Urban Roots London

Executive Director

Are you looking to be part of a rapidly growing non-profit organization that supports our community? We have the perfect opportunity for you! Urban Roots London is recruiting for an Executive Director.

Urban Roots London is a non-profit organization that revitalizes underused land in the City of London, Ontario, for agriculture by: 

  • Producing high-quality, organic vegetables and herbs 
  • Distributing produce locally, directly to consumers and to private and social enterprises
  • Developing agricultural opportunities for the neighbourhood, social enterprises, and community organizations within the City of London 
  • Growing a self-sustaining, urban agricultural model to germinate to new sites 

Urban Roots London is a young and growing organization. If having the opportunity to have input and collaborate on building out the Board’s strategic vision through successful leadership and management sounds like a fit, we’d love to hear from you! 

Position Overview 

The Executive Director provides leadership, direction and guidance of Urban Roots London’s activities; develops and maintains budgets; and analyzes and works to improve upon the effectiveness of all organizational operations. The role has oversight of administration, programs, fundraising, marketing, community outreach, and in conjunction with the Board, developing a vision and strategic plan to guide the organization. 

The Executive Director also leads a team of dedicated staff and volunteers, being involved in recruitment, training, and performance processes, developing and maintaining organizational structure and effective personnel, and coordinating major activities through volunteers. 

The Executive Director will be deeply motivated by the potential to grow and strengthen London’s local food network and by the great things local groups can accomplish, recognizing that member groups have different needs and ways they can accept support from Urban Roots London. 

The Executive Director is responsible for the following four key areas: 

1. Operational / Program Planning and Management  

  • Develop and implement an operational plan which incorporates goals and objectives that work toward the strategic direction of Urban Roots London. 
  • Maintain existing programs and identify possible new programs that support Urban Roots London’s mission of developing agricultural opportunities for the neighbourhood, social enterprises, and community organizations within the City of London. 
  • Ensure the programs and services offered by Urban Roots London contribute to the organization’s four core principles, meet the expectations of its community partners and funders, and reflect the priorities of the Board of Directors. 
  • Oversee the efficient and effective day-to-day operations of the organization, including the planning, implementation, execution, and evaluation of its programs, services, and special projects to maintain or improve quality.
  • Develop and maintain a safe, healthy, and collaborative workplace, which includes but is not limited to: 
  • Recruiting, hiring, and onboarding new staff members 
  • Supervising, supporting, and evaluating non-farming staff members
  • Implement organizational policies; review existing policies on an annual basis and recommend changes to the Board of Directors as appropriate.
  • Ensure that donor, partner, member and volunteer files are securely stored, and privacy/confidentiality is maintained. 
  • Report to the Board on key performance metrics. 
  • Provide support to the Board of Directors by preparing meeting agendas and supporting materials. 
  • Attend monthly Board meetings, providing insight and advice on the organization's activities. 
  • Prepare annual reports for the Annual General Meeting. 

2. External Relations/Advocacy

  • Establish and strengthen relationships with existing and new partners, community groups, funders, politicians, and other organizations to help achieve the strategic goals of Urban Roots London.
  • Develop communication and marketing strategies in coordination with staff and volunteers.
  • ∙ Professionally represent Urban Roots London and act as primary spokesperson for media inquiries, interviews, conferences, and community events. 
  • Conduct official correspondence on behalf of the Board, and jointly with the Board, when appropriate.  
  • Act as primary liaison for funding agencies and government partners, including City staff and elected officials.
  • Oversee the planning and execution of educational, teambuilding, and special events. 
  • Oversee the creation of content for a monthly newsletter that is aligned with Urban Roots London’s four core principles. 
  • Oversee the development and implementation of an outreach and recruitment approach for attracting volunteers.
  • Identify and implement opportunities to celebrate and share organizational successes.

3. Financial Planning and Management 

  • Work with the Board to prepare a comprehensive annual budget, including revenue targets, and oversee fundraising strategy to secure adequate funding for the operation of the organization. 
  • Research funding sources, oversee the development of fundraising plans, and write funding proposals to increase the funds of the organization. 
  • Meet and build relationships with potential business members and major donors.
  • Review campaigns and programs to ensure alignment with the strategic plan.
  • Participate in fundraising activities. 
  • Approve expenditures within the authority delegated by the Board of Directors.
  • Ensure that sound bookkeeping and accounting procedures are followed.  
  • Administer the funds of the organization according to the approved budget and monitor the monthly cash flow of the organization.  
  • Provide the Board of Directors with comprehensive, regular reports on the revenues and expenditures of the organization. 
  • Ensure that the organization complies with all legislation covering taxation and withholding payments. 

4. Risk Management  

  • Identify, evaluate, and inform the Board of risks to the organization's people (staff and volunteers), property, finances, goodwill, and image, and in communication with the Board, implement measures to control risks. 
  • Ensure that the Board of Directors and the organization carries appropriate and adequate insurance coverage. 
  • Ensure that Directors understand the terms, conditions, and limitations of the insurance coverage. 

Qualifications 

Education 

  • University Degree or College Diploma in Not-for-Profit Management or a related field, or equivalent combination of skills/experience an asset. 
  • 3-5 years of management experience in the non-profit sector with a track record of superior performance and good judgment. 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities to Succeed in this Role: 

  • Knowledge of and enthusiasm for urban agriculture, equitable food systems, and the local food economy   
  • Results focused strategic thinker with experience building, tracking and executing an operational plan in an inclusive, collaborative, and empowering way.
  • Knowledge of all federal and provincial legislation applicable to non-profit organizations, including: employment standards, human rights, occupational health and safety, taxation, CPP and EI
  • Critical thinking skills to make strategic decisions aligned with the organization’s goals
  • Creative and energetic problem solver skilled at working collaboratively with others 
  • Demonstrated experience in financial, project, and volunteer management
  • Experience setting and achieving fundraising goals
  • Proficiency in program development, delivery, reporting, and evaluation required
  • Proven track record of managing small teams
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
  • Demonstrated fundraising and grant proposal writing skills 
  • Proven experience building and maintaining relationships with various stakeholders 
  • Understanding and experience working with the media and acting as a spokesperson 
  • Demonstrated flexible and collaborative leadership 
  • Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks, projects, and timelines 
  • Passion for and experience working in a small non-profit organization
  • Driver’s license and access to a vehicle required 

Additional Desirable Skills for this Role: 

  • Prior work with social enterprises/non-profit organizations and with volunteer   Board-governed organization is an asset 
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, Google applications, and social media platforms
  • Knowledge of Quickbooks or similar accounting software considered an asset 
  • Experience with developing social media strategy
  • Experience with Mail Chimp and Survey Monkey 

Working Conditions 

This exciting Executive Director opportunity offers the following:

  • A full-time (37.5 hours/week), one year contract starting February 6, 2023, or sooner, with opportunity for renewal based on funding. 
  • Hours have some flexibility and may include occasional evenings and weekends to accommodate activities such as Board of Directors meetings and representing the organization at public events. Time in lieu is offered for hours in excess of 37.5hours/week. 
  • Current annual salary of $60,000/year, with opportunity for annual increases based on funding and performance. Remuneration also includes paid vacation, sick time, a flexible health and wellness spending benefit package, as well as opportunities for professional development.  
  • Remote work and work in non-standard workplaces is occasionally required (e.g., our farm at 21 Norlan Ave., our satellite farm locations, community partner sites, and community events relevant to the mission of Urban Roots London).

Application Process 

  • We welcome interested and qualified applicants to email their cover letter and resume, as ONE MS Word or pdf document to [email protected] by 5:00 pm on Monday, December 12, 2022. 
  • Interviews will be virtual 

Urban Roots London values its place in an interconnected world and desires to reflect this value, acknowledging our responsibility to strive towards a diverse and equitable employment environment that recognizes the inherent worth and dignity of every person. We welcome applications from women, visible minorities, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity. 

Applications from all qualified individuals are invited. We thank everyone for their interest; only those selected to proceed will be contacted. Should you require accommodation in making an application, we welcome you to please contact [email protected]