees and the Chair of the Council Board of Directors.

Essential Functions

Leadership, Policy, and Program Development

Provide leadership on rural issues related to economic development, workforce development, education, infrastructure and broadband deployment, agriculture, forestry and natural resources, and healthcare;
Guide strategic planning to the Board of Directors for the Center and Council on rural initiatives, policy development, grant projects and other initiatives;
Work closely with the Administration and General Assembly members, serving as staff to the General Assembly's Rural Caucus. Hold weekly Rural Caucus meetings during the General Assembly session and Regional Rural Caucus meetings in the off season, bringing together legislators, business leaders, community stakeholders and subject matter experts to discuss issues and policies of importance to rural Virginia;
Partner with the Governor's Office to host the Governor's Summit for Rural Prosperity, hosted by the Virginia Rural Center . Responsible for all logistics and program development in partnership with the Governor's Office; and
Partner with the Virginia Association of Counties to cohost the Rural Caucus Reception and Dinner during the General Assembly session.

Center and Council Boards of Directors

Provide staff support, recommendations, and guidance to the Boards of Directors of the Center and Council, and all standing and ad hoc committees; and,
Prepare and distribute in a timely manner all agendas and supporting information for regular and special meetings of the Virginia Rural Center Boards of Directors, and all standing and ad hoc committees.

External Relations

Identify, enhance, and expand upon existing and new relationships with key stakeholders, organizations and individuals impacting rural prosperity;
Build awareness and understanding of rural issues and initiatives with organizations and individuals characterized as non-traditional rural "allies";
Focus and cultivate connections and relations with individuals, organizations, businesses, and institutions that advance the strategies of the Boards of Directors of the Virginia Rural Center; and,
Serve as a catalyst to assess, develop, and implement innovative approaches to create opportunities and address the challenges of rural Virginia;
Work with contracted partners to implement communications and social media messaging.

Policy Coordination with State and Local Elected and Appointed Officials, and Business, Healthcare, and Education Leaders

Pursue, evaluate and recommend strategic partnerships to advance rural policy initiatives;
Advocate on behalf of the Boards of Directors of the Virginia Rural Center through outreach and education to state and local decision makers, and leaders in business, government, healthcare, and education.

Administrative and Programmatic Duties

Work with contracted partners on the organization's daily operations;
Prepare an annual operating budget for review and approval by the Boards of Directors of the Virginia Rural Center;
Manage operating budget to include payroll, accounts receivable/payable, auditing, savings, and other related tasks;
Ensure all state and federal reporting requirements are met in a timely matter;
Hire, discipline, and supervise staff as needed and appropriate;
Pursue appropriate opportunities to secure financial support for the operation and/or program expenses of the Virginia Rural Center to include grants, fee for service, project management, public and private sector contributions, sponsorships, and the like;
Develop, negotiate and monitor contractor performance to include scope of work, budget, schedule, deliverables and other related tasks; and
Develop, implement, and monitor performance measurement for the activities of the Virginia Rural Center and provide periodic and regular reports to the Boards of Directors on such measurements.

Other Duties

Perform related duties as may be identified by and/or assigned by the Boards of Directors of the Virginia Rural Center.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Form and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of government, businesses, non-profit organizations, and institutions throughout the Commonwealth, particularly in the rural regions as identified by the Boards of Directors of the Virginia Rural Center.
Cultivate appropriate points of access with key thought leaders, organizations, businesses, and institutions in order to advance the strategies and success of the Virginia Rural Center.
Develop and expand the operating capacity of the Virginia Rural Center through creativity and the solicitation, development, and procurement of public and private financial support and other resources.
Develop effective strategies, policies, and projects for consideration by the Boards of Directors of the Virginia Rural Center, and implement the approved strategies, policies and projects as appropriate.
Research, write, analyze, and effectively communicate the policies, programs, and general affairs of the Center and Council.

Education and Experience

Requires a minimum bachelor's degree or any equivalent combination of experience and education along with success in a similarly complex and diverse environment.
Experience should demonstrate increasing administrative and management responsibilities and experience including public policy development and advocacy, budget and finance, grants management, project development, management and implementation, human resources, legislative and regulatory monitoring, and other similar activities.
Physical Conditions and Nature of Work Contacts
Work is typically performed in an office setting with occasional extended periods of time at a personal computer. Extensive travel throughout Virginia and occasional out of state travel for training or meetings will be required. Frequent contact with elected and appointed government officials, businesses, non-profit organizations, institutions, and the like is expected.

Special Requirements

The successful applicant must possess, or obtain by time of appointment, a valid motor vehicle operator's license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The successful applicant will be required to sign a release authorizing the Center for Rural Virginia to conduct a pre-hire background information check will be made on all candidates who are selected for employment to include checks criminal and arrest records, vehicle driving record, education attainment, professional licensure, credit history, and the like.
The Executive Director is exempt from overtime requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act.
The Center for Rural Virginia is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).

Prospective applicants

To be considered please submit a cover letter and resume along with a minimum of five (5) professional references to: Executive Director Search Committee c/o Nannette Thompson at varuralcenter@cfrv.org. The position remains open until filled with resumes received by Wednesday, September 13, 2017 , receiving priority consideration. Additional information on the Virginia Rural Center is available at www.cfrv.org. The Center for Rural Virginia is Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Required education:

Bachelor's

Required license or certification:

valid driver's license