Executive Director – Huneebee Project

About Huneebee Project

Huneebee Project believes that, together, we can create a world in which our youth, the community, and our environment are in a mutual and collaborative relationship. Huneebee Project centers equitable youth job preparedness in New Haven, Connecticut by promoting transferable job skills training and employment opportunities for youth that have past or present child protective and foster care involvement.

Youth experience hands-on training in beekeeping practices and relevant entrepreneurship and workplace readiness skills in a therapeutic, trauma-informed context. This includes support in developing body and emotional awareness, regulation strategies, and mindfulness practices. Youth build, install, and maintain bee hives and pollinator gardens, harvest and jar raw honey, power an online marketplace, and co-lead community-based workshops on the importance of honey bees. While gaining an understanding of the role of the honey bee in nature and the many benefits of pollinators, trainees and youth employees develop an increased capacity for relationship building, increased sense of self efficacy and empowerment, community connections, identify personal skills and interests, and craft a resume they feel proud of.

The organization’s guiding values include showing up as your authentic self, communication in all its forms, respect for yourself and others, and ownership of your work and actions. Program decisions, team behaviors, and supports operate within a trauma-informed and anti-racist framework.

Position Summary

We are seeking a dynamic, forward thinking Executive Director with a passion for furthering adolescent mental health and well-being amongst systems-involved youth. The Executive Director will be responsible for continuing to develop and grow a unique, multi-faceted workplace readiness model. Strong candidates will be ambitious, intentional, and collaborative in strategic planning and thinking, offer creative approaches to problem solving, and have a start-up mindset. An understanding of and experience within the intersection of public policy, social and environmental justice and change, and grassroots community organizing is preferred.

Key Responsibilities

1. Leadership and Management:

○ Provide strategic leadership and direction to the organization.

○ Oversee the senior management team, including Associate Director of Clinical Services, Associate Director of Development, and Lead Beekeeper, and ensure effective operation of all departments.

○ Foster a positive, trauma-informed, anti-racist and inclusive organizational culture.

2. Strategic Planning:

○ Lead strategic planning efforts, including setting organizational goals and objectives.

○ Plan and oversee space, capital campaigns, and honey house planning.

○ Regularly review strategic plans and adjust as necessary

3. Fundraising and Development:

○ Develop and implement fundraising strategies to secure financial resources to support the organization’s mission.

○ Build and maintain relationships with donors, sponsors, and community stakeholders.

○ Collaborate on grant writing and reporting

4. Financial Management:

○ Oversee budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation.

○ Oversee payroll, invoicing, and contracts.

○ Ensure compliance with financial regulations and standards.

5. Board Relations:

○ Collaborate with the Board of Directors to set strategic priorities.

○ Lead coordination between committees, the Board of Directors, and staff

○ Maintain regular meetings with the Board Chair to align on goals and strategies.

○ Prepare and present reports and updates to the board.

○ Support board recruitment, development, and governance.

6. Public Relations:

○ Represent the organization to external stakeholders and the community.

○ Participate in public speaking events and panels.

○ Promote and engage with media for interviews, publications, and press releases.

○ Coordinate media relations and public communications to enhance the organization’s visibility and reputation.

7. Program Oversight:

○ Oversee the senior management team and ensure effective operation and evaluation of all departments including clinical services, development, and beekeeping.

○ Attend monthly high-risk meetings to assess and address high-risk cases

○ Lead and coordinate commercial/social enterprise, including marketplace and order fulfillment

○ Ensure programs and services align with the organization’s mission and objectives.

Qualifications

1. Education:

○ Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business administration, public administration, mental health, or a related field. A Master’s degree is preferred.

2. Experience:

○ Experience in a management role, preferably in the mental health, youth development, and/or nonprofit sector.

○ Experience in fundraising, grant writing, and financial management.

○ Experience working with a board of directors (or similar body of oversight) and managing a diverse team.

○ Familiarity with agricultural practices and environmental justice frameworks preferred

3. Skills:

○ Strong leadership and organizational skills.

○ Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; comfort with public speaking.

○ Ability to think strategically and make data-driven decisions.

○ Proficiency in financial management and budgeting or a willingness and the competencies to learn.

4. Attributes:

○ Passion for Huneebee’s multifaceted mission and values.

○ Ability to work collaboratively with staff, board members, and stakeholders.

○ Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic environment.

Compensation and Benefits

Starting annual salary of $60,000. A comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance to support your well-being and flexible time off.

Application Process

Interested individuals can send a cover letter and resume to info@huneebeeproject.com.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Huneebee Project is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable work environment. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

We celebrate diversity and are dedicated to creating an environment where all individuals feel valued and respected. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and organizational needs. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds and experiences to apply, including those who may have lived experience specific to the child protective services, foster care, and/or mental health care.