Job Description: Executive Director

Company: Riverside Discovery Center
Location: Scottsbluff, Nebraska (United States)
Job Category: General
Job Type: Full Time
Salary: $75,000-95,000 - Salary (annual)

Executive Director

Executive Director

1. Operations:

• Provide oversight, planning, direction and execution of all programs and activities of Riverside Discovery Center (RDC) by working concurrently with the staff, volunteers, donors, and Board of Directors.
• Position is a “working Director” and may include actively helping in day-to-day operations and with other hands-on tasks throughout RDC.
• Act as special events coordinator, leading the team in development, logistical planning, marketing and implementation of special events.
• Maintain official records and documents and ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Responsible for strategic planning, goal setting and their successful implementation and outcomes.
• Review and develop protocol & policy for RDC.
• Design exhibits and develop a funding program for their construction or endowment.
• Facilitate membership recruitment and retention in the community.
• Actively pursue & maintain accreditations that are beneficial to the RDC (AZA & others).

2. Fund Raising

• Act as fund raising facilitator, develop and coordinate new and innovative funding opportunities.
• Initiate, coordinate, implement donor tours, seminars, events, meals and meetings.
• Ensure timely and accurate donor recognition, recruitment, retention, and record keeping including an accurate database of current and potential donors..
• Encourage and build interpersonal relationships with corporate sponsors and donors..

3. Staffing:

• Provide leadership and vision to all departments.
• Hire staff, provide supervision, training and correction to staff, conduct annual performance evaluations and terminations as needed.
• Maintain accurate and complete employee/volunteer records.
• Oversee the development, implementation, and training of staff related to safety protocols.
• Provide final decision-making authority with the staff and volunteers over all activities of the RDC.

4. Board

• Report directly to the Board of Directors, make monthly and annual reports to the Board on all activities of the RDC; perform other duties as assigned by the Board.
• Provide vision for the RDC by providing guidance to the Board in future plans for the facility and suggests ways to improve the facility and its revenue sources.
• Responsible for attaining financial, attendance, performance and educational goals as outlined by the Board.

5. Marketing

• Promote the RDC mission acting as liaison to the community, donors, Board of Directors, staff and volunteers.
• Responsible for development of marketing and sales strategies which meet established goals including website development and updates.
• Responsible for press releases relating to RDC activities and events, as approved by the Board of Directors. 
• Represent RDC at conferences and professional organizations.

6. Financial

• Directs the planning, design, construction, and implementation of capital improvements projects.
• Pursue new income possibilities, potential sources of funding both public and private.
• Conduct grant research, organization, and writing. Keep an annual calendar for submitting grants, progress reports, submitting proposals, progress and evaluations.
• Work alongside Board to develop and implement capital campaigns, capital funding and endowment projects.
• Prepares the annual budget and makes recommendations to the board regarding financial matters.
• Authorized signer for RDC checking and financial accounts.
• Adhere to proper financial processes; being fiscally responsible, seeing that the RDC operates within its budget and keeping detailed accurate records in all matters financial.

• Excellence in oral and written communication and public speaking required.
• Proven success in revenue generation and fundraising techniques. Ability to meet fundraising goals.
• Comprehension of the various missions, audiences, and constituencies of a modern zoo/museum/educational institution.
• Management abilities to lead, plan, organize and direct diverse work programs in a professional and effective manner.
• Ability to supervise, inspire teamwork and lead a staff in a variety of disciplines in a professional and effective manner.
• Computer skills appropriate for carrying out the duties of the job.
• Excellent interpersonal and professional skills to establish and maintain strong and effective working relationships with the staff, governmental agencies, businesses, donors, Board Members and the community.
• Ability to work effectively in a complex, dynamic environment. Ability to deal with ambiguity, change and emergency situations.
• Exercise confidentiality, discretion and sound judgment in all areas.
• Ability to develop measurable outcomes and specific strategies regarding multiple areas of the RDC.
• Ability to successfully market the organization.
• Ability to develop and manage budgets responsibly.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Ability to conduct media interviews & represent the organization to the media in a professional and engaging manner.
• Must be able to maintain work hours that serve the needs of the RDC.

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant discipline (business, marketing, administration, education, or zoo administration) is preferred but can be substituted with appropriate experience and education mix.
• Three years professional experience in a leadership role in a zoo, museum or similar institution is preferred. 
• Valid NE driver’s license obtained within 60 days of employment.
• Updated medical tests (TB).
• Proven experience in team leadership, marketing, fund raising, administration, and fiscal responsibility.

How to Apply

Riverside Discovery Center
1600 S. Beltline Hwy. W.
Scottsbluff, NE 69361