Executive Director

~ The Cascade Forest Conservancy (CFC), a nonprofit organization, strives to protect and sustain forests, streams, wildlife, and communities in the heart of the Cascades through conservation, education, and advocacy.  ~

Job Summary 

We are in search of an Executive Director (ED) who is passionate about our mission and will promote the organization through positive leadership. The ED works independently, reporting directly to the Board of Directors. The ED is responsible for overseeing the administration, programs, and strategic plan of the organization. The ED manages staff and ensures consistent achievement of CFC’s mission, program strategy, and annual goals. Fundraising and “friend-raising” are dominant activities of the ED.

• Location: Primary work location is Portland, OR; 1 day/week at satellite office in Vancouver, WA
• Closing Date: Position open until filled; consideration of applicants will begin March 11, 2019
• Type: Full-time Exempt

Responsibilities

Duties include, but are not limited to:

Fundraising (40% of time)

• Independently develops and manages relationships with major donors, growing a network and scheduling regular meetings and asks with donors, and working with Development Manager to provide timely and accurate reports to donors
• Leads CFC’s other fundraising efforts with the Development Manager and Canvass Team Coordinator from memberships, grants, events, and business sponsorships
• Assists Development Manager and program staff in the identification of grant funding opportunities and helps prepare and review applications and reports, making sure they align with CFC’s mission and plans, are submitted on time, and are of high quality
• Is responsible to ensure successful fundraising events, including CFC’s annual banquet

Programming (20% of time)

• Leads or oversees multi-year strategic plan development, implementation, and annual review by coordinating input from the Board, staff, and key partners
• Works with staff to prepare, track, and revise annual workplans to carry out CFC’s mission and strategic plans
• In collaboration with program staff, ensures programs and outreach are aligned with CFC’s mission, plans, and organizational capacity
• Actively supports conservation and science staff members in reviewing program and outreach content and ensuring quality implementation of these programs and projects
• Periodically attends meetings of Pinchot Partners, South Gifford Pinchot Collaborative, and other partners to strengthen CFC’s presence and help coordinate positive solutions to healthy forest and watershed management

Communications and Public Relations (15% of time)

• Conveys CFC’s mission and enhances the visibility and reputation of CFC through our website, Facebook page, newsletters, press releases, and public events
• Works with Board and program staff to assure a constructive working relationship with CFC’s many outside partners, with particular attention paid to the Gifford Pinchot National Forest Supervisors and to members of Pinchot Partners and the South Gifford Pinchot Collaborative
• Represents CFC in public meetings, press events, and conferences, and with public officials, the general public, media contacts, and CFC membership

Finance and Board Support (15% of time)

• Responsible for developing, managing, and growing an organization-wide budget of $600,000 or more
• Maintains an active and accurate monthly cashflow budget; tracks and reports to the Board monthly on program and financial status
• Assists Board Chair with administration of the Board, committees, and workplan
• Helps recruit new Board members with valuable skill sets and the capacity to contribute financially
• Ensures, in collaboration with the Accountant, that CFC’s financial policies and procedures are implemented in accordance to best practices
• Leads coordination for biennial audit in cooperation with Accountant and Treasurer

Human Resources (10% of time)

• Provides organization-wide team leadership while promoting a healthy culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion; encourages proactive collaboration, learning, and high standards
• Directly supervises the Conservation Science Director, Policy Manager, Development Manager, Office Manager, Canvass Team Coordinator, and Accountant, and provides clear expectations of role and responsibilities
• Works with Office Manager to develop and manage the human resources functions of CFC, maintains an updated Staff Handbook and policies and procedures that conform to current laws and regulations
• Conducts performance reviews for all staff and contractors, and participates in the Board of Director’s annual evaluation of the ED

Job Requirements

Experience:

• Proven leadership skills developed through five or more years of senior nonprofit management experience, preferably in natural resources or conservation
• Successful experience supervising a team of conservation professionals, assisting with workplans, and providing regular performance reviews
• Experience running conservation campaigns and science programs with educational and outreach components
• Experience developing and working with a Board of Directors

Desired Qualifications:

• Passion for the mission of CFC
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including ability to communicate professionally and effectively with Forest Service personnel, Tribes, agencies, partner organizations, community representatives from across the political spectrum, donors, staff, volunteers, Board members, elected officials, and the general public
• Excellent financial, analytical, and budget management skills, including budget preparation, analysis, decision-making, and reporting
• Strong organizational abilities including planning, delegating, program development, and task facilitation
• Ability to convey a vision of CFC’s strategic future to staff, Board, volunteers, the community, and donors
• Knowledge of fundraising strategies and donor relations unique to the nonprofit sector
• Excellent listening, written and oral communication skills
• Proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software and the ability to learn SalesForce CRM software
• A valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle to regularly attend activities away from the office (mileage reimbursement provided)
• Willingness and ability to participate in evening and weekend activities, and occasional field work, which may involve navigating difficult, uneven backcountry terrain
• May require occasional lifting of up to 40 pounds

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree with preferred emphasis in Environmental Science, Natural Resources Management, or Public Policy. Master’s degree preferred.

Salary and Benefits

• This position is full-time. Starting salary range is $65,000 to $75,000, commensurate with experience and skills.
• Benefits include medical insurance, matching 401k plan, and generous paid time off.
• In addition, CFC offers a flexible, family-friendly work environment and schedule.

To Apply

• Please click "Apply" below to email us one pdf file that includes a resume and a cover letter explaining your interest in this position and how your skills and experience match the responsibilities and requirements.
• Please put your name and the job title in the subject of the email and in the pdf file.

CFC is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and is an equal opportunity employer.