Executive Director

Grassroots Gardens of WNY (GGWNY) is a dedicated group of community gardeners and activists whose mission is to share knowledge, power, and resources to grow healthy food, heal systemic harm, and strengthen neighborhood connections through community gardens.

GGWNY provides strategic leadership and overall management for a community garden network and urban land trust serving more than 100 community and school gardens across Buffalo and Niagara Falls.

GGWNY cultivates and manages more than 100 million square feet of green space in Buffalo and Niagara Falls and currently holds four community gardens in trust. Working at the intersection of food systems, conservation, environmental justice, and civic engagement, GGWNY stewards existing gardens while guiding the organization’s long‑term sustainability and growth.

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Opportunity Summary

GGWNY is seeking an Executive Director to provide strategic leadership and overall management for the organization. The next leader of Grassroots Gardens must be capable of responding to the multi‑faced needs of a land trust while also serving as a steward for those gardens already within the network.

The Executive Director will develop programs that sustain GGWNY’s mission and advance its strategic goals, and will oversee fundraising and development, fiscal management, staff leadership, and management of government and municipal relations. It is important that the next director supports and champions the organizational mission and its values.

This is an exempt, full‑time position with a flexible schedule; some evenings and weekends are required. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors.

Essential Functions

Organizational Management

• Oversee organizational operations, including compliance with legal and regulatory requirements related to land stewardship
• Partner with a volunteer Board of Directors to develop and implement a strategic plan
• Lead staff in advancing organizational and project goals
• Exercise all normal hiring and oversight duties of a manager, including annual employee evaluations
• Ensure effective management and compliance for grant‑funded projects and collaborations
• Manage organizational finances, including budgeting, forecasting, grant expenditure tracking, and revenue/expense management
• Review and present bookkeeper‑prepared financial statements for Board review and approval
• Coordinate with contracted professionals to ensure timely payroll, tax filings, and required reviews or audits

Fundraising and Development

• Supervise the Development Director in creating and executing a fundraising plan with a focus on diversifying funding streams
• Identify and pursue grant funding to support organizational programsPartner with Board members to identify, cultivate, and solicit donor prospects
• Ensure proper donor tracking, reporting, and gift acknowledgments
• Oversee development of fundraising and outreach materials

External Relations, Advocacy, and Communications

• Oversee organizational communications, including marketing materials and annual reports
• Serve as a primary spokesperson, articulating the organization’s mission and priorities to funders, government entities, and community partners
• Build and sustain relationships with legislators, local government leaders, community leaders, funding agencies, partner organizations, and civic groups
• Represent GGWNY at public meetings, community events, meetings with the press, and formal speaking engagements

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a related field, preferably in a leadership or supervisory role
• Demonstrated ability to build strategic partnerships and collaborations with external agencies, community leaders, and government officials
• Superior organization, verbal and written communication skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or comparable productivity tools
• Commitment to working with diverse populations
• Demonstrated creative thinking and problem‑solving skills
• Valid driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree; 7 years’ experience in a related field accepted in lieu
• Experience in fund development, grants/project management, and organizational development strategy
• Experience in environmental sustainability, urban planning, community organizing, or urban agriculture and food systems

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary range is up to $75,000 annually
• Benefits include healthcare benefits, a Simple IRA, and generous paid time off

Grassroots Gardens WNY seeks to build an organization and culture fully reflective of the communities where we work and grow. We are committed to building an equitable and inclusive organization and strongly encourage applications from BIPOC community members, LGBTQ+ community members, women, individuals living with disabilities, veterans, and people from working‑class backgrounds. We will strive to make accommodations to the work environment to facilitate the ongoing success of the selected candidate as needed.

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