Executive Director - Bellwether Farm Camp, Retreat, and Education Center - Ohio

Organization: Bellwether Farm

Location: Wakeman, Ohio

Job Title: Executive Director

Salary: $75-85K plus onsite housing, health benefits, paid time off

Contact: DirectorSearch@episcopalccc.org

OVERVIEW

Bellwether Farm, a mission of the Diocese of Ohio, is recognized as a leading conference and retreat center, farm, and camp in the midwest. In 2017, the Diocese dedicated Bellwether Farm in Wakeman Township, near the demographic center of the diocese. Bellwether is a camp, conference, and retreat center situated on a working organic, regenerative farm designed to foster innovative community and educational partnerships, along with a deep commitment to hospitality. Our 137-acre property includes farmland, woodlands, meadows, hiking trails, picnic pavilions, playing fields, and a five-acre pond. What visitors say sets us apart as a conference and retreat center is our comfortable, modern facilities, our idyllic farm setting, and our delicious farm-to-table meals.

The Diocese of Ohio formed in 1817 as the first diocese established beyond the 13 colonies. It consists of 80 congregations stretching across the 48 counties in the northern half of Ohio. This beginning instilled within the diocese the DNA of creativity and community development. We are led by our 12th Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Anne B. Jolly. Serving in the Diocese of Ohio means that you join with a visionary, engaged bishop who is inspiring us to be more faithful, healthy, effective, and sustainable followers of Jesus Christ in our unique contexts.

Bellwether Farm is fully owned by and is an operating ministry of the Diocese of Ohio. The Executive Director serves on the Bishop’s staff, and the vision of Bellwether is intricately tied to the vision of the diocese. The core values of the bishop’s staff are: Rooted in Jesus, Community matters (Eat, Drink, Play, Pray, Serve), Team Mentality (Connected; Teams), Resource and equip congregations, Innovation (Creativity and joy), Adaptability and resilience.

Wakeman, Ohio is centered on the Vermillion River and anchored by hiking trails and river recreation. Nearby Oberlin, Ohio is home to Oberlin College, built on a foundation of academic, artistic, and musical excellence. If you enjoy the beauty and diversity of the outdoors (and activities and sports that accompany that beauty), and desire a community that values the arts and academics, then this location is uniquely positioned to offer both.

THE LEADER WE SEEK An innovative systems thinker who can work with the bishop and Advisory Board to refine the vision and mission, then establish the necessary systems and structures to move that vision forward.

A joyful evangelist who passionately follows Jesus and is comfortable articulating their faith. Proven experience with creating a culture of innovation, coaching others through transformation, and implementing new ideas and communities. Skilled administrator with the ability to see the big picture, develop and implement a constructive strategy, and delegate and collaborate with others. Leadership coach who builds teams, works collegially, and maintains relationships in a constructive and healthy manner. An innovative leader who is comfortable with ambiguity and change. Attention to detail and focus on execution. Proven experience in working with complex hospitality (conference, camp, etc) systems, board development and collaboration, managing complex staff structures, and developing systems and structures to support vision and mission. Bachelor’s degree in outdoor recreation, education, ministry, leadership, management, or other relevant fields. Experience in systems with working farms is highly preferred. Proactive in community engagement and seeking partnerships and opportunities.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

The ED will lead the operations of the camp and conference center and is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations as well as staff recruitment and management, ensuring the health and safety of all guests and campers, and developing and sustaining partnerships to grow activities at BWF.

Administrative/Operations

• Day-to-day operational leadership of conference center, farm, and camp
• Provide and model excellent hospitality
• Establish and administer a plan to respond directly to groups for needs, wants, and emergencies.
• Ensure regular communication with board
• Manage Camp Director to provide quality programming, deep hospitality, and a safe environment for all campers.
• Oversee communications
• Recruit, hire, train, and supervise staff
• Ensure routine and long-term maintenance of all buildings and equipment
• Develop and maintain a risk management plan for all operations and comply with all local, state, and federal guidelines for safety, health, licensing, and certifications and American Camp Association standards.

Financial

• Create and manage the annual budget with board and Diocesan Council approval
• Generate new and maintain existing revenue streams (donations, grants, fees)
• Partner with the board to secure funding for camp scholarships and outreach projects
• Work with bookkeeper and office manager to ensure an orderly accounting process