Position Announcement: Chief Executive Officer, Discovery Center Great Lakes

Chief Executive Officer, Discovery Center Great Lakes

About the Organization

Located in Traverse City, Michigan, over twenty percent of the world’s freshwater is accessible from our unique site on West Grand Traverse Bay. This property is our inspiration to create a place that connects people emotionally, physically, and intellectually to freshwater and the Great Lakes by providing:

• Access to all ages, abilities and needs
• Recreation
• Education
• History & Culture
• Environmental stewardship
• Scientific exploration

With the support of Rotary Charities, Discovery Center Great Lakes (DCGL) will hire a CEO to advance the organization through the start-up phase to sustainable operation and continued growth. Currently, several fresh-water-focused partner organizations are co-located on part of the property and there is room for expanded operations to support the full mission of the organization. To learn more about the organization visit www.discoverygreatlakes.org.

The CEO will work to realize the physical and organizational vision of a place that connects and inspires people to protect the Great Lakes and natural resources which are precious, unique and vital to our community and our lives.

 

Candidate Profile

The CEO is an inspirational leader and a skilled facilitator with passion for bringing people and ideas together to develop and execute a vision. This is a hands-on role for someone who is willing to roll up their sleeves and put in the work necessary to create a nationally-recognized, community-developed Great Lakes education, protection, and recreation gem that has a long-term positive influence on the Great Lakes region.  

The CEO serves as the chief executive of the Discovery Center and all its facilities including the campus, pier, harbor and collaborative. The position reports directly to the Board of Directors.

In addition to the physical development of the Discovery Center, the CEO also is responsible for development of the board, the organization and the cohesive working relationship with all the Discovery Center partner organizations and the ongoing operation of all programs and facilities.   

 

Key Activities

• Strategy and Planning – Collaborate with stakeholders to clarify and implement strategy for the organization. Ability to articulate a clear and compelling vision.
• Property/facilities Development – Oversee planning and project management of physical facilities.
• Funding and Revenue – Secure funding to support activities, raise outside capital, create revenue models.
• Leadership – Cultivate a culture of collaboration, be viewed as a partner and leader in community.
• Board Engagement – Work successfully with the Board of Directors to fulfill the vision and mission.
• Collaboration – Develop relationships with partners, including government and other for and non-profits.
• Financial acumen – Ensure financial performance and viability.
• Attract, create and retain a high-performing team.
• Oversee and manage business operations of facilities.
• Serve as chief external spokesperson.

Requirements:

• Prior experience in a startup or growth organization.
• Experience with Property Development and/or Project Management.
• Community leadership.
• Proven ability to grow financial revenue and funding sources.
• Financial and business acumen.
• Track record of successfully executing toward a vision.
• Undergraduate degree is required. Advanced degree and/or relevant experience is preferred.

 

Licenses or Certifications:

• Valid state Driver’s License

Physical Requirements:

• Maintain dexterity, vision and coordination, sufficient to perform essential functions.
• Must be able to lift and move up to 20 lbs.
• Requires the ability to be mobile (including, but not limited to walking, bending, squatting, crouching, twisting, kneeling, reaching, etc.).

 

Compensation for this role will be competitive and commensurate with experience. Discovery Center Great Lakes offers benefits that include a 401K, group health plan, life insurance, and paid time off.

To apply, please submit resume and cover letter to dcglceo@gmail.com.

Applications will be accepted until May 1, 2019. All correspondence will be considered confidential.

Position Announcement: Greilick Outdoor Recreation and Education Center (GOREC) Director

 

 

Position Announcement: Greilick Outdoor Recreation and Education Center (GOREC) Director

A strategic, passionate and entrepreneurial professional is sought to join the Rotary Camps & Services Team. Rotary represents a vibrant and growing family of organizations that provide a wide range of services in the greater Grand Traverse region. The GOREC mission is “to create passion for our natural world through outdoor experiences” and our vision is “to be a leading community resource promoting outdoor recreational and educational opportunities for young people and others of all abilities, ages and needs.”

GOREC was formed in 2017, after the long-term management and use by the Boy Scouts.

We are seeking a Director who will take this 500-acre facility and create a sustainable business model by promoting the asset and creating strong ties in the community to support GOREC.  This is a full-time position with benefits available; initial compensation is anticipated to be $65,000 and $75,000 annually.

Resumes, cover letters and references are due by March 25, 2019. Visit http://www.traversecityrotary.org/newsroom/ for complete job description and to apply.

 

 

Reports to: Rotary Camps & Services Executive Director

Status: Full Time with Benefits

Position Description Summary

The GOREC Director is responsible for the aggressive development, promotion and overall year-round operation of GOREC consistent with the mission, vision and values of Rotary Camps & Services, while complying with all applicable standards and state regulations. They have primary responsibility for:

• Review and evaluate the existing camping and lodging programs and make recommendations for and execute adjustment and/or development of new programming
• Oversee the following processes specific to programming and operations:
  • Camper/program participant applications, processing and follow up evaluation
  • Contractual services & partnership agreements
  • Facility Reservations
  • Customer satisfaction
  • Donor and volunteer stewardship
  • Licensing, accreditation and compliance with local, state and ACA standards
• Oversee/direct staff and resources associated with programming, facilities management, medical services, risk management, food service, customer service and public relations
• Oversee the recruitment and hiring process, train and supervise full time, part time, contractual, summer and seasonal staff
• Budget and fiscal management
• Marketing of facilities and staff resources to targeted consumer groups and the public
• Employ best practices, an entrepreneurial approach, creativity, common sense and effectiveness in programming, scheduling, and promoting seasonal and year-round programming and resource utilization
• Investigate and pursue diverse funding streams to support Greilick operations
• Enforce all Greilick Outdoor Center policies, procedures, rules and regulations
• Conduct on-going evaluation of full-time staff and facilitate evaluation of part-time and seasonal staff
• Create and execute an annual business plan and budget; analyze and respond to revenue and expense trends throughout the year, with a goal of trending toward financial sustainability by December 31, 2020 and full sustainability by July 2022.   
• Cooperate and participate in other functions of Rotary Camps & Services such as public relations and fund raising as appropriate
• Prepare reports and attend staff, board and committee meetings as required
• Perform other functions relating to the provision of direct services as directed by the Executive Director

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in field of camping and recreation or an appropriate combination of education and experience
• At least 2 years of related experience
• Evidence of professional values and conduct in keeping with Rotary’s 4-way test
• Demonstrated ability to develop and successfully complete strategic initiatives
• Demonstrated entrepreneurial spirit and abilities
• Experience in development and facilitation of broad ranging outdoor recreation and education programs for diverse ages, interests and abilities
• Working knowledge of American Camp Association Accreditation Standards
• Proven track record of staff and volunteer leadership/development
• Experience in the development of business plans
• Experience in the development and execution of effective marketing and public relations initiatives
• Experience & abilities specific to fund raising
• Excellent public relations and interpersonal skills
• Ability to travel and work nights, weekends and holidays, if needed

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Office Environment: normal office environment with little exposure to excessive noise, dust, temperature and the like
• Environment: outdoor environment with exposure to all types of weather
• Interaction with and networking with individuals, groups and business in a wide variety of community settings
• Work requires ability to move around the Greilick Outdoor Center facility in order to monitor all program areas and facilities
• Work requires ability to lift up to 50 pounds  

Relevant Skills and Experience

• Knowledge about and passion for the outdoors and experience with nonprofit organizations
• Manage some Board and committee related communications
• Collaborative, flexible team player
• Self-reliant, good problem solver, results oriented
• Excellent judgment and creative problem-solving skills
• Ability to make decisions in a changing environment and anticipate future needs
• Ability to generate creative ideas and implement them within the organization
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to effectively interact with all staff, Boards of Directors, committees, donors, the media, outside professionals, and the community-at-large
• Experience and relationships to help connect to new audiences
• Experience in facilities and food service management a plus
• Possession of a valid Michigan driver’s license and ability to have a clean Central Registry Clearance and pass the Michigan criminal history background check  
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite of products

Please send resume, cover letter and three references by March 25, 2019 to mailto:info@rotarycharities.org

Rotary Camps & Services Lists Property for Sale

Vacant Land for Sale

Rotary Camps & Services (RC&S or Rotary for short) owns more than 1,700 acres in Grand Traverse and Leelanau Counties. It serves as a landowner and property manager for Camp Greilick (formerly Boy Scouts), Camp Sakakawea (Girl Scouts), East Creek Reserve, Discovery Center ~ Great Lakes, and the new Discovery Pier (former TCLP coal dock properties).

In 2000, RC&S acquired 120 acres to the south and east of Canterbury Woods. The property extends across Garfield Avenue in East Bay Township. We acquired our Canterbury Woods property as part of a land exchange with the State. We traded some property with a creek and wetlands that the State wanted for the Canterbury property, which is high and dry. While we appreciate that members of the public have enjoyed walking, biking, or otherwise appreciating our vacant property we never intended it to be a nature preserve or a park. It was always held as an asset — an investment property.

New Challenges

In 2017, RC&S faces new challenges. The Boy Scouts have relinquished Camp Greilick, and the Discovery Center & Pier will require significant capital improvements to achieve our goal of a preeminent waterfront destination. Liquidating this asset will help us meet these challenges.

Rotary has deed restrictions and conservation easements at all our properties, except the Canterbury property. We never restricted the Canterbury property when the State of Michigan did the land swap, because we have always treated it as an investment. We are looking to cash out now to support some of our other projects in the community.

Open to Alternatives

That does not mean that we are only interested in selling to a land developer. We gave the neighboring property owners notice of our intent to list the property for sale in an effort to be good neighbors and to be transparent in the process. (See: Letter to neighboring property owners.) We also wanted to give neighboring property owners the opportunity to pull together to purchase the property, if that is feasible.

Rotary is open to any win-win outcome. Some people have approached the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy to find an alternative solution. We are certainly open to working with them and any neighbors who want to contribute to a winning solution.

You can make inquiries to our realtor, Doug Meteyer of Keller Williams (231) 947-8200 or John Noonan, RC&S Program Director at (231) 941-4010, ext 210.

Rotary Charities and Rotary Camps & Services Announce Retooling and New Staff

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 12, 2017
CONTACT:
Marsha Smith, Executive Director
Rotary Charities of Traverse City
(231) 941-4010
msmith@rotarycharities.org

Rotary Charities and Rotary Camps & Services Announce Retooling and New Staff

Traverse City, Mich. – Rotary Charities and Rotary Camps & Services announced decisions by their boards to retool staffing to address the changing landscape for their organizations. Rotary Charities will add Leah Bagdon-McCallum as their newly created Director of Community Capacity and Evan Gray as the newly created Director of Organizational Capacity. Rotary Camps & Services will add John Noonan as the Program Director and Nick Killian as the Greilick Director.

“This staffing model will allow us to respond to emerging opportunities that align with our vision for more substantial, transformational change through our grantmaking,” said Rotary Charities Board Chair, Elaine Wood.  “Prior to replacing two staff positions, Rotary Charities retooled its model to be more in line with the systems change we are hoping to catalyze. Leah and Evan bring unique skill sets that will help us build capacity in organizations, networks and communities. We are delighted to welcome them to our organization.”

 

Rotary Camps & Services Chair, Sharron Zimmerman, agreed. “With the addition of the waterfront to our Discovery property and the opportunities to manage our legacy property at Greilick, our organization will be uniquely positioned to leverage these community assets to have more impact in our region. John and Nick round out the Board and volunteer team to make great things happen for our community.” Rotary Camps & Service purchased the Discovery Pier property in May 2016. In December 2016, the Boy Scouts vacated a long term lease at Camp Greilick.

 

ABOUT OUR NEW STAFF

 

Leah Bagdon-McCallum, formerly with Senator Gary Peters office, has a background in community building and fund development. Leah grew up in the area and has strong ties here. Her position will focus on our work in communities.

 

 

Evan Gray moved to our region several years ago from Idaho, where he was an administrator for a year-round co-ed boarding school. His background is in consulting, experiential education, organizational development and servant leadership. Evan’s position will focus on organizational and network capacity through grants and NorthSky, Rotary Charities’ capacity building program.

 

 

John Noonan has served as a project manager for the Discovery Center and Pier over the past year. He will assume a full-time position and oversee all the Rotary Camps properties.

 

 

 

 

Nick Killian, formerly a Camping Director for the Boy Scouts of America, will assume the newly created position of Director for the former Camp Greilick, now Greilick Outdoor Recreation & Education Center.

 

 

 

ABOUT ROTARY CHARITIES

Since its inception in the mid-70s, Rotary Charities has distributed more than $56 million in the form of 1,250 grants to organizations and non-profits in Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Benzie, Kalkaska and Antrim counties. The public foundation was formed following the 1976 discovery of oil and natural gas reserves on property owned by the Traverse City Rotary Club/Rotary Camps & Services.  Its purpose over the years has been to distribute interest income generated from the oil and gas royalties to organizations throughout the five-county region of northwest Michigan. More information is available at www.traversecityrotary.org/charities/.

 

ABOUT ROTARY CAMPS & SERVICES

Created in 1955, Rotary Camps & Services is a separate 501(c)(1) nonprofit, which owns 1,800 acres in Grand Traverse and Leelanau Counties. Their mission is to steward strategic land and water resources, and be collaborative innovators who respond to community opportunities.

 

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National Network Leader Coming to TC

Rotary Charities, NorthSky Nonprofit Network, and Networks Northwest are pleased to announce that a national expert will be be helping us learn how to nurture healthy networks that contribute to stronger, more resilient communities. June Holley, author of Network Weaver Handbook, will be kicking off this ongoing work in Traverse City on Monday, May 18th from 9am to 1pm at the Hagerty Conference Center at Northwestern Michigan College. This interactive session is open to anyone wishing to learn more about networks.

June is the author of Network Weaver Handbook and her work has been featured in publications including the Wall Street Journal, Entrepreneur, and InBusiness. She has worked with the United Nations, Annie E. Casey Foundation, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Plexus Institute for Complexity, the Monitor Institute, and many others to understand how to create healthier networks through a better understanding of self-organization, collaboration, innovation and learning.

Additional support provided by the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce.

Tickets can be purchased below.

Rotary Show Coming Soon

Nori grape silver beet broccoli kombu beet greens fava bean potato quandong celery. Bunya nuts black-eyed pea prairie turnip leek lentil turnip greens parsnip. Sea lettuce lettuce water chestnut eggplant winter purslane fennel azuki bean earthnut pea sierra leone bologi leek soko chicory celtuce parsley jícama salsify.

Celery quandong swiss chard chicory earthnut pea potato. Salsify taro catsear garlic gram celery bitterleaf wattle seed collard greens nori. Grape wattle seed kombu beetroot horseradish carrot squash brussels sprout chard.

Pea horseradish azuki bean lettuce avocado asparagus okra. Kohlrabi radish okra azuki bean corn fava bean mustard tigernut jícama green bean celtuce collard greens avocado quandong fennel gumbo black-eyed pea. Grape silver beet watercress potato tigernut corn groundnut. Chickweed okra pea winter purslane coriander yarrow sweet pepper radish garlic brussels sprout groundnut summer purslane earthnut pea tomato spring onion azuki bean gourd.