FULL TIME Director – Upper Rio Grande Events and Recreation Complex

We are seeking letters of interest and resumes for a full time director with an anticipated start date January 2011.  In addition to the qualifications listed below, we seek a long term employee committed to making a difference in the community of Creede and enhancing quality of life for the entire San Luis Valley.

Organization: Founded in 2001

Our Mission: To provide outstanding recreational educational cultural and entertainment programming in harmony with the interests of the community while collaborating with regional partners.

Our Vision: The Mineral Country Fairgrounds Association will enhance quality of life by providing activities for Creede area residents and visitors through the development of a regional all-season facility.

Our Values: *Promoting the safety, health, and well-being of our community *Providing superior services and programs *Recognizing, encouraging, and valuing our community, residents, and visitors *Serving as stewards of our fiscal, human, and natural resources *Managing growth responsibly *Advancing partnerships *Respecting our cultural heritage

Position: Reporting to the Board of Directors and President, the Executive Director will perform daily office tasks and field work involved with:

• Office administration, record keeping, grant/report writing, and budget development/oversight.
• Marketing and communications.
• Interpretation of the organization’s goals and objectives to the public and affinity organizations – including public education and collaboration on tasks and projects of mutual interest.
• Implementing fundraising, membership, and sustainability goals.
• Communicate with architects as directed by the Board.
• Other tasks as assigned or prioritized by the Board.

Desirable Skills, Qualifications, Qualities:

• Direct experience and educational background in one or combination of:  Director of small to medium size non-profit organization…  marketing, communication and fundraising development… director of agricultural/cultural program and events management… property management… recreation director….other?
• Strong verbal and written communication skills. Persuasive and passionate communicator with excellent interpersonal and generalist’s skills suitable to scope and purpose of the organization and development plans.
• Grant writing
• Adaptable, resourceful, innovative, self-directed, multi-disciplinary, hands-on.
• Able to work collaboratively with diverse groups in a rural/frontier small town context.

Responsibilities (A-D below): To promote and advance the key objectives and goals of the organization relating to but not limited to the following:

**Note: Given time and financial constraints of the present position, A-F responsibilities below to be prioritized by the Chair/President and Board in concert with the Executive Director for manageable short and long-term objectives.

A. Community Development:

• Collaborate with County and area schools, recreation, agricultural/ranching, and other affinity groups – to support and expand physical and other educational and recreational opportunities.
• This includes making presentations of educational, cultural, and/or recreational importance; offering experiential activities through programs and events;
• Enlisting and broadening opportunities for volunteer involvement and employment as budget allows. Maintain a climate that attracts, keeps, and motivates involvement by the Board, volunteers, employees.

B. Communication and Collaboration:

• Maintain and deepen communication – via website, e-mail and official correspondence, PSA’s and press releases, office accessibility and visibility.
• Maintain broad public awareness and interest – by helping to implement and oversee special programs, annual events,  seeking public involvement and input via presentations, updates, and community surveys.
• Advocate for and help implement organizational goals for partnering and sustainability for each phase of development.
• In concert/under direction of Board and President/Chair, represent the programs and point of view of the organization to the public, organizations, and community groups.

C. Grants, Membership and Financial Support:

• Generate and expand funding for initial and ongoing operations and development – through memberships, fundraising campaigns/events, and donations from individuals and granting entities.
• Maintain accurate records, cultivate, and increase membership and donor base.

D. Administration and Board:

• Maintain official records, documents, and communications to assure compliance with federal, state, local regulations and granting organizations.
• Work with the Treasurer and President/Chair in preparing a budget and see that the organization operates within budget guidelines.
• Provide monthly reports to the Board and help prepare monthly agenda in concert with the President/Chair.
• See that the Board is kept fully informed on the condition of the organization and all important factors influencing it.

Compensation Commensurate with Experience

Please call 719-658-2376 for more information, or send an email to info@upperriogrande.org