Executive Director

About GreenUtica

GreenUtica is a nonprofit parks conservancy dedicated to beautifying and enhancing Utica’s parks, public green spaces, and community landscapes. Through fundraising, partnerships, volunteer engagement, and project leadership, GreenUtica works to strengthen the city’s natural character, improve quality of life, and support vibrant public spaces for residents and visitors.

Position Overview

GreenUtica is seeking an energetic, mission-driven Executive Director to lead the organization’s work and serve as its sole employee. This is a unique opportunity for a highly versatile professional who is excited to make a visible impact in the community while wearing many hats.

The Executive Director provides overall leadership for the organization, including fundraising, administration, financial oversight, marketing and communications, volunteer coordination, community engagement, program development, and project management. This role requires someone who can think strategically, work independently, build strong relationships, and move initiatives from idea to execution. The ideal candidate is a self-starter who is equally comfortable in the boardroom, at a community meeting, writing a donor appeal, managing a beautification project, or coordinating volunteers in a park.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day operations of the organization in alignment with its mission and strategic priorities.
• Partner with the Board of Directors to implement organizational goals and provide regular updates on progress, opportunities, and needs.
• Develop and manage the annual budget and oversee financial tracking, reporting, and coordination with bookkeeping support.
• Lead all fundraising efforts, including donor cultivation, annual appeals, grants, sponsorships, events, and stewardship.
• Research, write, submit, and manage grant applications and reports.
• Serve as the public face of the organization with donors, volunteers, community partners, public officials, and media.
• Develop and execute marketing and communications efforts, including newsletters, social media, website content, fundraising materials, and public presentations.
• Recruit, coordinate, and support volunteers and community partners for beautification projects, programs, and events.
• Oversee landscaping, horticultural, beautification, and park improvement initiatives in collaboration with contractors, volunteers, and public partners.
• Manage administrative responsibilities including board materials, records, compliance, contracts, insurance, and organizational systems.
• Oversee property-related responsibilities, including vendor coordination, exterior maintenance oversight, and tenant communication as applicable.
• Plan and implement programs and events that support community engagement and organizational visibility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience required.
• At least 5 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, administration, communications, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, donor relations, and grant writing.
• Experience with budgeting, financial oversight, and nonprofit operations.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and thrive in a small organization environment.
• Experience working with boards, volunteers, community stakeholders, and public partners.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Commitment to the mission of parks, beautification, public spaces, and community improvement.

Preferred Qualities

• Entrepreneurial, resourceful, and highly self-motivated.
• Comfortable balancing strategy and hands-on execution.
• Skilled at relationship-building and community engagement.
• Passion for beautification, green spaces, civic pride, and nonprofit impact.

Why This Role Matters

This is more than a traditional executive director role. As the only staff member, this person will help shape the future of the organization while directly advancing visible, meaningful work in the community. The Executive Director will play a central role in strengthening public spaces, building community support, and ensuring GreenUtica’s continued growth and impact.

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