The Local First Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to building a local economy that values people, the planet, and prosperity for everyone, fostering community engagement, and celebrating the unique character of La Plata County. Through well-known community events and programs like Noel Night and the Be Local Coupon Book, Local First aims to promote localism and bring people together to appreciate the abundance and diversity of our region.

Executive Director

Type of Role: Part-Time (25–30 hours/week)

Work Environment: Work from Home

Compensation: $30–$40/hour, depending on experience

Start Date: End of September

Position Summary

The Executive Director serves as the strategic and operational leader of Local First Foundation, advancing the organization’s mission through community partnerships, program management, communications, organizational leadership, and individual and corporate fundraising. This is an ideal role for someone who is entrepreneurial, a strong, independent project manager, highly organized, and passionate about building strong local economies.

The Executive Director works closely with the Board of Directors to implement the organization’s strategic priorities while managing day-to-day operations and representing the Foundation throughout the community. T

This position is turnkey ready for a highly motivated individual.

Key Responsibilities

Organizational Leadership

• Implement the Foundation’s strategic plan and annual priorities.
• Support and collaborate with the Board of Directors.
• Develop annual work plans, budgets, and organizational goals.
• Ensure compliance with nonprofit reporting and governance requirements.
• Membership & Business Engagement
• Lead membership recruitment, retention, and renewal efforts to grow and strengthen the Foundation’s network of local businesses.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with current and prospective members, serving as the primary point of contact.
• Develop and implement membership campaigns and outreach strategies that communicate the value of joining Local First Foundation.
• Coordinate member benefits, including participation in the Be Local Coupon Book and other Foundation programs.
• Track membership data, renewals, and engagement, maintaining accurate records and identifying opportunities to increase participation.
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors and community partners to expand membership and foster a vibrant network of locally owned businesses.

Program & Community Engagement

• Lead and coordinate the Foundation’s signature programs, including Membership recruitment and retention, the Be Local Coupon Book and the Noel Night event, and manage the organization’s part-time Healthcare Advisor.
• Build partnerships with local businesses, nonprofits, government agencies, and community organizations.
• Represent the Foundation at the Animas Business Coalition meetings and other economic development meetings, events, and public presentations.
• Identify opportunities that advance the Foundation’s mission and impact.
• Communications & Marketing
• Oversee the Foundation’s website, social media, e-newsletters, and marketing materials.
• Share stories that highlight the Foundation’s impact and engage supporters via a dedicated Durango Herald column, social media, and e-newsletters.
• Maintain consistent branding and public messaging per the Brand Guide
• Financial & Administrative Management
• Work with the Board Treasurer to develop the budget.
• Manage contracts, records, and organizational systems.
• Track program outcomes and prepare reports for a few individual funders and mostly corporate sponsors and the Board.

Fundraising & Development

• Cultivate relationships with 10-20 donors, corporate event sponsors, and community partners.
• Coordinate fundraising campaigns and special events.
• Steward donor relationships and maintain development records.
• Identify grant opportunities and steward a handful of existing grantors

Qualifications

• Experience in project management, economic and community development, and marketing
• Experience in event planning
• Experience in corporate fundraising
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated success building relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and database management skills.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize multiple projects, and adapt to changing needs.
• Passion for supporting local businesses and strengthening community.

Preferred Skills

• Knowledge of the Durango and Southwest Colorado community
• Business or Marketing degree
• A passion for local economic development

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking someone who is collaborative, resourceful, and energized by working with local, independent business leaders and community-building. The ideal candidate enjoys wearing many hats, building meaningful relationships, and finding creative solutions to help Local First Foundation grow its impact.

If you’re excited about supporting local businesses and nonprofits while helping our community thrive, we’d love to hear from you.

How to Apply

Please send your resume and cover letter to info@local-first.org.