Director of the Res

Job Description: Director of the Res 

Title: Director of the Res 

Reports to: Board of Directors 

Location: 13950 Scout Lane, Mishawaka, IN 46556 

Status: Full Time, Year Round, In Person, Exempt 

About The Res 

The Preservation of the Res, Inc. is a youth and nature preserve located on the east side of Mishawaka, Indiana. Surrounded by urban uses, the heavily wooded grounds are habitat to a wide variety of birds, animals, and wildflowers. Originally founded in 1920 as a Boy Scout Reservation, “The Res” is now owned by the non-profit organization, The Preservation of the Res, Inc. The Board of Directors consists of up to 15 members who represent the local community and the Charter Members of the Preservation of the Res, Inc. 

The Res has facilities and outdoor space for rent by groups, schools, and the general public. The Res can accommodate many types of groups and events including youth camps, church services and retreats, weddings, graduation and birthday parties, work retreats, field trips, and nature walks. Our mission is to provide a place for recreation and education in nature. 

Position Purpose 

The main purpose of the role is to ensure that our visitors, volunteers, and user groups have the best possible experience when they come to The Res. The Director of the Res reports to Preservation of the Res Board of Directors. 

The Director is responsible for the development, promotion, and operation of all programs at The Res. This includes overseeing program development and delivery, managing user groups and rentals, staff hiring and development, volunteer recruitment and management, organizational management, marketing, and building relationships with all stakeholders.

The Director is also responsible for overseeing the maintenance of the 23-acre Res property, including landscaping, building maintenance, and care of the facilities. This includes ensuring that the facilities are cleaned before and after user groups, landscaping work, snow removal, and making repairs to buildings and/or hiring contractors to complete repairs. The Director will develop a daily work schedule, coordinate the related activities, and complete the work or hire appropriate contractors to do so, when the task is outside the scope of his/her abilities or training. 

Equipment Used 

• Light power equipment including: mowers, blowers, hedge trimmers, weed whips, and chainsaws, Kubota Tractor B3350
• Landscape tools including: Shovels, hand saws, pruning equipment, push spreaders, and other similar items

Physical Requirements 

The Director must be able to stand, bend, stoop, walk on a variety of uneven terrain, enter and exit a vehicle and lift up to 50 pounds unaided. 

Environmental / Working Conditions 

The Director will work inside and outside, encountering all weather conditions, and be subject to inhalation of a variety of grass and weed pollens, as well as chemical fertilizers and weed eradicators. 

General Responsibilities 

• Provide the highest level of customer service to visitors, volunteers, and user groups. 2. Maintain proactive care towards the facilities at The Res.
• Develop, promote, and carry out partnership based programming at The Res.
• All other duties as assigned by the Board of Directors.

Administration Responsibilities 

• Work to develop the annual Res calendar with BOD assistance as needed.
• Work with the BOD to develop and monitor the annual budget.
• Develop, organize, promote, and implement programs to ensure they achieve our goals and mission, and meet the needs and interests of the community.
• Foster and strengthen relationships with the local community, planning and implementing opportunities to engage potential volunteers, donors, visitors, and user groups.
• Coordinate and oversee the daily operations of The Res.
  • Respond to phone calls and emails from user groups, donors, volunteers, and board members.
  • Manage the calendar of rentals, user groups, and programs and make it available to the BOD. c. Recruit, train, and supervise volunteers.
  • If necessary, hire, train, and supervise staff to implement programs.
• Book rental groups and user groups.
  • Collect deposits and payments, give tours to potential rentals, and clean facilities before and after use by user groups.
• Actively pursue funding and promotional opportunities.
  • Manage The Res media presence, particularly on Facebook and through our website
• Attend meetings of the BOD (once per month) and give support to committees as requested by the BOD. Prepare and present a monthly written report for the BOD.

Buildings & Grounds

• Be alert to equipment and facilities needs to ensure appropriate utilization, proper care, and maintenance is adhered to. Report equipment / facility issues promptly to appropriate personnel and follow up to ensure that repairs are made.
• Ensure that all health and safety procedures are being followed and maintained, and that property is clean and safe and is compliant with all applicable regulations.
• Maintain weed-free flower beds, properly-trimmed trees and shrubs, mulching, tree trimming, fertilizing, and planting projects. Identify and remove invasive species.
• Inspect all buildings and structures, and identify repairs necessary, including roofing, exterior siding and windows, electrical, plumbing, screens, floors, foundations, etc.
  • Report and carry out repairs or hire appropriate contractors to carry out repairs, with approval from the BOD.
• Coordinate volunteer groups for fall and spring cleanup, including leaf removal.
• Maintain the entrance, driveway, and parking area, including snow removal when needed.
• Maintain all power equipment and hand tools, including blowers, mowers, tractors, chainsaws, hand tools, pruners, garden tools, and any other equipment owned by The Res.
  • Responsible for some applications of fertilizers and pesticides.
  • Maintain a safe, sanitary, and organized environment.
• Maintain an up-to-date inventory of equipment and resources.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and ability to communicate with customers, volunteers, and visitors of all ages.
• Flexible work schedule; days, night and/or weekends will be required
• Strong leadership, organizational skills, problem-solving skills, with the ability to adapt quickly.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, and with flexibility.
• Strong computer literacy including Google Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, and multiple Social Media platforms
• Ability and willingness to learn new computer programs and skills.
• Willingness to follow / give directions and work as a team member.
• Well-developed interpersonal, and relationship building skills.
• Ability to work with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
• A willingness to learn and a high level of integrity.
• Valid Indiana driver’s license and clean background check and driving record.
• Grant-writing and/or fundraising experience is an asset.

Compensation and Benefits 

The Director position offers a base salary of $25,000 – $30,000 USD, commensurate with qualifications and experience. Onsite housing provided. The Director of the Res shall receive two weeks of paid vacation annually.