About the Position

The Executive Director will be responsible for the management of programs and activities for effective operations that will accomplish our mission.

This leader will have primary responsibility for the performance of the organization, working in partnership with all stakeholders to achieve the cultural and structural goals of the organization. We seek a creative, entrepreneurial leader who understands, appreciates, and embraces our mission, vision, and values.

Reporting to our active Board of Trustees, the ED will help refine and execute SolarFest’s strategic direction and innovative work in a hands-on, non-hierarchical way with volunteers and support staff in research, planning, capacity building, physical plant, communications, fundraising, and producing an annual weekend festival that attracts thousands.

  • Coordinate among department chairs, volunteers, and the board of trustees to manage core operational and administrative functions and strategic activities
  • Conduct business on behalf of SolarFest, directing administration, personnel, communications, and general organizational and financial responsibilities
  • Provide budget input, oversee financial records and ticket systems, cultivate sponsors & exhibitors, and direct fundraising and grant writing efforts
  • Lead festival committees and coordinate with various department chairs for the many activities in a successful festival: overseeing organizing and training of volunteers, planning festival entertainment, contracting with performers and agents, developing workshops and presenters, directing site operations, communications, and post-festival follow up
  • Oversee development of the property including site management, building utilization, renovations, and construction
  • Work with the marketing committee to build our brand through house media (web, email, newsletters, etc.), public relations, media outreach, & social media
  • Represent SolarFest at outside events making presentations, participating in working groups, conferences, meetings, and webinars
  • Identify opportunities for growth and the required steps; developing proposals for opportunities, special initiatives, funding, events, etc.

Ideally, the Executive Director will know Vermont well, and live here now or be willing to relocate. This is a new full-time position that we seek to fill immediately. The salary range is $70,000 to $90,000, depending on experience, plus benefits and a flexible work schedule.

SolarFest does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or an individual’s status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We embrace diversity, equity, and inclusive principles.

About You

Your eclectic mix of nonprofit knowledge, forward-thinking creativity, and hands-on entrepreneurism will support our mission to fight climate change and promote climate justice with a year-round, volunteer-driven community at our new home in Brandon, Vermont, as we move into the exciting next phase.

The successful candidate will have the varied skills and qualifications needed to manage effectively, including experience in senior management, knowledge of both the nonprofit and renewable energy sectors, and the leadership qualities and flexibility essential in a volunteer-centric organization.

  • Organization and leadership experience in the nonprofit sector, with at least 10 years of experience in senior leadership positions or the equivalent, and the demonstrated skill, emotional intelligence and presence needed for building strong, collaborative teams & partnerships
  • Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills for facilitating open, safe, culturally competent, and responsive conversations within all organizational levels and with outside constituencies. Ability to maintain an environment where all perspectives can be heard and appreciated and where conflict is resolved in a healthy way
  • Proven competency in financial management, grants, contracts, and budgeting with experience leading fund development, including donor campaigns and major donor cultivation, events, sponsorships, and grant-seeking
  • Self-motivated and self-directed with effective planning, critical thinking, and analytical problem-solving expertise and a track record of effective organization and project management, delegation, coordination, and follow-up needed to meet deadlines within a dynamic and fast-paced environment

To Apply

Email your resume and a cover letter outlining your skills, experience, and motivation for the position along with your salary requirements to [email protected] by April 10th.  Use the subject line “Executive Director” when applying and please limit your resume and cover letter to a maximum of 2 pages each.

We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or an individual’s status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We embrace diversity, equity, and inclusive principles.

Applicants must be eligible for employment in the U.S. and are responsible for ensuring receipt of application materials. If you have questions about this position, please submit them by email to the address above.