Thank you for your interest in applying for the position of Executive Director of The Permagardens Foundation
Selection Process
To be considered for this contracted position, applicants should submit:
• A Letter of interest describing your reasons for applying for this position and highlighting your most relevant experience, qualifications and motivations
• A Current résumé
The completed materials must reach us on or before Friday, September 4th, 2026, at 5 p.m. PDT. Email applications only. Email it to STRACHANL@AOL.COM, re: “Executive Director Application”.
The Permagardens Foundation will provide email receipt of applications only. Complete applications will be carefully evaluated by The Permagardens Foundation Hiring Committee. We may ask for references later.
Telephone, zoom, and/or in-person interviews with members of the Hiring Committee will be scheduled for those applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the position’s requirements. These interviews may begin as soon as qualified applicants are identified.
All applicants will be notified by email when the position is filled.
Any questions about the position or the application process should be directed to the Board Chair David Albert–davidalbert1717@gmail.com or david@permagardens.earth. You are welcome to call after August 25th – 360 918-3642.
Thank you for considering contracted employment with The Permagardens Foundation, an equal opportunity employer. We look forward to hearing from you!
About The Permagardens Foundation
Founded in 2024, The Permagardens Foundation is a dynamic, rapidly growing, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in San Francisco. Our mission is to promote the rapid adoption of Permagardens, especially in but not limited to, Global South communities, currently in East Africa and India.
Permagardens are a distinctive form of gardening, combining principles of permaculture and bio-intensivegardening, that produce four to five times the vegetables of ordinary gardens year-round, even through drought and dry seasons, without synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or GMO seeds, leading to food sovereignty for familiesand communities. These efforts also result in knowledge-sharing, community-building, women’s empowerment, peacemaking, and other meaningful steps toward community resilience, especially in the face of climate change.
We currently have an 11-member Board, an Honorary Chair who developed the Permagardens method over 18 years in east Africa, a Director of Global Initiatives based in Kenya who leads a Circle of Practitioners in Indiaand Africa, a social media team, a filmmaking team, a fundraising chair, and a group of volunteers. We have a well-developed Theory of Change and are working to expand fairly rapidly.
More information may be found on our website – www.permagardens.earth and on our YouTube channel – https://www.youtube.com/@thepermagardensfoundation/videos
About the Executive Director Position
The Permagardens Foundation Executive Director (ED) will be engaged for an initial one year contract, renewable upon mutual agreement, starting at 20 hours per week. The ED will act as a management and fundraising leader, working collaboratively to ensure we can execute our mission and, ideally, is familiar and comfortable with, even passionate about the communities we serve.
The position oversees the North American office and, with our Director of Global Initiatives, oversees the entire organization, reporting to our Board.
The ED will, in particular, have responsibility for guiding and monitoring staff and volunteers in North America. Beyond that, the ED will also be a key public face of The Permagardens Foundation to our worldwide community and constituency. The position places heavy emphasis on fundraising, management, communications, and administration. It is expected that the ED’s time will be divided as follows: 50% on fundraising, communications, and public relations; 40% on administration; 10% on project and program development. The ED is expected to be based in the Bay Area of San Francisco, California, but other options are open to consideration for the right candidate.
Qualifications
Although notably successful in the field in achieving our mission, we are yet a relatively young organization still feeling our way with cutting-edge goals and programs. We are especially seeking an ED with development and management expertise/experience relevant to our situation.
Personal Qualities
- Demonstrated abilities to multi-task, to self-direct, and to manage multi-faceted projects in ways conducive to full performance and high morale on the part of all involved, including:
- A strong work ethic, with the vision, initiative, and drive required.
- A positive attitude with the clarity of direction and flexibility to handle challenging situations well.
- Strong interpersonal skills including leadership and facilitation together with problem-solving skills that are strategic, analytical, creative, and conducive to high morale.
- General comfort with numbers, and with face-to-face fundraising.
- Communication skills in both writing and speaking that motivate people to action, as well as skills in listening and giving support that generate trust and mutual caring.
Background Experience
• Track record in working with diverse groups, with stakeholders and the public, and with people of all ages, races, ethnicities, gender, sexual orientation, faiths, and traditions.
• Knowledge and experience in fundraising, including e-mail, marketing, social media, events, donor cultivation and management, and grant writing.
Cultural Competency, Skills, and Experience
• Interest in global environmental conditions, agroecology, regenerative gardening, food sovereignty, accessibility and quality, and awareness of how these relate to women’s roles and standing in Global Southregion and cultures.
• Demonstrated capacity to work across diverse cultures and traditions.
Situational Requirements
• A capacity to travel, both domestically and internationally; to work evenings, weekends, and some holidays, when needed, and within fair boundaries.
• Ability and willingness to work in the Bay Area of California and be prepared to relocate if needed.
Some preference in hiring may be given to candidates who also have:
• Managerial experience in:
• Creating and maintaining long-term sustainable funding;
• Leading strategic planning initiatives, including budget development exercises;
• Working broadly in development, human rights, or such topics as food security, soil health, or land reform;
• Working in cross-cultural situations, which includes working with boards, preferably but not necessarily non-profit; and in organizational planning and operations, time and task management, and human resources;
• Working with social media platforms, analytics, and database management, or the ability to work effectively with those who do.
• An advanced degree in environmental sciences, epidemiology, public health, business, global development, or related fields (Experience, together with a working knowledge of the basic principles in such fields, may serve in place of a degree).
• Capacity to speak and write in French and Swahili; other languages (Spanish, Hindi, Arabic) are also useful.
• Familiarity, or some experience, with Quaker testimonies and practices. (NOTE: We are not a religious organization, but the principles under which we operate are consistent with Quaker testimonies and practices.)
• Experience in promoting a healthy work environment.
Additional Information
Start Date: Likely September 15th – 30th , once the position is filled, or to be negotiated.
Compensation: To be negotiated, consistent with the candidate’s skills and experience. It is expected to rise once our fundraising exceeds our current endowment.
