Executive Director

The Catskill Region is a mosaic of many small and picturesque communities striving to provide a high quality of life for their residents and visitors, and is home to the New York City Watershed, the Catskill Park and Forest Preserve, and landscapes of unmatched scenic beauty so close to New York City. Given the involvement of the City of New York, the State of New York, the federal government, and numerous local jurisdictions strongly committed to their citizens, the Catskills present a national model of the effort to successfully balance the many competing interests.

Position Overview:

Prestigious regional organization with an exceptional 40-year track record seeks chief executive with outstanding leadership, communications, and fundraising skills to take it to the next level. The enthusiastic successful candidate must be prepared to apply entrepreneurial thinking and skilled follow-through to support the organization's innovative conservation/development approach.

Leading this 501c (3) with the challenging dual mission of fostering vibrant communities and healthy ecosystems requires directing and integrating staff activities that include: community planning and development; watershed protection and natural resource policy; land conservation; guarding the unique flora and fauna of this critical area; educating constituencies about the rich history and importance of the Catskill region; and fostering the great tradition of the area's artistic experience and heritage.

Responsibilities: 

To meet these challenges successfully, candidates should possess demonstrated abilities to:

• Provide knowledgeable leadership for the conservation/development mission of the Catskill Center and for its credible articulation to local, regional, state and national constituencies;
• Effectively and efficiently strengthen and manage the financial, human, and information technology resources of The Center in pursuit of its mission and, with support from every program area, increase the size, number and impact of program activities;
• Represent The Center with key political leaders, local governments, government agencies, civic and business organizations, and the press;
• Improve the visibility of The Catskill Center through active outreach to the media, internet resources, participation in conferences and public events, and public speaking;
• With support of the staff, build and broaden the financial base of the organization by attracting the appropriate resources from foundations, regional organizations, government agencies, and individual and corporate donors; and strengthen the membership base of the organization;
• Lead and coordinate a team of talented staff and work closely with the Board and individual directors to maximize their constructive involvement.

The Catskill Center is located in the heart of the Catskill region in the Delaware County hamlet of Arkville, NY.

Compensation: Compensation is competitive, commensurate with experience, and includes a full benefits package. More information about The Center and its programs is available on its web site.

Closing Deadline: December 11, 2009.

To Apply:

Inquiries, nominations and applications should be sent by e-mail.

Sibyl R. Golden & Frank E. Sanchis, Co-Chairs
Search Committee for the Executive Director
The Catskill Center for Conservation and Development
PO Box 504 • Route 28
Arkville, NY 12406