Executive Director

The Fund for People in Parks’ Executive Director provides overall leadership for the operation of  the organization while executing the Advisory Committee’s vision and mission for the  organization. The Fund is a continuously-developing fundraising, grant-making, and project  facilitation organization, focused on enhancing the visitor experience in western National Parks. 

Leadership 

● Provide informed visionary leadership for the organization, including the development and  execution of strategic plans to raise private funds and apply grants and other resources to  projects that accomplish the Fund’s mission 

● Exhibit business acumen, including enhancing the organization’s competitive edge by  understanding the niche in the National Park philanthropic community, securing major gifts,  accomplishing objectives, effectively analyzing complex problems and risks, and engaging the  Advisory Committee in making informed decisions about the direction of the Fund 

● Represent the organization to external partners, including developing and strengthening  productive relationships with National Park Service leaders, primary park partners, donors,  staff, and others critical to the organization’s success 

● Prepare and implement a goal-oriented annual plan and budget with a focus on financial  capacity and long-term security 

● Manage the organization’s resources within its approved budget 

● Oversee the quality of all programs and services 

● Guide project review, selection, grant-making, project facilitation and oversight 
● Set and maintain a high level of professionalism and accountability throughout the Fund,  including a commitment to, and demonstration of, diversity, equity, and inclusion principles 
● Manage and collaborate with a small team of staff to accomplish mission objectives 

Fundraising 

● Lead major gift fundraising activities through a strong development program with assistance  from staff, Advisory Committee members, contractors, donors, and network 
● Expand the organization’s visibility and voice to attract donors 

● Maintain the organization’s focus on enhancing donor satisfaction through personal outreach,  communications, and events 

● Coordinate and manage events designed to increase donor engagement, attract new donors,  and strengthen connections to parks 

Fiscal Sponsor and Advisory Committee Relations 

● Maintain a productive working relationship with the Advisory Committee that includes  regular reporting on progress toward organizational goals and objectives 

● Work closely with the Advisory Committee’s Executive Committee to identify key issues for  the organization, set appropriate agendas for meetings, and plan work according to an annual  calendar 

● Support Advisory Committee recruitment

● Maintain a productive working relationship with the Fund’s fiscal sponsor, Community  Initiatives  

● Experience working in or with the non-profit sector related to public lands 
● Experience developing and presenting compelling case for project support and articulating  funding needs 

● Passion for National Parks and personal commitment to the Fund’s mission 
● Excellent organizational and people management skills 

● High-level partnership and relationship building skills, including the ability to strengthen and  grow relationships with Fund leaders, contractors, National Park Service staff, local park  partners, and other key stakeholders 

● Collaborative team-builder and motivator 

● Ability to anticipate future consequences and trends, and assist the Advisory Committee in  positioning the organization favorably 

● Exceptional oral and written communication skills 

● Dedication to maintaining high standards for quality and professionalism in the Fund 
● Ability to adapt to changing priorities and circumstances with flexibility  
● Ability and discipline to work remotely and manage a remote team 

● Proficiency in cloud-based collaborative software 

● This is a remote work position, with a preference for California due to the location of advisors,  donors, and parks. Work schedule is flexible. 

● Business travel within the western region of the National Parks may be frequent (6-10 trips/yr) 
● Work on weekends, evenings, and long-hour days should be expected on occasion (limited) 
● Expect occasional outdoor and site-related activity, including walking and hiking on and off 

trail in a variety of mountainous, desert, and beach environments, visiting high elevations,  boating, and visits to industrial settings, such as shipyards, warehouses, and foundries. 
● Physical activity requiring moving and positioning objects weighing up to 40 lbs. 

The Fund for People in Parks is a fiscally sponsored project of Community Initiatives. The  position is 30 hours/week, exempt. It will include an annual salary of $75-90,000 and a benefits  package that includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, 401K match, and generous leave  time. 

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Applicants should submit a letter expressing interest and a résumé to  

searchcommittee@peopleinparks.org. Priority review deadline is July 15, 2023. Applications will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.  

Start date is negotiable, ideally between October – December 2023. 

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