Executive Director

~ The Forest Guild practices and promotes responsible forestry as a means of sustaining the integrity of forest ecosystems and the human communities dependent upon them. ~ 

The Forest Guild is a non-profit membership organization whose mission is to promote ecologically, economically, and socially responsible forestry as a means of sustaining the integrity of forest ecosystems and the human communities dependent upon them.

Position Summary

The Forest Guild is seeking qualified candidates for an immediate position opening for Executive Director. The Guild represents a diverse membership that is committed to long term forest stewardship. The organization requires a leader who shares this commitment and who can inspire members and non-members alike to support and achieve the Guild mission. 

The ED is the chief executive officer of the Forest Guild and reports directly to the Guild's board of directors. This position requires a leader who can communicate the value of forests and forestry in order to inspire both members and non-members to support the organization, its mission and programs. 

The successful candidate will possess the right mix of skills and experience with natural resource management, organizational leadership, and fundraising to facilitate the growth and success of this mission driven organization.   

Responsibilities  

• The ED works closely with board and staff to refine the vision for the Guild, identify strategies to achieve that vision, and coordinates with the staff and membership to implement organization goals in the field.
• The ED ensures that all parts of the Guild are well staffed, managed, and operate effectively.
• The ED leads fundraising activities, including working with foundations, individuals and corporate sources of financial support.
• This position facilitates the development of strategic alliances with a range of stakeholders including public agencies, private landowners, and other non-governmental organizations and serves as an effective spokesperson on forest policy issues of importance to the Guild.
• Nationwide travel for fundraising and program activities is required.

Qualifications / Professional Experience 

Required: 

• Demonstrated commitment to Guild Mission and Principles.
• Significant experience in organizational leadership and management.
• Graduate degree or equivalent professional experience. 

Preferred: 

• Demonstrated professional leadership experience and personal involvement in the field of forest management or another related natural resource discipline.
• An innovative and strategic thinker with the ability and ambition to implement those ideas.
• Experience managing institutional growth and change.
• A track record of providing leadership and effective management of an organization of talented professionals, ideally one with multiple offices or sites.
• A proven track record in fundraising and program development involving: foundations, individual donors, corporate and planned giving, annual and capital campaigns.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a Board of Directors.
• Excellent communication skills and the desire to serve as a passionate spokesperson regarding natural resource issues.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a membership base and integrate feedback to achieve organizational goals.
• A manager who exhibits patience, a sense of humor, excellent judgment, and effective decision-making skills.
• A demonstrated high level of personal and professional integrity. 

Additional Information 

The Guild engages in education, training, policy analysis, research, and advocacy to foster excellence in forest conservation and management. The Forest Guild is a national membership organization of foresters and allied natural resource professionals dedicated to practicing and promoting ecologically-based forestry.

The Guild has a membership of more than 600 individuals who collectively manage over 40 million acres of forest land in the United States and Canada. These members include professional foresters who work for private forestry companies, public natural resource management agencies, and private consulting firms.

In addition to professional foresters, the Guild welcomes members from related disciplines such as wildlife management and public policy. Landowners dedicated to stewardship of their forest lands and students in forestry and natural resource programs are also integral members of the organization.

The Guild's members share a commitment to the organization's mission of promoting forestry that sustains both natural and human communities. Since its founding in 1995, the organization has been based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, while maintaining a national presence through regional staff and volunteers. Currently, the Guild has a regional office in Maine and volunteer coordinators in 13 states representing nearly all major forest regions of the country. 

Compensation: The salary range is commensurate with experience; competitive benefits package including full health coverage and a 403(B) Retirement Plan.

To Apply 

Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to send the following application materials and answers to supplemental questions.

• Cover letter
• Résumé
• References (3)
• Responses to supplemental questions

Supplemental Questions:

• Please provide your vision statement about the value of forests and forest management.
• Explain your philosophy of organizational leadership and management.
• Please reflect upon your experience as an innovator and strategic thinker.

Application Deadline: June 30, 2014

~ The Forest Guild is an equal opportunity employer ~