Auerfarm Executive Director

Fio Partners is supporting the Executive Search for | Full time

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

• Industry Nonprofit Charitable Organizations

Organization:
Auerfarm
Location: Bloomfield, CT

Reports to: Board of Directors

Status: Full Time, Exempt

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-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 and community engagement.

Originally established as a model farm in the early 20thcentury, Auerfarm was entrusted to the Connecticut 4-H Development Fund,  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 Farm Stay 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-producedgoods, understand sustainable agricultural practices, and develop a deeperconnection to the natural environment.

Position Summary: The Executive 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 financial sustainability, supporting a high-performing staff team, stewarding the farm'sfacilities and resources, and strengthening relationships with donors, program participants, 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 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.

• 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 support implementation of strategic initiatives.
• Preserve and strengthen Auerfarm's agricultural,environmental, and 4-H educational heritage as a cornerstone of organizationaldecision-making and future growth.

• 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 that support staffing, program growth, facility improvements, and organizationalsustainability.

• 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-term organizational assets.

• 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 workplace culture grounded in clear communication, accountability, and collaboration.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and professional development opportunities that support employee growth and organizational effectiveness.

• Provide oversight of Auerfarm's diverse portfolio of educational programs, farm operations, community events, workforce development initiatives, facility rentals, and Farm Stay operations.
• Strengthen organizational assessment andevaluation practices to measure program…