Executive Director

4-H Education Center at Auerfarm; Bloomfield (CT); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The 4-H Education Center at Auerfarm in Bloomfield, CT seeks an Executive Director to lead strategic direction, fundraising, and community engagement. The role drives education programs, farm operations, and partnerships with schools and community organizations to expand impact and sustainability.

Ideal candidates will bring senior nonprofit leadership experience, strong financial acumen, and a collaborative leadership style to steward a 120-acre campus, staff, volunteers, and donors in service

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in a nonprofit or mission‑driven organization.
• Proven fundraising success with grants, donors, events, and partnerships.
• Experience working with Boards of Directors and governance.
• Strong financial planning, budgeting, and risk management skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership to advance Auerfarm's mission and growth.
• Lead fundraising strategy and external relations to diversify revenue.
• Oversee financial management, budgeting, forecasting, and internal controls.
• Manage staff (approx. 15 employees) and cultivate a collaborative culture.
• Oversee programs, farm operations, facilities, and FarmStay and events.
• Partner with Board and stakeholders to advance organizational priorities.

Skills

Fundraising

Board relations

Leadership

Strategic planning

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management or related field

Job description

MISSION & ABOUT AUERFARM:

Inspiring children and adults to engage in, learn about, and enjoy agriculture, science, and the natural environment.
The 4-H Education Center at Auerfarm is a vibrant 120-acre nonprofit farm and educational center located in Bloomfield, CT. For generations, Auerfarm has connected people of all ages to agriculture, science, environmental stewardship, and the natural world through hands‑on learning and community engagement.
Originally established as a model farm in the early 20th century, 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 educational programs, 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 opportunities for children and adults to explore where food comes from, purchase farm‑produced goods, understand sustainable agricultural practices, and develop a deeper connection to the natural environment.
Position Summary: The Executive Director serves as the strategic, operational, and community‑facing leader of Auerfarm. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for advancing the organization’s mission, promoting financial sustainability, supporting a high‑performing staff team, stewarding the farm’s facilities and resources, and strengthening relationships with donors, program participants, volunteers, and the broader community.
The next Executive Director will inherit a strong organizational foundation, including a dedicated staff team, an engaged Board, a respected reputation, and a unique educational mission. They will have an opportunity to build on these strengths by expanding fundraising, growing organizational capacity and sustainability, enhancing planning and evaluation, and increasing visibility in the region.
This role is ideal for a collaborative and entrepreneurial leader who is equally comfortable engaging donors, partnering with Board members, supporting staff, representing the organization publicly, and championing the transformative power of agricultural education.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Vision, Strategy & Organizational Leadership
Provide visionary leadership to advance Auerfarm's mission, educational impact, and long‑term organizational resilience.
2 Confidential
Partner with the Board of Directors to establish organizational priorities and strategic goals.
Lead future strategic planning efforts and support implementation of strategic initiatives.
Preserve and strengthen Auerfarm's agricultural, environmental, and 4-H educational heritage as a cornerstone of organizational decision‑making and future growth.
Fund Development & External Relations
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 community relationships and partnerships.
Lead fundraising efforts, including grant writing to public and private funding sources, and cultivate strategic relationships that diversify revenue streams and strengthen long‑term financial health.
Identify and pursue new funding opportunities that support staffing, program growth, facility improvements, and organizational sustainability.

Financial Leadership & Organizational Stewardship

Provide oversight of financial management, budgeting, forecasting, internal controls, reporting, and the responsible stewardship 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 responsible oversight of facilities, infrastructure investments, and long‑term organizational assets.
Staff Leadership & Organizational Culture
Lead and develop a team of approximately 15 employees, including 3 full‑time and 5 part‑time direct reports, supported by a large volunteer community.
Cultivate a positive, mission‑driven workplace culture grounded in clear communication, accountability, and collaboration.
Provide leadership, coaching, and professional development opportunities that support employee growth and organizational effectiveness.
Farm, Facilities & Program Oversight
Provide oversight of Auerfarm's diverse portfolio of educational programs, farm operations, community events, workforce development initiatives, facility rentals, and FarmStay operations.
Strengthen organizational assessment and evaluation practices to measure program effectiveness, mission impact, and overall organizational performance.
Partner with staff and Board leadership to address facility, infrastructure, and property needs, including long‑term planning for the 120‑acre campus.
Support the effective management of operations, facilities, and programs to promote safety, sustainability, and responsible stewardship of resources.

Board Partnership & Governance

Develop and maintain a productive, transparent, and collaborative partnership with the Board of Directors.
Engage Board members as strategic thought partners, ambassadors, advocates, and fundraising champions.
Provide timely information and recommendations that support effective governance and decision‑making.
Assist the Board in strengthening fundraising engagement, leadership development, succession planning, and recruitment efforts.
3 Confidential
Support Board committees and help advance organizational priorities through effective collaboration between governance and management.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE & ATTRIBUTES

Senior leadership experience and a genuine appreciation for Auerfarm's mission, with the ability to connect people to agriculture, environmental education, youth development, and the natural world.
Demonstrated success leading teams, fostering a positive organizational culture, and navigating change through an approachable, collaborative leadership style.
Experience working effectively with Boards of Directors and partnering with board leadership to advance organizational priorities and long‑term sustainability.
Demonstrated success securing philanthropic support through individual giving, grants, partnerships, events, and strong community 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 practical execution and informed decision‑making.
Experience managing multiple programs, facilities, revenue‑generating activities, or other complex operations.
Understanding of the opportunities and challenges associated with operating a nonprofit organization with significant physical assets, diverse programs, and multiple revenue streams.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & SCHEDULE

The Executive Director works in both office and outdoor farm settings 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 moving materials and supplies. Evening and weekend hours are regularly required to support farm operations, educational programs, fundraising activities, and community events.