Executive Director

The Friends of Saguaro National Park (FOSNP) seeks an Executive Director to lead the organization into its next stage of growth. FOSNP is a nonprofit organization founded in 1996 to assist the National Park Service with the funding of important special projects within Saguaro National Park.

The members of FOSNP work to protect the environmental integrity of the Park, fund amenities that make the Park more enjoyable for visitors, and develop educational and cultural programs to enrich the understanding of visitors and local students.

Job Description: 

The Executive Director is responsible for day-to-day management of the organization's activities. The ideal candidate possesses a passion for sensitive management and utilization of Park lands and a dedication to the advancement of Park objectives. As the sole employee of the organization, the incumbent will be responsible for a wide range of activities and is charged with developing additional funding sources for the expansion of FOSNP's work. 

Primary responsibilities of the Executive Director include fundraising, marketing and communications activities, development of Board capacity, and service as the liaison to the public and the National Park Service. The Executive Director reports directly to the Board of Directors. Day-to-day oversight of the Executive Director is the responsibility of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors. 

Specific job responsibilities include:

• Cultivate relationships with individual donors, corporate sponsors, and foundations     
• Meet with media, serve as the organization's spokesperson, and develop materials for release to media contacts     
• Work with Board of Directors and Park staff to raise funds for approved projects     
• Develop and implement Fundraising Campaigns with activities and goals     
• Develop and implement an annual PR/Marketing Plan with activities and targets     
• Assist in the recruitment of new Board members and the development of Board capacity

As a highly visible position for the organization, the Executive Director must engage productively with all groups and individuals who interact with the FOSNP. The Executive Director will have extensive contact with Park officials, other conservation organizations, neighborhood associations, and other interested parties, as well as periodic contact with local government officials and politicians. Frequent consultation with the FOSNP Board is essential and encouraged. 

Skills Required:

• Bachelor's degree is required; advanced degree is preferred.     
• Three to four years of work experience in a nonprofit organization is preferred.     
• Professional or volunteer experience in conservation field is desirable.     
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills are required, with particular emphasis on public speaking skills.     
• Proven fundraising experience is required, with demonstrated capacity to generate funding from individual donors, corporate sponsors, and foundations (including grant writing capabilities). The candidate must also have experience in managing fundraising events and direct mail activities. Demonstrated experience in planned giving is a plus.     
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to implement long-range plans.     
• Computer skills are required, with special emphasis on financial software, member database.     
• Demonstrated budgeting skills, with the ability to prepare and manage organizational budgets.

To apply, please send a letter of interest, three references, and resume to:

Friends of Saguaro National Park
P.O. Box 18998
Tucson, AZ 85731-8998

Applications will be accepted until May 5, 2006, or until the position is filled.