About Brooklyn Grange

Brooklyn Grange, founded in 2010, is a leading rooftop farming and intensive green roofing business in the US, operating the world’s largest rooftop soil farms on almost 5 acres, located in New York City. Brooklyn Grange’s purpose is to restore the connection between people and the natural world, fostering more livable and climate-adapted cities.

All three of Brooklyn Grange’s departments—Design, Build, and Maintenance; Programming and Events; and the Farm—promote sustainable urban living by building green spaces, hosting public programming and celebratory events, and creating more equitable access to locally grown produce in New York communities.

Key programs include designing, installing, and maintaining green roofs, rooftop farms, green walls and gardens; producing events; and farming on Brooklyn Grange’s own rooftop farms in Brooklyn, NY. 

For further information, please visit www.brooklyngrangefarm.com.

The Position

Brooklyn Grange is seeking an entrepreneurial, experienced, hands-on, inspirational, growth-focused, and metrics-driven Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead, grow, and integrate Brooklyn Grange’s business operations and staff: Brooklyn Grange’s mission is to create more livable, climate-adapted cities; design, build, and maintain more green spaces; host more educational and celebratory events; and provide New Yorkers more equitable access to locally grown produce.

The CEO will advance Brooklyn Grange’s mission through organizational success as measured by revenue growth, increasing profitability, and profit margins; client and partnership expansion and retention; increased staff capacity and success; and community impact.

As CEO you will have an outstanding and proven track record in delivering sustained growth in customer-focused organizations, in business development, and in building effective partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders specifically in the design, installation, and maintenance of urban spaces. You will be confident and effective as the internal and external voice of the company, comfortable and successful in developing and pitching business proposals, experienced in building and maintaining a strong network, and bring a successful track record in securing and sustaining new and existing clients and partnerships to advance The growth and success of Brooklyn Grange.

A career which includes experience in hospitality management, farming, and food access is a plus.

The CEO has 4-5 direct reports and will report to the Board of Directors. This position is located primarily in the Brooklyn Navy Yard in New York City, with regular travel to Brooklyn Grange’s other sites and clients.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all departments to achieve revenue and margin growth, profitability and impact goals
• Develop a multi-year strategic business plan that integrates Brooklyn Grange’s mission into multiple lines of business–Design, Build, Maintenance of urban landscapes; Programming and Events; and the Farm–and gain alignment for it across the Board of Directors
• Lead the development and implementation of the new business strategy for the different lines of business
• Lead and engage the leadership team in the development of staff capacity to implement the growth plan
• Review and improve operating efficiencies by revising and tracking standardized organization-wide operating policies, processes, procedures, and organization controls and systems. This includes, but is not limited to, prioritization, operational and financial reports, financial management systems, staff accountability, and metrics
• Establish, effectively communicate, and monitor specific and measurable individual and departmental performance metrics
• In partnership with the leadership team, lead the operational teams in regular, effective meetings that track each department and individual leadership towards its monthly, quarterly, annual, and long-term goals
• Regularly evaluate capabilities of staff to ensure that resources and development tools are enhancing performance at all levels
• Foster a sense of partnership between all departments
• Represent Brooklyn Grange at networking events, industry conferences, in the press and media, and in the community, being adept at highlighting the different value propositions of Brooklyn Grange
• Manage landlord relationships, negotiations, and operations for all locations
• In partnership with the Director of Finance, prepare monthly reports and analysis to inform the Board of Directors and to seek approvals when appropriate
• Lead the integration and on-boarding of key new hires

Qualifications

• 10-12 years in supervisory leadership position with 6-8 years in executive roles
• P&L responsibilities of $4+ million and delivering annual budgets
• 7+ years of experience in new business development and financial growth
• Bachelor’s Degree. Higher education in Business, Landscape Architecture, Finance or related field is a plus
• Significant experience in all phases of construction and project management, including financing projects through public and private sources
• Outstanding track record in hiring, developing, and retaining staff
• Experience in designing and integrating equity and inclusion in organizational culture
• A decision-maker who combines analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgment with a focus on learning, sharing knowledge with others, evaluating, and achieving objectives across functions
• Excellent financial acumen, prioritization, and budgeting skills
• Results-oriented mindset with the ability to find the right balance between operational pressures, organizational mission and focus, and priorities of various stakeholders
• A career in multiple industries; quickly able to learn the details of new industries
• Experience in managing diverse lines of business
• Excellent communications and interpersonal skills, achieving a balance between empathy and decisiveness
• Data-based decision maker, proactive, engaging, and thoughtful
• Strong ability to absorb new information quickly and translate key points into positive outcomes
• Outstanding project management capabilities
• Strong team leadership skills, including personal development, coaching, mentoring, performance management, and employee engagement management; ability to inspire and motivate others; commitment to strengthening the capabilities of the different teams
• Proficiency with MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, Access), Google Docs, and CRM software
• Outcome focused; able to understand current and changing organizational requirements and provide effective solutions
• Committed to Brooklyn Grange’s mission to foster sustainable urban living by building green spaces, hosting educational and celebratory events, and widening access to locally grown produce in New York City
• A leader people want to work for

What We Offer

• Opportunity to design and shape the strategic direction of the company and grow Brooklyn Grange’s leadership in the sustainable and green economy
• Opportunity to lead and grow three distinct and integrated departments
• Anticipated annual salary range $150-$215K, commensurate with experience
• Potential bonus and equity options
• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision insurance; generous paid time off policy and paid holidays; and life insurance and retirement plan
• A well-established and beloved brand
• Passionate staff

If you want to make a difference in the growth and success of an outstanding organization with a great mission and if this position speaks to your capabilities, experience and commitment, please submit your resume and cover letter with salary requirements with Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in the subject line to jobs@kkandp.com.

Qualified candidates will be contacted by phone and/or email. Brooklyn Grange conducts reference checks and background checks for finalists.

Nation-wide statistics show that women and people from underrepresented groups often apply to jobs only if they think they meet 100% of the qualifications. If you meet many, but not all, of the qualifications and feel you may be a good fit for this position, Brooklyn Grange encourages you to apply.

Brooklyn Grange team members enjoy working in a collaborative environment, supporting a diverse and multicultural team. Brooklyn Grange is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, age, color, disability, gender, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any classification protected by federal, state, or local law.