Catskill Center Seeks Executive Director

Here is a message from WCA member Jim Enfante -

Dear members of the Woodland Community Association:

As you are probably aware, Tom Alworth, the Executive Director of our Catskill Center for Conservation and Development, has announced his forthcoming resignation to assume the position of Deputy Commissioner for Natural Resources at the New York State Office of State Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP). The Board of the Center accepts his resignation with deep regret; he and his leadership of the Center will be sorely missed. We all wish him the best in his new and exciting position. At the request of The Board, Deborah DeWan has kindly agreed to serve as Interim Executive Director of The Center to provide continuity to its operation, and a Committee has been formed to search for a permanent Executive Director.

We write to you to seek your advice and counsel regarding this search. The Catskill Center for Conservation and Development, as you know, is a nonprofit organization with the challenging dual mission of fostering vibrant communities and healthy eco-systems in the Catskill Region. The Executive Director is its Chief Executive Officer, reporting directly to the Board, and is in charge of its management and operations. We attach, for your information, a detailed description of this position. More information about The Center and its programs is available on its web site at http://www.catskillcenter.org.

The two of us and the other members of the Search Committee would be most grateful for your thoughts and suggestions about this search, for inquiries about this position, and for any nominations and/or applications for it. These should be directed, preferably by E-mail or FAX, to:

Search Committee for the Executive Director
The Catskill Center for Conservation and Development
FAX : (845) 586-3044
E-mail :searchcommittee@catskillcenter.org
PO Box 504 · Route 28
Arkville, NY 12406
Ph. : (845) 586-2611

The closing deadline for the receipt of applications and nominations is May 2, 2008.

Thank you again for your help in this important search.

Sincerely yours,
Mary Hays & Jim Infante
Co-chairs, Search Committee For Executive Director



Position Description

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CATSKILL CENTER FOR CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT

Prestigious regional organization with skilled program leadership, stable professional staff and exceptional 40-year track record seeks chief executive with outstanding leadership, communications and fundraising skills to take it to the next level. The enthusiastic successful candidate must be prepared to apply entrepreneurial thinking and skilled follow-through to support the organization’s innovative conservation/development approach.

The Catskill Region is a mosaic of many small and picturesque communities striving to provide a high quality of life for their residents and visitors, and home to the New York City watershed, the Catskill Park and Forest Preserve and landscapes of unmatched scenic beauty so close to New York City. Given the involvement of the City of New York, the State of New York, the Federal Government and numerous local jurisdictions strongly committed to their citizens, the Catskills present a national model of the effort to successfully balance the many competing interests.

Leading this 501c (3) with the challenging dual mission of fostering vibrant communities and healthy eco-systems requires directing and integrating staff activities that include: community planning and development; watershed protection and natural resource policy; land conservation; guarding the unique flora and fauna of this critical area; educating constituencies about the rich history and importance of the Catskill region; and fostering the great tradition of the area’s artistic experience and heritage.

To meet these challenges successfully, candidates should possess demonstrated abilities to:
• Provide knowledgeable leadership for the conservation/development mission of the Catskill Center and for its credible articulation to local, regional, State and national constituencies;
• Effectively and efficiently strengthen and manage the financial, human and information technologies resources of The Center in pursuit of its mission, and, with support from every program area, increase the size, number and impact of program activities;
• Represent The Center with key political leaders, local governments, government agencies, civic and business organizations and the press;
• Improve the visibility of The Catskill Center through active outreach to the media, Internet resources, participation in conferences and public events and public speaking;
• With support of the staff, build and broaden the financial base of the organization by attracting the appropriate resources from foundations, regional organizations, government agencies and individual and corporate donors; and strengthen the membership base of the organization;
• Lead and coordinate a team of talented staff and work closely with the Board and individual Directors to maximize their constructive involvement.
The Catskill Center is located in the heart of the Catskill region in the Delaware County hamlet of Arkville, NY. Compensation is competitive, commensurate with experience, and includes a full benefits package. More information about The Center and its programs is available on its web site at http://www.catskillcenter.org.

Inquiries, nominations and applications should be sent, preferably by FAX or E-mail, to:

Mary Hays & Jim Infante, Co-Chairs
Search Committee for the Executive Director
The Catskill Center for Conservation and Development
FAX : (845) 586-3044
searchcommittee@catskillcenter.org
PO Box 504 · Route 28
Arkville, NY 12406
Phone : (845) 586-2611

Again, The closing deadline for the receipt of applications and nominations is May 2, 2008