Auerfarm Executive Director

Fio Partners, LLC; Bloomfield, Northern (CT, KY); Hybrid; USD 105,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

SIMPLE IRA with employer match

Paid time off

Connecticut Paid Leave

Unique 120-acre farm and educational中心

Job summary

The Executive Director at Auerfarm serves as the strategic, operational, and community-facing leader of the organization, reporting to the Board of Directors, and responsible for advancing the mission, sustaining finances, and guiding a high-performing staff.

You will expand fundraising, strengthen donor relations, and cultivate partnerships to diversify revenue and support program growth, facilities, and long‑term resilience.

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in nonprofit organizations.
• Ability to connect people to agriculture, education, and community impact.
• Experience securing philanthropic support through grants, partnerships, and events.
• Ability to balance strategic planning with hands-on leadership across programs and operations.
• Proven track record of building sustainable, mission-driven organizations.

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership to advance Auerfarm's mission and resilience.
• Lead fundraising initiatives, including donor engagement and grant writing.
• Oversee financial management, budgeting, and risk management.
• Manage staff (~15 employees) and cultivate a positive organizational culture.
• Oversee farm operations, programs, events, and facilities on the 120-acre campus.
• Partner with the Board to drive governance, strategy, and sustainability.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Fundraising & donor relations

Board collaboration

Financial oversight

Staff development

Job description

Fio Partners is supporting the Executive Search for | Full time

Auerfarm Executive Director

Bloomfield, United States | Posted on 08/24/2026

• Industry Nonprofit Charitable Organizations

Organization: Auerfarm
Location: Bloomfield, CT

Reports to: Board ofDirectors

Status: FullTime, Exempt

MISSION & ABOUT AUERFARM:

Inspiring children and adults to engage in, learnabout, and enjoy agriculture, science, and the natural environment.

The 4-H Education Center at Auerfarm is a vibrant 120-acrenonprofit farm and educational center located in Bloomfield, CT. Forgenerations, Auerfarm has connected people of all ages to agriculture, science,environmental stewardship, and the natural world through hands-on learning andcommunity engagement.

Originally established as a model farm in the early 20thcentury, Auerfarm was entrusted to the Connecticut 4-H Development Fund, Inc.in 1976 to serve as a center for agricultural and environmental education. Today,the organization welcomes thousands of visitors each year through educationalprograms, summer camps, farm experiences, workforce development initiatives,partnerships with schools and community organizations, farm-to-table events,private rentals, and overnight stays in its FarmStay cottages.

The farm itself serves as a living classroom. Fields, forests,gardens, barns, trails, livestock and gathering spaces provide opportunitiesfor children and adults to explore where food comes from, purchase farm-producedgoods, understand sustainable agricultural practices, and develop a deeperconnection to the natural environment.

Position Summary: TheExecutive Director serves as the strategic, operational, and community-facingleader of Auerfarm. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Directoris responsible for advancing the organization's mission, promoting financialsustainability, supporting a high-performing staff team, stewarding the farm'sfacilities and resources, and strengthening relationships with donors, programparticipants, volunteers, and the broader community.

The next Executive Director willinherit a strong organizational foundation, including a dedicated staff team,an engaged Board, a respected reputation, and a unique educational mission. They will havean opportunity to build on these strengths by expanding fundraising, growing organizationalcapacity and sustainability, enhancing planning and evaluation, and increasingvisibility in the region.

This role is ideal for a collaborative and entrepreneurialleader who is equally comfortable engaging donors, partnering with Boardmembers, supporting staff, representing the organization publicly, andchampioning the transformative power of agricultural education.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Vision, Strategy &Organizational Leadership

• Provide visionary leadership to advance Auerfarm'smission, educational impact, and long-term organizational resilience.
• Partner with the Board of Directors to establishorganizational priorities and strategic goals.
• Lead future strategic planning efforts and supportimplementation of strategic initiatives.
• Preserve and strengthen Auerfarm's agricultural,environmental, and 4-H educational heritage as a cornerstone of organizationaldecision-making and future growth.

Fund Development & ExternalRelations

• Serve as Auerfarm's chief fundraiser, ambassador,and external spokesperson.
• Increase awareness of Auerfarm's mission,programs, and impact throughout the region by building strong communityrelationships and partnerships.
• Lead fundraising efforts, including grant writingto public and private funding sources, and cultivate strategic relationshipsthat diversify revenue streams and strengthen long-term financial health.
• Identify and pursue new funding opportunities thatsupport staffing, program growth, facility improvements, and organizationalsustainability.

Financial Leadership &Organizational Stewardship

• Provide oversight of financial management,budgeting, forecasting, internal controls, reporting, and the responsiblestewardship of organizational resources and assets.
• Develop strategies to improve long-term viability,strengthen operating reserves, and manage financial risk.
• Collaborate with the Board to guide responsibleoversight of facilities, infrastructure investments, and long-termorganizational assets.

Staff Leadership &Organizational Culture

• Lead and develop a team of approximately 15employees, including 3 full-time and 5 part-time direct reports, supported by alarge volunteer community.
• Cultivate a positive, mission-driven workplaceculture grounded in clear communication, accountability, and collaboration.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and professionaldevelopment opportunities that support employee growth and organizationaleffectiveness.

Farm, Facilities & ProgramOversight

• Provide oversight of Auerfarm's diverse portfolioof educational programs, farm operations, community events, workforcedevelopment initiatives, facility rentals, and FarmStay operations.
• Strengthen organizational assessment andevaluation practices to measure program effectiveness, mission impact, andoverall organizational performance.
• Partner with staff and Board leadership to addressfacility, infrastructure, and property needs, including long-term planning forthe 120-acre campus.
• Support the effective management of operations,facilities, and programs to promote safety, sustainability, and responsiblestewardship of resources.

Board Partnership &Governance

• Develop and maintain a productive, transparent,and collaborative partnership with the Board of Directors.
• Engage Board members as strategic thoughtpartners, ambassadors, advocates, and fundraising champions.
• Provide timely information and recommendationsthat support effective governance and decision-making.
• Assist the Board in strengthening fundraisingengagement, leadership development, succession planning, and recruitmentefforts.
• Support Board committees and help advanceorganizational priorities through effective collaboration between governanceand management.

Requirements

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS,EXPERIENCE & ATTRIBUTES

• Senior leadership experience and a genuineappreciation for Auerfarm's mission, with the ability to connect people toagriculture, environmental education, youth development, and the natural world.
• Demonstrated success leading teams, fostering apositive organizational culture, and navigating change through an approachable,collaborative leadership style.
• Experience working effectively with Boards ofDirectors and partnering with board leadership to advance organizationalpriorities and long-term sustainability.
• Demonstrated success securing philanthropicsupport through individual giving, grants, partnerships, events, and strongcommunity relationships.
• Experience overseeing budgets, financial planning,reporting, and risk management, with a track record of sound fiscal leadership.
• Ability to balance long-term vision with practicalexecution and informed decision-making.
• Experience managing multiple programs, facilities,revenue-generating activities, or other complex operations.
• Understanding of the opportunities and challengesassociated with operating a nonprofit organization with significant physicalassets, diverse programs, and multiple revenue streams.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & SCHEDULE

The Executive Director works in both office and outdoor farmsettings and is expected to be an active presence across the property.Responsibilities may include navigating uneven terrain, conducting tours,operating farm equipment as appropriate, and occasionally lifting or movingmaterials and supplies. Evening and weekend hours are regularly required tosupport farm operations, educational programs, fundraising activities, andcommunity events.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Salary Range: $105,000 - $125,000depending on experience and qualifications.

• Healthinsurance coverage for full-time employees
• SIMPLEIRA with employer match
• Generouspaid time off and holidays
• ConnecticutPaid Leave and family leave benefits
• Opportunity to lead a unique 120-acre farm,educational center, and community asset