Horshna Forest School : Administration, Finance, Fundraising and Communication

Horshna forest School is a community of educators and families who initiated a forest school in October, 2019, in the parks and forests of Beirut and its surroundings. We believe that contact with nature provides our children, (ages 2.5 - 6 years), a free and nurturing place for their developmental, physical, emotional and social needs. We meet daily rain or shine, engage in free play, exploration of our environment, storytelling and song, arts and crafts.

We are looking for someone with a strong commitment to alternative education and environmental justice and is looking to be part of a conscious community of children, parents and educators. Someone passionate about collective work and is an initiative taker. The job requires the ability to interact with a diverse parent and educator community, build consensus and work in a cooperative environment. The staff will have the overall responsibility for the project in administrative, financial, fundraising and communication matters and contribute to the growth of Horshna Forest School.

 Overall objective of the position:

In close collaboration with the Director

• Participate in setting a vision to act inclusively and positively impact the Horshna community
• Identify partnerships for development and fundraising
• Ensure Horshna’s financial sustainability
• Ensure and maintain a good governance structure and system
• Follow up on Horshna’s legal status

Roles and Specific tasks:

Administration and logistics:

• Focal point for new potential parents, organize new parent visits with Lead Educator
• Focal point for Forest Location Relations
• In charge of the logistics related to Horshna
• Focal Person and Coordinator of parent committees and general meetings with parents and educators
• Implement Family Care Agreements and other necessary child forms
• Archive Horshna files
• Overview human resources: recruitment process, contracts, insurance
• Follow up on legal matters

Financial Management:

• Develop and follow up on Horshna’s yearly budget
• Supervise the preparation of an end of the year budget summary for the Horshna community
• Follow up on accounting including collection of care fees and payment of salaries and expenses
• Implement payment of supplies / materials needed

Fundraising:

• Identify fundraising needs and develop a fundraising strategy
• Meet with donors, proposal writing, oversee ongoing grants, report to donors as needed

Communication:

• Collaborate with similar initiatives, build a network of community organizations and schools
• Coordinate Horshna brochure, website, Instagram page and other media outreach

CANDIDATES ARE EXPECTED TO FULFILL TWO OR MORE OF THE ROLES CITED ABOVE AS PART-TIMERS.

 Candidates must possess most of the following attributes:

• Self-motivated and self-reflective
• Creative problem solver
• Time management
• Comfortable multi-tasking
• People skills
• Communication and presentation skills
• Teamwork
• Vision building

Candidates are expected to be:

- Fluent in Arabic and English (applies for all roles)

- Collective work (applies for all roles)

- Have one or more of the following skills/experience:

• Experience in administration and financial management/accounting
• Experience in Fundraising/ Proposal Writing/ Communication with potential and existing donors. 
• Experience in communication/ Setting communication strategy/ Social media platform management/ Website content development.
• Knowledge/experience in training and experience in early childhood education or management.