Executive Director
Job Description
Primary Objectives:
The Executive Director provides leadership, fundraising, programming, communications, and
administrative oversight and support for the Simply Living board of directors and membership in
pursuit of the organization’s mission to connect people with learning opportunities that promote
sustainability, environmental justice, and our local economy. Our mission is translated into
action through programs such as speaking events, films, meetups, business memberships,
discussion courses, facility tours, our Sustainable Living and Garden Tour, annual membership
meeting, Gift To Be Simple fundraiser, and Sustainable Business Directory.
Reports to: Board of Directors
Primary Responsibilities:
Finances and Fundraising
Initiate and oversee all fundraising efforts including but not limited to:
o Sponsorships and donations at events such as Gift To Be Simple, Sustainable
Living and Garden Tour, and other fundraisers
o Grant writing and administration
o Member outreach, recruitment, and retention for individuals and businesses
o Identifying and creating other sources of revenue such as the Sustainable
Business Directory
Submit an annual budget to the board, and track monthly income and expenses
Oversee monthly income and expenses with the bookkeeper or bookkeeping service
Information and Communications Technology
Oversee implementation and development of information technology and
communications infrastructure
Administer DonorPerfect, including donations, thank you letters, event registrations,
volunteer hours, and other member and supporter participation and services
Administer Simply Living’s Google Workspace, including email accounts for staff and
program areas, Google drive and documents, and Google Voice
Send HTML formatted emails to our mailing list, including e-newsletters, event
announcements, blog posts, and more as needed using Constant Contact
Ensure information on the Simply Living website is kept up to date, including event
listings, blog posts, business member listings, and more using WordPress
Administer and oversee maintenance of the Sustainable Business Directory, including
adding new businesses and overseeing revenue from business listings
Programming
Oversee all programming, including speakers, films, panel discussions, book clubs,
meetups, and more in tandem with board members, staff, volunteers, and interns
Work with board members and volunteers to plan and lead annual events such as Gift
To Be Simple and the Annual Membership Meeting
Work with board members, interns, and volunteers to hold EcoChallenge discussion
courses (see SimplyLiving.org Sustainable U) , events promoting transition to a more
sustainable society (i.e, the sustainable living and garden tour), business meetups, and
other core programming
Integrate principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into programming and events
Be knowledgeable about all Simply Living programs, partnerships, and initiatives
Operations and Administration
Recruit, supervise, mentor and train office staff and contractors
Manage paperwork requirements, including Form 990s, state and local licenses, etc
Foster leadership capabilities of engaged members and volunteers
Oversee internship program and assist intern supervisor in developing interns
Provide written and oral reports at monthly meetings of the Board of Directors
Recommend appropriate policies to the Board of Directors; support existing policies
Integrate principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into mission and operations
Work with Board of Directors to achieve mission, vision, and strategic goals, and provide
training for Board members as needed
Relationship Management
With the Board President, act as the public face for the organization
Network with other community organizations on sustainability and equity issues
Participate in city and regional committees and task forces, especially the Board of
Directors for Columbus GreenSpot
Build relationships with business members and ensure we meet our obligations to them
Respond to member and community inquiries/correspondence as appropriate
Communicate regularly with membership
Integrate principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into community relationships
Represent Simply Living at community events and in the media
Required Experience:
Proven track record of fundraising and grant proposal writing
Non-profit/business management
Customer relations management, information and communications technology
Event planning and logistics
Required Skills:
Familiarity with WordPress
Ability to develop grant proposals
Ability to self-start and work independently
Ability to supervise and delegate
Ability to work collaboratively is a must
Skilled at relationship and coalition building
Skilled with technology, including database management
Must be fiscally literate and responsible
Skilled at writing, public speaking, and meeting facilitation
Simply Living is committed to equal employment and volunteer opportunity without regard to age,
ancestry, disability, national or ethnic origin, race, religious belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender
identity, marital or veteran status. This policy applies to all areas of employment, Board of Directors,
and volunteer participation, including recruitment, hiring, training and development, promotion,
transfer, termination, layoff, compensation, benefits, social and recreational programs, and all other
conditions and privileges of employment in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.
Advertisement:
Simply Living is a Columbus, Ohio-based non-profit 501(c)(3) organization seeking a new
Executive Director. For over 30 years, Simply Living has upheld its mission to connect people
with learning opportunities that promote sustainability, environmental justice, and our local
economy. Our new Executive Director(s) will provide leadership, fundraising, programming,
communications, administrative oversight and support for the Simply Living Board and
Membership in pursuit of that mission. Our organization provides actionable programs and
inspiration such as speaking events, films, meetups, business memberships, discussion
courses, facility tours, our Sustainable Living and Garden Tour, annual membership meeting,
Gift To Be Simple fundraiser, and Sustainable Business Directory.
The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of fundraising and grant proposal writing,
past non-profit and/ or business management experience, and strong customer relations
management, information and communications technology, event planning and logistics
experience. This position offers flexibility as a part time individual role or as a job-sharing
arrangement. Within a job-sharing arrangement, we would seek two (2) strong leaders with
compatible skill sets to provide collaborative leadership within the organization. Please see the
full job description for more details about this position. EOE