Executive Director

ABOUT FRIENDS OF THE COLUMBIA GORGE:

Since its founding in 1980, Friends of the Columbia Gorge (Friends) has been one of the most influential and effective conservation organizations in the Pacific Northwest. As the only non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to preserving, protecting, and stewarding the Columbia Gorge, Friends protects the Gorge from irresponsible development, purchases scenic and sensitive lands for long-term preservation and works to foster a larger culture of Gorge stewardship by connecting thousands of students and volunteers to the Gorge’s wonders.

Friends of the Columbia Gorge is bolstered by Friends of the Columbia Gorge Land Trust, a 509(a)(3) support organization. With 21 staff and three offices in Portland and Hood River, Oregon, and Washougal, Washington, the organization uses an array of tools (advocacy, lobbying, land acquisition, litigation and public education) to ensure the Columbia Gorge remains a wondrous and vibrant place in perpetuity. The work of the organization is funded primarily by the generous support of our members and donors.

The Columbia Gorge is a one-of-a-kind natural wonder, the only place in the world where a major river system cuts through a major mountain range. The result is a geologic and botanical wonder, hosting the largest concentration of waterfalls in the North America and home to over 800 species of wildflowers, 15 of which exist nowhere else in the world. Eight species of endangered salmon ply its waters and Native peoples play a critical role in governance, stewardship, and sharing Indigenous Traditional Ecological & Cultural Knowledge.

However, the scenic, natural and cultural bounties of the Gorge are under constant threat as the western boundary sits just 18 miles from downtown Portland, Oregon. Threats of urban sprawl, energy development, wildfires and climate change are ever present. In short, the Gorge is a microcosm of the American West bolstered, by the protections of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Act and the fervent support of millions of people.

• Job Location: In-person, hybrid, Portland metro area or Columbia Gorge

Motus Recruiting and Staffing is proud to partner with Friends of the Columbia Gorge in its search for an Executive Director.

OVERVIEW OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ROLE:

The Executive Director oversees the operations, programs, staff, and budgets for Friends of the Columbia Gorge and Friends of the Columbia Gorge Land Trust. This position works closely with the Board of Directors to set organizational strategy, ensure long-term sustainability, and guide the implementation of the organizations’ mission.

The Executive Director is responsible for leading advocacy and land protection initiatives, advancing climate resilience efforts, cultivating and stewarding major donors, and fostering strong relationships with local communities, Indigenous tribes, partner organizations, and regional stakeholders.

Compensation for the Executive Director: $175,000

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR:

Organizational Leadership & Management

• Provide overall leadership for both Friends and Friends Land Trust, ensuring alignment with the organizations’ missions and long-term strategic goals.
• Oversee daily operations, including program management, budgeting, financial oversight, HR, and legal compliance.
• Lead a team of 21 staff members (fully staffed at 24), directly supervising five Directors and one Senior Staff Attorney. 
• Build, mentor and sustain high-performing, diverse, and collaborative staff team, fostering professional development and engagement.
• Partner with the Board of Directors to ensure strong governance, effective decision-making, and strategic alignment across the organization.

Advocacy, Policy, and Legal Oversight

• In collaboration with the Conservation Director, lead conservation advocacy efforts at local, state, and federal levels, including engagement with regulatory agencies, elected officials, and community stakeholders.
• In partnership with staff attorneys and outside counsel, provide leadership and oversight for Friends’ legal program—which enforces the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Act and other laws protecting the Gorge—while supervising litigation and appeals to ensure legal strategies are effective, aligned with organizational goals, and compliant with all regulations.
• Ensures the legal program is integrated into broader organizational priorities, addressing threats such as urban sprawl, energy development, gravel mining, and other activities affecting the Gorge.

Fundraising & Resource Development

• Collaborate with the development team to identify, cultivate, and steward major donors, foundations, and corporate partners.
• Support grant writing and management to secure resources for short- and long-term organizational priorities.
• Promote membership growth and engagement, strengthening public support and awareness of the organizations’ missions.

Community Engagement & Public Representation

• Serve as the organization’s primary spokesperson.
• Engage volunteers, students, and community partners to foster a broader culture of Gorge stewardship.
• Represent Friends at public events, educational programs, and collaborative initiatives.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR:

This is an extensive list, and we highly encourage all who are interested to apply, even if they cannot meet every attribute listed.

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, public policy, nonprofit management, or a related field
• Minimum of 6 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in conservation, environmental advocacy, or nonprofit management. 
• Ability to develop and track organizational budgets, including operating cash flow, restricted, and unrestricted funds.
• Relational leadership approach emphasizing collaboration, empathy, and long-term partnership over transactional engagement.
• Ability to navigate and make progress in a politically and culturally polarized landscape while building trust across differing viewpoints. 
• Proven track record in fundraising, donor relations, and resource development.
• Demonstrated experience with policy advocacy, land protection, environmental law, or related areas.
• Strong skills in team building, organizational management, and board relations.
• Experience leading climate action initiatives.
• Experience fostering partnerships with diverse communities, including rural and Indigenous populations.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and public engagement abilities.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice

Friends of the Columbia Gorge honors the long-standing stewardship of Indigenous peoples and the diverse communities of the Columbia Gorge. We are committed to equity, inclusion, and community engagement as essential to sustaining the Gorge’s ecological, cultural, and recreational value.

Friends is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, age, disability, national origin, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status in accordance with local, state, and federal law.

About Motus Recruiting and Staffing, Inc.

Founded in 2006, Motus is an award-winning recruiting and staffing firm in the Pacific Northwest, specializing in professional services and technology solutions. We are a group of people who not only recognize the importance of representation, but actively fight for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the recruitment process. Our goal is to educate organizations on the importance of DEI when hiring, promoting, and supporting diverse employees. We are calling organizations to demonstrate their commitment to DEI by being intentional about whom they hire.
 
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, disability, or protected veteran status.