President and CEO

Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) provides leadership for all aspects of Bloedel Reserve with an emphasis on philanthropy, long-term goals, sustainability, and growth.  The President and CEO serves as the Reserve’s chief strategist, fundraiser, and storyteller and works closely with the Board, staff and the community to define and implement plans for the Reserve to ensure its viability and relevance. Additionally, the President and CEO serves as the primary face and voice of the Reserve and cultivates productive relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities Include:

Fundraising, External Relations, & Ambassadorship

• As the Reserve’s primary fundraiser, the CEO works closely with the Board and the Development and Communications staff to raise funds.
• In support of the Reserve’s strategic objectives, raises multiple forms of unrestricted and restricted giving (major, annual, capital, planned, etc.) from individuals, foundations, corporations and government sources.
• Participates actively in philanthropic relations with major donors to secure their support for ongoing mission pursuits, campaigns, and selected initiatives.
• Serves as the primary advocate and champion for the Reserve as a beautiful, restorative, environmentally sustainable place of horticultural excellence that is relevant and accessible to the broadest possible audience.
• Serves as the face and voice of the Reserve to external parties, working actively to elevate its profile, promote and publicize its programming and expand appreciation for its mission.
• Develops a visible position as a valued member of the greater Bainbridge Island community and broader communities locally, regionally, nationally and globally, with the ability to engage with people from a wide array of backgrounds, including funders, business leaders, city employees and elected officials.
• Attends conferences, gives talks and represents the Reserve externally to further the mission.
• Accelerates the adoption of a 21st century engagement model that allows for broader audience engagement and new relationships/partnerships.
• Explores new avenues of expansion, influence and visibility (regionally, nationally and internationally.

Strategic Leadership

• Leads the development and implementation of the Reserve’s overall strategy. Works closely with the Board and staff to create and implement the Reserve’s strategic plan, annual goals and objectives, which are supported by a sustainable business model.
• Effectively communicates the goals of the strategic plan both internally and externally so all stakeholders understand their role and responsibility in making the plan a reality.
• Strengthens and sustains the Reserve’s investment in landscapes, infrastructure, health and beauty of the gardens and its living collections to ensure long term viability of the gardens, forest and buildings.
• Evolves the organizational structure, systems and technology as needed to allow for greater efficiency, increased communication and a higher level of integration across departments and stakeholders.

Management, Operational & Financial Leadership

• Leads and manages a strong and capable employee leadership team, staff and volunteer corps so that they are inspired to do exceptional work. Conducts
• interactions with staff and volunteers in an accessible and positive manner.
• Builds upon and continues to realize the Reserve’s IDEA (Inclusion Diversity Equity and Accessibility) initiative. Ensures structures, policies and efforts are in place to encourage and support the IDEA initiative.
• Sets high standards for professionalism, work product and collegiality and holds people responsible for maintaining them.
• Supports the Board of Trustees in the recruitment and development of a strong and engaged Board membership.
• Executes all Board policies and decisions.
• Works with the Board and its committees; serves as a liaison between the Board and staff and guides Board development.
• Communicates effectively with the Board, staff, Senior Advisory Council and other key stakeholders about the Reserve’s performance.
• Effectively manages change as the Reserve’s needs and dynamics of the external environment change.
• Oversees activities pertaining to annual budget preparation, expense and revenue management, and endowment management, in addition to all business strategy.
• Provides proactive, creative, and effective leadership related to earned revenue, ensuring optimal financial performance of all revenue-generating activities of the Reserve, while reflecting the organization’s mission and high standards.