Executive Director

Bayou Land Conservancy is an accredited land trust that preserves land along streams for flood control, clean water, and wildlife. We work with willing landowners to permanently protect over 14,000 acres of Houston's natural habitat. We conserve land along streams for flood control, clean water, and wildlife.

The Role

Setting the strategic tone for the organization, the Executive Director guides a passionate team of expert staff (5 full-time, 2 contract) and dedicated volunteers and directs all programs of BLC. This role reports to the Board of Directors and manages a budget of approximately $800,000.

Key Responsibilities

As the primary spokesperson for BLC, you will champion our mission through a range of critical leadership duties:

Strategic Growth and Advocacy

• Strengthen Our Voice: Provide leadership on public policy issues, including crucial advocacy projects at local, state, and federal levels
• Drive Partnerships: Lead in developing impactful partnerships with stakeholders to advance BLC’s mission.
• Define the Future: Develop, implement, integrate, and evaluate strategies to advance BLC’s Strategic Conservation Plan and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Access Plan

Development and Financial Stewardship

• Fundraising Leadership: Supervise and support development staff to achieve BLC’s annual operating and program budgets, actively assisting in cultivating major donor support from foundations, individuals, and corporations.
• Operational Excellence: Ensure the organization’s core mission support programs (administrative, operational, financial) operate at peak efficiency and are transparent to staff and the Board.

Team Empowerment and Oversight

• Mentorship: Hire, supervise, and provide mentorship and leadership to staff, establishing and maintaining a positive organizational culture.
• Conservation Management: Supervise and support conservation staff with acquisition projects, land management issues, and stewardship programs.
• Community Connections: Supervise and support community engagement staff by ensuring sufficient resources are available for program excellence.
• Compliance: Ensure board and staff compliance with internal policies and guidelines set forth in Land Trust Alliance Standards and Practices.

Job requirements

Who We’re Seeking

The ideal candidate for this pivotal role is a passionate leader with a deep commitment to nature and community. You should be a team builder with a history of successful collaboration in the region. We require strong communication and organizational skills and a preparedness to champion a corporate culture that is inclusive and innovative.

Required Qualifications:

• Demonstrable commitment to BLC’s mission.
• A minimum of five years of successful experience in land conservation or a related field.
• Experience supervising staff and/or volunteers, particularly fundraising or sales teams.
• Experience managing the comprehensive business functions of a dynamic organization.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, negotiation, and social skills.
• Strong leadership skills to coach and mentor employees and board members.
• Knowledge and ability to identify, cultivate, recruit, and maintain relationships with top-level volunteers, donors, and partners.

Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Relevant experience or certifications may demonstrate acquired knowledge.
• Advanced professional certification in conservation finance, non-profit governance, or public policy.
• At least 5 years of experience in management roles.
• Experience with capital campaigns or major fundraising initiatives.
• Proven ability to work effectively with local, state, or federal agencies on collaborative conservation projects.

Compensation & Location

• Salary is $100 - $115,000 per year.
• This is a hybrid role in Spring, Texas.