Sustainable Economic Enterprises of Los Angeles (SEE-LA)

JOB DESCRIPTION

Title: Executive Director

Location: Hollywood, California

About SEE-LA:

Sustainable Economic Enterprises of Los Angeles (SEE-LA), is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, that operates seven farmers markets in the Los Angeles area, including the largest, the Sunday Hollywood Farmers Market, which celebrates its 21st anniversary this year.

The mission of Sustainable Economic Enterprises of Los Angeles (SEE-LA) is to promote and engage in self-sustaining community and economic development activities within the City of Los Angeles, including sustainable food systems, social and cultural programs, and economic revitalization projects.

Renowned for its wide selection of produce and lively street scene, the Hollywood Farmers Market is the largest in Los Angeles, with about 150 vendors. Over the past two decades, the Hollywood market's financial success enabled SEE-LA to subsidize new venues in underserved areas such as Watts, Central Avenue and Echo Park.

SEE-LA also operates nutrition education programs and a restaurant near the Hollywood venue called the Farmers' Kitchen.

Primary Function:

The Executive Director of Sustainable Economic Enterprises - Los Angeles (SEE-LA), a nonprofit organization, is accountable for providing leadership, strategic direction and vision for the development and achievement of the organization’s mission in partnership with the Board of Directors. The ED has a primary role in developing new and innovative plans for strategic planning, fund development, staff development and organization, budgeting, marketing and public relations, and setting organizational policies and standards. The ED will identify new programs and initiatives to enhance the organization and to improve services. In addition to providing leadership to the organization, the ED must be able to work in a collaborative manner with the many vital stakeholders of SEE-LA.

Major responsibilities and accountabilities:

• Serves as an ex-officio and non-voting member of the SEE-LA Board of Directors. Supports and conducts administration for the board which includes attendance at Board meetings, keeping Board members updated on the current status of the organization, and advising Board members on pertinent strategies and resolutions.
  
  
• Oversees and manages the organization of SEE-LA programs, projects and commitments to ensure successful implementation; ensures that each program, (including markets and The Farmers Kitchen) has the resources, both financial and human, that it needs to effectively function.
  
  
• Hires, develops, manages and supports a competent, productive and high quality staff through supervision, delegation, internal and external staff development, record keeping, team-building and performance evaluation. Provides staff with new opportunities for growth and career advancement.
  
  
• Assumes fiduciary responsibility of managing the SEE-LA budget to ensure fiscal solvency; prepares annual budget for approval by the Board; ensures the staff and expenditures adhere to the approved budget; and develops a plan to ensure the future financial sustainability of the organization.
  
  
• Manages and oversees the fundraising for SEE-LA, including planning, strategies and implementation; tracks and determines the financial needs of the organization; monitors current and future revenue streams including donations and grants; ensures SEE-LA is compliant with grant requirements; and is compliant with necessary annual financial audit/review and tax returns.
  
  
• Ensures and maintains a positive image with the public regarding the organization; develops and maintains productive relationships with government officials, community partners, media and businesses that contribute to the organization on a regular basis. Be an ambassador throughout the community and open new doors for fulfilling the SEE-LA mission.
  
  
• Works in a collaborative manner with the many stakeholders of SEE-LA including funders, community representatives, government officials, local businesses, farmers, vendors, artisans, and customers.
  
  
• Stays abreast of new developments and analyzes trends in order to create a strategic vision that supports growth and relevance. Develops and implements a flexible and evolving strategic plan for the organization emphasizing delivery of quality programs, long-term sustainability and financial stability. Recommends revisions to the strategic plan for Board approval.
  
  
• Provides courteous, consistent, professional and knowledgeable customer service to all constituents including farmers, funders, and the general community.
  
  
• Maintains, expands, and markets SEE-LA to the community. Uses technology to extend appeal into the community.
  
  
• Guides staff in the development and implementation of innovative programs that respond to the diverse needs of the community.
  
  
• Works with the Board of Directors and staff to ensure the mission of SEE-LA is fulfilled in the following ways:
  
  
  • To develop, support, and operate community food distribution projects — including, but not limited to, the Hollywood Farmers’ Market — which increase access to fresh, nutritious food for all people;
    
    
  • To support sustainable food choices and food systems, agricultural species diversity, and environmental conservation;
    
    
  • To promote local social and cultural development through the creation of public events, programs, and venues that provide a forum for arts and entertainment activities and encourage positive social interaction between community members of diverse racial, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds;
    
    
  • To work with local government and quasi-governmental agencies to stimulate economic development and create jobs within the community.
    
    
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills, experience & qualifications:

• The Executive Director must be an empowering leader, collaborative thinker and problem-solver with outstanding diplomatic communication skills.
  
  
• Have at least 7-10 years of successful leadership experience in a diverse organization.
  
  
• Demonstrated solid general management skills including strategic planning, change management, finance, marketing, fundraising and personnel management experience.
  
  
• Prior experience with nonprofit Board and volunteer development required.
  
  
• Previous grant-writing and reporting experience would be ideal.
  
  
• Excellent writing and oral communications skills. Prior public speaking experience preferred.
  
  
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with both professional as well as support personnel.

Education:

Bachelor's degree required. Graduate degree preferred.

Compensation:

The compensation package includes a competitive salary (depending upon experience), health benefits, vacation and holiday pay, retirement plan, and an abundance of fresh produce!

Submissions:

Email submissions only. No phone calls or faxes please.