Executive Director

Overview

Executive Director — Perennial

Full-Time (32-35 hours w/option of 4 day work week)

Salary: $50,000 – $55,000 + Benefits

Applications will be accepted and reviewed until 2/27/2026

Perennial is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, faith, disability, age, or veteran status.

Perennial is a community workshop in St. Louis dedicated to making sustainability accessible to all through arts-based education. We teach people how to reuse and repair everyday materials, reduce waste, and build more creative, resourceful lives. Through supplies, skills, and swaps, Perennial changes the way we think about stuff.

Perennial’s mission is to build a creative culture of reuse where discarded items are transformed into cherished resources. We believe in inclusive creativity, hands-on learning, and the power of community. Perennial’s values are sustainability, creativity, resourcefulness, accessibility, and fun. Our workshop is a welcoming space where participants, volunteers, neighbors, and staff come together to share skills, make things, and connect.

Perennial currently has an operating budget of $328,000 and a staff of 2 full-time employees and 5 part-time employees.

Perennial’s Executive Director (ED) is responsible for guiding the organization’s mission, people, and strategy while understanding daily programming operations. This role provides leadership across fundraising, finances, communication, and staff support. The ED works collaboratively with staff, board of directors, volunteers, and members to create a warm, welcoming environment where creativity and sustainability thrive.

Because Perennial is a hands-on, community-centered workshop, the ED plays an active role in the daily life of the organization. From stewarding long-term strategy to pitching in during large events, or helping keep the workshop hum during a busy weekend, the ED is a champion of Perennial’s mission.

• Serve as an enthusiastic spokesperson for Perennial’s mission, sharing our impact with donors, partners, neighbors, and participants.
• Stay closely connected to Perennial’s programs and workshop culture by being present, engaged, and supportive at events, classes, and community gatherings.
• Lead the implementation of Perennial’s 3 year strategic plan, tracking progress, keeping stakeholders informed and guiding thoughtful adjustments.
• Oversee financial management of the organization by leading the annual budgeting process and ensuring responsible and transparent stewardship of Perennial’s resources.
• Collaborate with the Perennial Board of Directors

• Supervise and nurture a small team through regular check-ins, monthly staff meetings, and clear communication.
• Conduct annual reviews and offer ongoing feedback, celebrating achievements and supporting challenges.
• Lead hiring using thoughtful, equitable processes that reflect Perennial’s values.
• Help maintain a workplace where collaboration, empathy, and creativity are daily practices.

• Meet contributed revenue goals and oversee all aspects of fundraising including grants, membership, individual giving, events, and sponsor relationships.
• Maintain and grow grant funding through applications, reporting, and funder relationships.
• Lead Perennial’s annual fundraising events—Trivia Night and the ReDesign Showcase—alongside staff and volunteers.
• Execute annual campaigns such as Give STL Day and End-of-Year appeal.
• Cultivate relationships with sponsors, donors, members, and community supporters through meetings, outreach, and stewardship.
• Plan and execute member appreciation and donor cultivation events.

• Represent Perennial at neighborhood meetings, partner events, and speaking engagements.
• Help create an inclusive participant experience where everyone feels welcomed and encouraged.
• Attend and support large organizational events such as Earth Day, clothing swaps, and neighborhood engagement efforts.
• Support marketing efforts and…