Administrative Director

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: Administrative Director (AD)

POSTED June 11, 2025

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JOB TITLE:                Administrative Director

REPORTS TO:           Executive Director

JOB LOCATION:       On Site in Goleta, CA

CLASSIFICATION:    Full-Time, Exempt (salary)

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**Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter to be considered for this position.**

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

The Center for Urban Agriculture at Fairview Gardens is a 501c3 not for profit organization founded in 1996 that owns and operates a 12.25-acre historic organic farm in the heart of Goleta, California surrounded by a community of residents and businesses. The land is permanently protected by an agricultural conservation easement held by the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County.

The Center’s mission is to preserve the agricultural heritage of the farm; provide the local community with fresh organically grown fruits and vegetables; demonstrate the economic viability of agricultural methods for small farm operations; research and interpret the connections between food, land stewardship, and community well-being; and nurture the human spirit through educational programs and public activities.

Fairview Gardens is undergoing a major re-visioning and re-building of its programs, its infrastructure, and of the farm itself. All operations have been paused so that our small staff and board can focus on planning, permitting, design, and fundraising.

This is a creative and formative time, and we are seeking a high-energy, experienced individual as a core collaborator to help us during this exciting phase.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Administrative Director (AD) reports to the Executive Director (ED) and is responsible for the day-to-day oversight and supervision of staff, finances, communications, and facilities. The position also provides support in strategic planning and fundraising working with appropriate staff, board and/or committee members as needed.

For the two to three years required to complete the $21million capital campaign and begin re-building/re-planting, the responsibilities of the AD will be focused on supporting campaign fundraising, communications, permitting, and design. The AD will oversee compliance, scheduling, workflow, project planning, data management, and board communications, and will provide support to the ED in writing grants and in donor cultivation and relations.

The AD should have solid organizational skills and experience working with small businesses, non-profits, and/or social enterprises. Candidates should have excellent communications skills, be able to work independently, be capable of multi-tasking, and have a strong aptitude for problem-solving.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

Project Management

• Provide administrative support for the planning, tracking, and execution of the capital campaign
• Board meeting preparation, recording, and documentation
• Plan and schedule projects / manage workflow
• Manage data
• Manage website and production of all printed materials
• Oversee and support applying for and obtaining permits
• Ensure that all necessary insurance is secured and current
• Manage legal and financial compliance
• Handle all telephone and online communications
• Lead the establishment and maintenance of up-to-date organizational policies, procedures, and protocols

Financial

• Manage checking and investment accounts
• Manage cash flow – processing/accounting for all transactions (income & expenses)
• Manage the donor database
• Provide monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting to the ED and Board
• Oversee payroll and independent contractor payments
• Assist and supervise bookkeeper in generating reports and submissions to CPA
• Coordinate with CPA on generating 1099’s and all tax filings

 Fundraising

• Manage online donor database
• Coordinate all donor acknowledgements and reporting
• Research grant opportunities and track submissions
• Plan, schedule, and coordinate meetings with donors and prospects
• Assist with annual appeal letters, grant applications, and other fundraising projects.

 Board Liaison

• Provide financial reporting for board meetings
• Prepare and manage budgets
• Coordinate general board communications

Programs & Events

• Coordinate farm tours, fundraising events, and community event planning

 Human Resources

• Supervise one to three part and full-time support staff
• Ensure compliance with state and federal employment laws
• Manage compensation policy

 Site Management

• Manage tenants
• Oversee Common spaces
• Greet visitors/guests
• Support ED in coordinating farm development and maintenance projects

 QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in non-profit administration and governance
• Patience, compassion, and a good sense of humour
• Skills with business systems and software such as Microsoft Excel, Adobe Acrobat, Google Suite, Dropbox, one or more CRMs
• Knowledge of bookkeeping fundamentals (e.g. QuickBooks)
• Familiarity with social media platforms
• Excellent writing and communications skills

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The starting compensation for this position is commensurate with experience and will range between $70,000 and $125,000 per year. We offer a benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance.

Employees also enjoy 15 paid time off (PTO) days and 12 paid holidays annually.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to effectively communicate. The employee may be required to sit or stand in a stationary position for more than 50% of the time. This position constantly operates a computer and other office productivity equipment. The Center for Urban Agriculture at Fairview Gardens adheres to ADA compliance and guidelines as a common practice.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This job description summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT STATEMENT

The Center for Urban Agriculture at Fairview Gardens provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Center for Urban Agriculture at Fairview Gardens complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

TO APPLY

Send a resume and cover letter to m.ableman@fieldsofplenty.com. Please include Administrative Director in the subject line of the email. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and this position will remain open until a candidate has been selected.