Executive Director

The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) is seeking an energetic, passionate, experienced and collaborative Executive Director to provide visionary leadership to its dynamic staff, board and partners.

Founded in 1976, NCAT is a national, private non-profit organization providing trusted assistance and education nationally on acclaimed projects in sustainable agriculture, energy efficiency, and related topics that reduce poverty, increase healthy communities and protect natural resources. NCAT employs nearly 60 staff across 14 states. The organization has an annual budget exceeding $15 million.

This position will report to NCAT’s Board of Directors and be responsible for overall programmatic, administrative, and fiscal supervision of the organization while empowering and entrusting Executive Team members to provide day-to-day management and administration.

The Executive Director will maintain and grow successful local, regional, and national projects that advance NCAT’s mission, including increasing sustainable funding to ensure that NCAT continues to be a vibrant organization well into the future.

The experienced professional will, with the Board of Directors, assure that the organization has a long-term strategy to achieve its mission in alignment with its values. The Executive Director will lead the organization’s senior leadership to chart NCAT’s growth and strategic response to demands for the organization’s services.

• a Master’s degree in a related field, plus a minimum of 10 years of non-profit management experience, or
• a Bachelor’s degree in a related field along with a minimum of 15 years of non-profit program and organizational management experience.

The position also requires a proven track record of delivering superior results and strategic plan implementation. Applicants must have experience in acquiring and managing large institutional donor-funded projects from the U.S. government and foundations. Preference will be given to applicants with background and experience in sustainable agriculture; sustainable energy; or rural development.

• Exceptional capacity for managing and leading people; developing leaders; building teams and modeling flexibility, adaptability and commitment to foster a positive work environment; and connecting to staff both as individuals and team members.
• A commitment and passion for NCAT’s mission, work, and high standards, through outstanding interpersonal and verbal and written communication skills.
• A thorough understanding of non-profit organizational operations, from board of directors to staff roles; risk management; finance; business functions and systems, including business development, budgeting, and human resources.
• Ability to think critically, articulate strategic vision, and anticipate future consequences and trends in order to incorporate them into organizational planning.
• A proven track record of obtaining federal, state, and foundation grants, major gifts, and funding from other sources; experience preparing and managing organizational budgets.
• Knowledge of local, state and national political landscapes including funding, public policy, pragmatic collaborations and best practices.
• A demonstrated history of developing and nurturing effective collaborations with partners to optimize an organization’s mission.
• Being a self-starter and courageous, with spark, imagination and creativity; and remaining focused in the face of pressure, unintimidated by tasks, timelines and limitations.

• Build, cultivate and nurture a strong partnership with the Board of Directors built on mutual respect and trust.
• Lead and direct the organization, providing a vision that inspires passion. Build, lead and retain an effective and diverse team dedicated to the mission and with the requisite competencies to be successful in their work.
• Establish effective decision making at all levels to ensure that voices are heard and that short and long term goals are met.
• Ensure the organization is resting on a fiscally sound foundation and that relevant parties are informed about fiscal status and that financial information…