President & CEO

~ The Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy (the Conservancy) is the nonprofit organization that supports the Golden Gate National Parks- one of the most visited national parks in the nation. The Conservancy is dedicated to protecting and transforming these parks, making them relevant and accessible for all communities and instilling a sense of stewardship in this and future generations to ensure their vitality forever. ~

Today, the Conservancy generates over $60 million in earned and contributed revenue, with 60% of annual funding coming from steady and durable earned income. More than 350 dedicated employees support the Conservancy's mission, with more than half of the staff directly serving park visitors. Stretched across 80,000 acres north and south of the Golden Gate Bridge covering Marin, San Francisco and San Mateo counties (see Appendix A), the Golden Gate National Parks (including the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Muir Woods National Monument, and Fort Point Historic Site) constitutes one of the world's largest national parks in an urban setting.

Position Overview

Golden Gate National Park Conservancy seeks a dynamic, visionary and collaborative leader for the position of President & CEO.

The Role

The Conservancy's new leader will be passionate about making the parks welcoming, inclusive, available, and relevant to all communities to further the Conservancy's “Parks For All” vision. Reporting to and working with the Board of Trustees, the president & CEO has responsibility and is accountable for the strategic, programmatic, financial and operational management of the Conservancy.

• The president & CEO is the Conservancy's most public advocate and will foster strong relationships with the organization's partner agencies, including the National Park Service, the Presidio Trust, and the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District, among others. Deep and longstanding collaboration with its partners is fundamental to the Conservancy's success, and the president & CEO will maintain the trust, relationships, and working agreements necessary for this collective impact.
• The president & CEO will also build and maintain strong relationships with local, state and federal officials, community organizations, civic leaders and the many visitors who enjoy the Golden Gate National Parks.
• The president & CEO has oversight for the operations of a complex organization with multiple functional responsibilities, including management and development of revenue-generating activities, education and community engagement programs, and the stewardship of parklands and historic landmarks.
• The president & CEO supervises the activities of a senior management team and manages a total work force of approximately 350 employees in professional, administrative, technical, visitor service and trades occupations.

Candidate Profile

The next president & CEO of the Conservancy will be a skilled and inspiring leader and collaborator with the stature and the credibility to lead an iconic and highly visible institution. S/he will have the leadership and managerial experience to thoughtfully run a large, complex, multi-stakeholder organization.

• The next leader will have experience working closely with and empowering a board, staff and other constituents to achieve ambitious goals in a fiscally responsible manner.
• The successful candidate will be comfortable with ambiguity, flexible yet decisive, and will be able to build consensus and drive decision making in all directions, including navigating adeptly among competing interests in a matrixed partnership environment.
• The successful candidate must exhibit a deep commitment to the mission of the Conservancy and a passion for making a significant and lasting impact for the Golden Gate National Parks.
• A passion and vision for inclusivity and reaching a more diverse audience related to achieving the “For All” mission of the Conservancy is essential to this role.
• In terms of the performance and personal competencies required for the position, we would highlight the following: passion for parks and shared commitment to parks for all; collaboration and communication skills; management of a complex organization; and strategy, innovation and vision.

To Apply

Russell Reynolds Associates has been exclusively retained for this search and prospective candidates are invited to contact Russell Reynolds Associates directly.  All inquiries and discussions will be considered strictly confidential.

Please click "Apply" below to email:

Laurie Nash
Russell Reynolds Associates
101 California Street, Suite 4200
San Francisco, CA 94111-5829