Executive Director - Insight Garden Program

almost 3 years ago
Full time role
Remote · California, US... more
Remote · California, US... more

Job Description

Insight Garden Program (IGP) is seeking an Executive Director. Our ideal candidate will be a visionary, adaptable, experienced leader who is passionate about criminal and environmental justice, and can guide IGP into its next phase of growth in California and nationally through our in-prison programs, re-entry model and community based-programs.

Who We Are

Founded in 2002, IGP is a nonprofit organization that facilitates an innovative 48-week curriculum that combines environmental education, permaculture gardening, “inner gardening” and re-entry skills.  Our core purpose is to reconnect people in prison and re-entry  to “self, community, and the natural world”. This “inner” and “outer” gardening approach transforms lives, ends ongoing cycles of incarceration, and creates safer communities. We currently run our program in ten adult prisons and one youth facility in the state of California, as well as one program in Indiana. We recently expanded our work to include re-entry support for incarcerated IGP participants who are being released from prison through pre- and post- release referrals for housing, employment and educational opportunities; safe and compassionate transport; and emotional support.

Grounded in the belief that access to the natural world is a human right, our holistic program seeks to empower IGP participants and alumni to become food justice leaders, environmental stewards, urban gardeners, and criminal justice reform advocates both within prison and in the communities to which they return.

For more information, please see www.insightgardenprogram.org 

What You’ll Do

The Executive Director’s major areas of responsibility include:

  • Lead the development of a vision for the future and a strategic plan for expansion of IGP’s programs that is aligned with the vision and values of the Board, staff and the community with whom we work.
  • Lead and oversee fundraising programs to ensure fiscal sustainability while financing organizational growth.
  • Build strong relationships with external partners in the criminal justice and environmental justice movements in California and nationally.
  • Be a respected external voice and advocate on criminal justice issues.
  • Work closely with a strong and experienced senior management team to foster and maintain an organizational culture and management system that ensures ongoing programmatic excellence.
  • Provide a consistent caliber of financial management and administration, fundraising, communications, and systems management; recommend timelines and resources needed to achieve strategic goals.

Who You Are & Keys to Success (the must-haves)

To be successful in this job, you should be able to:

  • Speak from a place of authenticity and have content expertise in criminal justice issues; systems impacted persons encouraged to apply.
  • Have a commitment to racial equity and social justice: You recognize the role of race, income, age, immigration status, and other identities in shaping disparities. You amplify voices to advocate for more equitable policy solutions. You recognize how your own identities show up in the work, and welcome, reflect on, and act on feedback with an eye toward continuous learning about race, gender, ability, and other lines of difference.
  • Inspire and align the Board, staff and community around a common vision.
  • Cultivate relationships with funders and donors, and effectively communicate the vision and value of IGP’s programs.
  • Have experience working within the culture and operational parameters of state correctional systems.
  • Bring your passion for nature, criminal justice reform and environmental justice movements to the job.
  • Work with, develop, and expand the Board of Directors.
  • Practice inclusive and collaborative leadership and management; approach leadership with a mindset of “power with” rather than “power over” and regularly include others in decision-making. Be comfortable working in a team-based organizational culture with an experienced senior management team.
  • Develop and maintain strong, collaborative working relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders, and bring in allies and coalition partners. Know how to build alliances and find points of collaboration even when there are competing interests.
  • Appreciate holistic thinking and apply systems thinking to IGP’s work.
  • Comfortable with public speaking at conferences, events, etc.
  • Have an aptitude for, or a willingness to be trained on, budgets and financial oversight.

Bonus Points (the nice to haves)

  • Legislative and policy experience; connections to the broader criminal justice world and social justice advocacy organizations in California and nationally.
  • Nonprofit organizational management experience, including working with Board of directors. 
  • Gardening experience.
  • Understanding and connections to re-entry organizations and models.
  • Ability to write Op-Eds or other thought pieces for newsletters, social media, websites, etc.
  • Familiarity with IGP’s programming.
  • Knowledge of restorative justice.
  • Connections to funders and individual donors.

What Else You Should Know

Insight Garden Program is an equal opportunity employer and we value having staff who come from communities that are most impacted by the issues we aim to address. We especially encourage people of color, LGBTQ people, systems impacted people, and people with disabilities to apply.

Reporting Relationships: The Executive Director will report directly to the Board of Directors and supervise a senior management team.

Salary & Benefits: This is a full-time position with a target start date of July 1, 2021. IGP offers a competitive salary (commensurate with experience) and benefits package which includes cell phone/internet stipend; medical, dental, and vision insurance; and vacation and sick time.

Location: The position is based in California. Since the onset of COVID19, we have been working virtually, but pre-COVID19 our office was in the Bay Area with staff working throughout the state. Travel will be required to visit program sites across California.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit a resume and a cover letter explaining why you are interested in the position to the Executive Director Search Committee at EDsearch@insightgardenprogram.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until June 1, 2021.

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