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  • Director of Black Water Acres

    The Arc Erie County NY (Alden, NY)



    Apply Now

    The Arc Erie County New York has been supporting children and adults with disabilities, and their families in achieving their desired quality of life by creating opportunities through comprehensive services for over 65 years.

     

    Director of Black Water Acres

     

    The Arc Erie County NY is seeking a visionary leader to launch and oversee Black Water Acres- a new, 150-acre inclusive farm combining agriculture, hospitality, and programming for children and adults with developmental disabilities.

     

    Reporting to the CEO, the Director will manage all operations including horticulture, event and hospitality services, property management, and program development. This role will also expand agency programs such as our Day Habilitation, Support Employment (SEMP), Community-Based Pre-Vocational (CPV) Respite, and ACCES-VR.

    Qualifications:

    + Master’s degree (business administration, Nonprofit Management, Human Services, Horticulture and/or Agriculture, Hospitality, Special Education, Rehabilitation Counseling or another closely related developmental disabilities field) + 7 years of leadership experience

    + Or bachelor’s degree (same as above) + 10 years of leadership experience

    + Must have knowledge of OPWDD programs and regulation (required)

    + Proven success in launching and managing large-scale projects.

    + Strong strategic, financial and team leadership skills

     

    This unique opportunity to build an innovative, sensory-informed destination that promotes inclusion, learning and community connection. This position also includes:

     

    + Affordable health, dental, vision, and life insurance

    + Excellent work-life balance

    + Room for advancement

    + On demand pay

    + Working with experienced management

    + Paid training

    + Automatic Paid Time Off (PTO)

    + Tuition Reimbursement

    + 10 paid holidays off

    + Employee discounts

     

    Help shape the future of Black Waters Acres- where innovation, nature and opportunity meet!

    Our full job description is listed below:

    Job Description

    Job Title:

    Director of Black Water Acres

    Department:

    Administration

    Job Grade:

    9

    Position Summary :

    The Director of Black Water Acres , reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and working with senior leadership, will serve as the visionary leader and primary operator of a startup venture that will provide programming for children and adults with developmental disabilities and an inclusive and sensory informed environment that will promote learning, training, working and playing.

     

    The position will oversee container farming and horticulture development of flowers and various crops, event and hospitality operations, property management, and lead collaboration efforts to expand existing agency programs that operate under the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) and Special Education programs and regulations. Specifically, expanding programs such as Community Based pre-vocational (CPV), Day Habilitation programs Without Walls, Supportive Employment (SEMP) and Respite. Also, the ACCES-VR program under the Office of Special Education and Vocational Rehabilitation. Additionally, the role will develop and implement innovative enrichment programs including, but not limited to, art, music and therapeutic experiences for individuals aged 3 – adult on the Black Water Acres farm.

     

    This is a high-impact leadership role requiring OPWDD program knowledge and/or Special Education knowledge and a strong business acumen with a proven track record in building and successfully executing large-scale, multi-faceted projects from the ground up.

    Program Description:

    Black Water Acres is a newly established division of The Arc Erie County, a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving children and adults with developmental disabilities. Situated on 150 acres in Alden, NY, Black Water Acres will be home to innovative programs combining agriculture, hospitality and training, to expand opportunities for individuals served by the agency. Black Water Acres will be an accessible farm and four-season site offering adaptive workforce training, outdoor recreation, accessible horticulture, supportive employment, habilitative services and conference, meeting and event space. This site is being created in a sensory-informed manner providing the opportunity to experience nature and the outdoors. Vocational training on site will include every step from planting and harvesting to cooking and sale. With both a community garden and accessible greenhouses, Black Water Acres will provide growing space and meaningful inclusion for the people we support as well as community members.

    Reporting Relationship:

    Receives direct supervision from the Chief Executive Officer. Provides direct administrative and program supervision to the professional and support staff in various positions throughout Black Water Acres and its various programs. As this is a newly created position, the Vice President will develop the staffing structure for the program which may include direct reports such as a Farm Manager, Hospitality/Culinary Manager, and other additional staff as operations expand.

     

    Collaborative Internal Partnerships with the Executive Team, Agency Program Directors, Managers and Coordinators in the following programs: CPV, WOW, SEMP, Respite, and ACCES-VR.

    Job Duties and Responsibilities:

    + Primary Responsibilities

    + Under the direction of the CEO, serves as the primary architect and executor of the Black Water Acres future vision and strategic plan.

    + Build and lead high-performing teams in horticulture, hospitality, culinary, event planning, and property operations.

    + Ensure compliance with all OPWDD and State Special Education regulations and other applicable state/federal requirements.

    + Develop and oversee budgets, financial forecasts, and revenue-generating opportunities.

    + Foster community and corporate partnerships to advance mission and sustainability.

    + Work collaboratively with existing agency leadership to integrate Black Water Acres into broader service delivery, specifically with but not limited to the following programs: CPV, WOW, SEMP Respite, ACCES-VR.

    + Assist in development of marketing and promotional strategies for both horticulture and event enterprises.

    + Oversee risk management, property safety, and regulatory compliance across all areas.

    + Champion innovation, inclusion, and excellence in every aspect of programming.

    + Key Areas of Oversight

    + Horticulture & Farm Management

    + Supervise and oversee the development of year-round container farming operations.

    + Guide production of a variety of crops, potentially flower and vegetables, to support community needs and agency programs.

    + Build and manage partnerships with local agricultural, environmental, and community organizations including potential purchasers of products such as supermarkets.

    + Plan and oversee the Alden Farmer’s market.

    + Evaluate agricultural production goals on an ongoing basis.

    + Property Oversight & Program Expansion

    + Direct long-term stewardship, maintenance, and development of the 150-acre property.

    + Collaborate with agency directors to expand agency programs (CPV, WOW, SEMP, Respite, Acces-VR) onto the property.

    + Collaborate with the executive leadership team to develop and strengthen vocational training programs in culinary arts, hospitality, carpentry, horticulture, janitorial and maintenance for individuals served by the agency.

    + Event Development & Hospitality

    + Oversee the opening and ongoing operations of an on-site event center to host conferences, weddings, showers, retreats, and community gatherings and develop long term full service hospitality services on the property.

    + Develop and supervise the Hospitality/Culinary program, ensuring exceptional customer experience and program integration with the developmentally disabled individuals we serve.

    + Drive revenue-generating opportunities through event planning, culinary training, and hospitality services.

    + Children’s Programming

    + Develop and integrate inclusive, fully adapted programs that are sensory informed, therapeutic and use the language enrichment model.

    + Develop music, art and other therapeutic programs in collaboration with The Arc’s Maryvale school, Green Acres pre-school, school districts and other school age groups.

    + Service Management

    + Identifies underserved populations and creates new programing with advisement from the Executive Team.

    + Monitors all service activities to assure the quality, continuity, and comprehensiveness of service to individuals receiving services.

    + Evaluates staff performance consistent with Agency performance evaluation guidelines and procedures; makes recommendations up the chain of command for promotion, increments, and termination.

    + Assesses staff training needs, assures provision of job-related training for all assigned staff and volunteers.

    + Participates in the recruitment, selection, and termination of staff for all Black Water Acres positions.

    + Assures implementation of Agency policies regarding orientation of new staff.

    + As needed, will work directly with the individuals we serve to develop jobs appropriate to their desires, talents, and capabilities.

    + Evaluates program’s capacity ongoing and provides recommendations for growth in services and staffing.

    + Completes mandatory training requirements set forth by funding sources.

    + Service Administration and Coordination

    + Assures that direct service activities are coordinated and carried out, and that all service records are adequately maintained.

    + Assists in the evaluation of program effectiveness from previously stated goals, objectives, and criteria and makes recommendations up the chain of command.

    + Ensures that all statistical and service records are adequate, accurate and up-to-date, and that required reports are forwarded to Chief Operating Officer.

    + Informs staff of Agency policies, procedures, program plans and other relevant information to assure coordination of information between the other Supports and Services/Programs and their supervisors.

    + Establish working relationships with community resources, referral agencies and supportive services in order to ensure the provision of comprehensive services to clients.

    + Completes all other job duties as assigned.

    Qualifications and Education Requirements:

    Master’s degree in Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, Human Services, Horticulture and/or Agriculture, Hospitality, Special Education, Rehabilitation Counseling or another closely related developmental disabilities field PLUS a minimum of 7 years of leadership experience in nonprofit management, business operations, program development, or related fields.

    OR

    Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, Human Services, Horticulture and/or Agriculture, Hospitality, Special Education, Rehabilitation Counseling or another closely related developmental disabilities field PLUS a minimum of 10 years of leadership experience in nonprofit management, business operations, program development, or related fields.

    PLUS

    Knowledge and direct experience with OPWDD programs and regulations is required.

     

    Proven ability to launch, manage, and scale complex, multi-disciplinary initiatives. Strong financial management, budgeting, and strategic planning skills.

     

    Demonstrated ability to foster community partnerships and business relationships. Excellent communication, collaboration, and project management skills.

     

    Key Competencies & Personal Attributes

     

    + Visionary & Strategic Thinker – able to see the big picture while executing details.

    + Business Acumen & Entrepreneurial Mindset – capable of driving mission-aligned revenue.

    + Adaptability & Flexibility – thrives in a fast-changing, start-up environment.

    + Decisive Leadership – confident decision-maker with a high tolerance for risk.

    + Collaborator & Relationship Builder – skilled in working across teams and with the community.

    + Innovative & Creative – develops solutions and programming that break new ground.

    + High Energy & Execution Focus – delivers results, not just plans.

    Essential Job Functions:

    + Physical demands and Exposure Risk outlined on attached form (A)

    + Mental Requirements :

     

    The ability to perform critical thinking and perform complex problem-solving skills; write in clear, organized and persuasive manner; show good judgment, have good math & decision skills, independent action, planning & prioritizing and follow directions. Work independently as well as cooperatively with others. Be approachable, enthusiastic, personable, work under pressure and meet job-related deadlines accordingly. Must be a good networker and relationship builder.

     

    + Human Relations Skills :

     

    The ability to communicate with individuals in a positive manner; both oral and written; ability to engage in active listening; demonstrate the ability to serve as an appropriate role model to staff supervised, co-workers and program participants; the ability to provide supervision in a positive manner with timely feedback and constructive direction; and ability to counsel and mentor staff consistent with the Agency values and mission. Receive supervision instruction in a positive manner. Adhere to and administer Agency’s policies, procedures, rules and regulations. Maintain a professional attitude and appearance at all times.

     

    + Equipment Operation :

     

    The ability to operate office equipment, such as, computer, copier, fax machine, etc.; ability to operate agency vans and cars; ability to operate light machinery and train staff on the operation of such as needed.

    Agency Principles:

    + All staff members will assure and demonstrate the promotion of fundamental rights and protections for the people that we support. These include practices that treat people with dignity and respect at all times, ensure safety, best possible health/well-being and provide the person with continuity and personal security through the use of natural supports, positive relationships and opportunities for integration in the community. Staff members should also advocate and work toward assisting the people we support through person-centered planning to achieve the personal outcome goals that they have chosen by facilitating the plans and positive supports necessary to assist the person in progressing toward each outcome.

    + Demonstrates the agency values of integrity, respect, responsibility, trust, teamwork, positive attitude, learning and honesty in working with students (persons), families, colleagues and members of our community.

    + Good attendance is vital for the efficient and effective operation of quality programming and agricultural production and is an essential job function of this position.

     

    This position is EXEMPT from the overtime requirements of the Fair Labor Standard Act.

     

    The Arc Erie County New York retains the right to change this job descriptio n at any time

     

    The Arc Erie County New York is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and strong advocate of workforce diversity. Minority/Female/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Disability/Veteran.

    Job Details

    Job Family Arc Erie

     

    Pay Type Salary

     

    Education Level Bachelor’s Degree

     

    Travel Required Yes

     

    Hiring Min Rate 90,000 USD

     

    Hiring Max Rate 115,000 USD

     


    Apply Now



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