Executive Director

~ Grass River Natural Area, Inc. is located in Antrim County, MI.  in Antrim County, MI. It's a special place and one of Michigan's premier nature preserves. ~

Founded in 1969, GRNA was established by the community for the community. Located along Antrim County's Chain of Lakes, Grass River Natural Area's wetlands act as a filter for millions of gallons of water flowing into East Grand Traverse Bay and Lake Michigan. Seven miles of trails and boardwalk take visitors through cedar swamp, sedge meadow, and upland forest. 

The Grass River Center offers a comfortable and beautiful learning space for all visitors including school groups, day campers, and the general public. In fact we offer 100+ public programs annually! GRNA, Inc. is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization responsible for financing, preserving, and managing the 1492 acre Grass River Natural Area for public use by the people of Antrim County and its visitors.

Mission Statement: To manage the Grass River Natural Area, conserve and protect its watershed and provide opportunities that increase knowledge, appreciation and community-wide stewardship of the natural environment.

Note: Check out our website for additional information regarding GRNA.

Overview of Position

GRNA seeks a dynamic, creative person to work with the Grass River board, staff, and community to forward its mission.

The Executive Director is the chief administrative officer of GRNA, The executive director reports to the GRNA board of directors. Total compensation is negotiable, and will be based on qualifications and experience.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide vision and collaborate with the GRNA Board of Directors to develop long-term organizational strategies.
• Provide leadership and supervision for GRNA operations and programs.
• Develop and implement fund development strategies, including a major capital campaign.
• Work with the board, Antrim County, staff, and other stakeholders to plan natural resource protection strategies.
• Provide leadership to ensure positive communication with all GRNA stakeholders including volunteers, donors, foundations and local units of government.
• Act as chief advocate and spokesperson in the community and with local media.
• Prepare grant requests, annual reports, media packets, and press releases.

Candidate Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Experience in environmental nonprofit management preferred.
• Experience with fund development, including a major capital campaign, preferred.
• Desktop publishing skills and knowledge of marketing a plus.
• Knowledge of donor development and accounting software such as Salesforce and QuickBooks preferred.

To Apply

Please click "Apply" below to email the following information by March 28, 2018.

• Resume (PDF format preferred)
• Contact information for 3 professional references, which should be included in your resume.

Your email should address:

• Why are you interested in this position, and what strengths and qualifications would you bring to it?
• Describe your experience working with private and public funding sources. Give an example of your role in obtaining a successful grant or major gift.
• Discuss your experience with Salesforce and QuickBooks or similar software.
• Please mention how you learned of this opening.

Note: If you have questions, please contact the Search Committee at grassriversearch@gmail.com.

~ Grass River Natural Area, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer ~