Executive Director

Why Common Ground Center?

• Are you an energetic leader with enthusiasm for people and play?
• Are you eager to lead, promote, and fundraise for an organization dedicated to strengthening families, organizations, and communities?
• Are you ready to develop a strong organization with wonderful staff and dedicated alumni?

Common Ground Center is a nonprofit, multi-age arts, and outdoor education center. CGC’s vision of Camp for Everyone is rooted in access for those on the margins, so most programs are offered at a sliding pay scale with generous camper ships available for those who need it. CGC is committed to serving people from historically marginalized backgrounds, BIPOC families, Queer families, and economically disadvantaged folks.

All programs are designed to connect participants to the natural world around them, create opportunities for learning, and provide varied avenues for engagement.

CGC has been providing engaging, accessible, and family friendly programming since 1994. Program offerings include Camp Common Ground, a family camp that operates three one-week long sessions each summer;
Adventure Camps, week-long day camps for local children during school breaks;
Camp Kaleidoscope, a camp for families with an autistic family member as well as Opening and Closing work weekends for alumni and friends. CGC also welcomes local school groups for short programs as well as a host of partner programs that function autonomously of the program team.

You are highly motivated, a strategic thinker and entrepreneurial at heart with excellent communication and relationship‑building skills, both internally and externally. You have mentoring and coaching DNA and enjoy growing the competencies and skills of staff throughout the organization.

As Executive Director, you are directly responsible for executing our vision and mission and overseeing all day‑to‑day operations and staff. Based on CGC’s 2022 Strategic Plan, your focus is on continuing to accomplish the following strategic goals:

• Leverage and maximize the use of our beautiful 700‑acre site and iconic central campus, with housing, retreat spaces, and sports fields to support our community and enhance our bottom line.
• Increase the engagement level of our current donor base while also gaining new supporters.
• Increase CGC’s public profile, evolving from our “hidden gem” status to crown jewel!
• Continue to improve our operational systems and processes.

• In collaboration with the Board and staff, develop and execute on CGC’s long term development strategies.
• Proactively direct and manage all aspects of CGC’s fundraising activities.
• Oversee CGC’s direct mail appeals, peer to peer campaign for Camp K. Seek out and pursue grant and in‑kind opportunities.
• Engage with the entire donor base, especially major donors. Cultivate major donor gifts.

• Oversee, improve, and strengthen all finance functions and systems.
• Lead participatory budgeting process for annual budget.
• Review finances, reporting to the Board and collaborating with Board Treasurer, accountant and bookkeeper on all matters related to finance and budget.
• Ensure that the organizational finances and controls follow IRS requirements as they apply to public charities and private foundations.

• Work collaboratively with Board to plan monthly board meetings and special committee meetings as necessary to develop and or execute on the organization’s mission, vision, and values.
• Oversee hiring, including recruitment, onboarding ensuring proper orientation and alignment with CGC’s mission, vision, culture and operating practices and policies.
• Provide supervision, including training, coaching, feedback, and performance management for CGC’s core staff members.
• Facilitate annual performance reviews for all year‑round staff.
• Ensure CGC remains in compliance regarding policies and/or HR practices.

• A bachelor’s degree in education, business or equivalent is required.
• Minimum of 5 years of executive management experience including responsibility for finance and budgeting.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience with nonprofit organizations & boards.
• Proven experience with all aspects of fundraising including major gifts, annual appeals, and grant writing.
• Demonstrated experience with strategic planning and programming.
• Experience managing operations in a customer centric environment.
• Demonstrated ability to engage with the community and constituents at all levels.
• Demonstrated service orientation especially with marginalized communities.
• Familiarity with Vermont, land use, and sustainability preferred.