CEO

Washington’s National Park Fund (WNPF), the official philanthropic partner to Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks, seeks an experienced, visionary leader to serve as its next CEO.

The CEO will lead WNPF in an exciting phase of growth, strengthening the organization’s fundraising, partnerships, and programs to achieve even greater impact. They will serve as the chief fundraiser, spokesperson, and relationship-builder for WNPF, working closely with park leadership, the Board of Directors, staff, and supporters.

The ideal candidate will bring a deep passion for national parks, a track record of nonprofit leadership and fundraising success, and the ability to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion. They will be a skilled communicator and a collaborative leader with the vision to steer WNPF to new heights.

This is an opportunity for a mission-driven leader to play a pivotal role in preserving and enhancing some of our nation’s most treasured natural spaces, and ensuring they are welcoming and accessible to all.

Read the full announcement here. 

LOCATION: Hybrid remote, from within Western Washington. Our office is located in Seattle, WA.

SALARY: $130,000 – $150,000+, includes a generous benefits package

Applications submitted by June 17 will be given full consideration.  Applications will be reviewed as soon as they are received; initial screening calls are anticipated to begin in mid-June.  Early applications are strongly encouraged.

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW

Mission

Our mission is to raise funds to preserve and enhance the natural beauty, cultural heritage, and recreational opportunities of Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks so that they remain vibrant, thriving ecosystems and cherished destinations for future generations.

Vision

Our vision is for Washington’s national parks to ignite a deep sense of wonder and awe in the hearts of all who experience them.

How We Work

WNPF is the official philanthropic partner serving Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks. Founded in 1993, WNPF is the only philanthropic organization dedicated solely to Washington’s three national parks.

As national parks’ needs grow year over year, the budget given to the National Park Service isn’t keeping pace – and that’s where we come in. Our role is to help fill gaps in funding for programs and projects that enhance visitors’ experiences, provide research dollars, rebuild trails, bring in volunteers, improve accessibility, and welcome visitors of all backgrounds.

We fund projects – selected by the park Superintendents and leadership as the top priorities each year – that fall in four core areas: 1) Science and Research; 2) Volunteerism and Stewardship; 3) Visitors’ Experiences; 4) Embracing Inclusion

WNPF has significantly expanded its contribution to Washington’s three national parks over the years, providing more than $7.5 million in total support over the last decade including a record $1.5 million last year alone. We support dozens of transformative projects every year.  For a list of projects our organization has made possible over the years visit: wnpf.org/funded-projects 

Our Future

Our annual revenue topped $3M in 2023. Under the leadership of our new CEO, we expect this will grow to $4M+ per year as we strive to complete a transformational multi-year fundraising campaign – WNPF’s largest to date – Together for the Parks. This campaign will go beyond funding annual projects to investing in our parks for the long run, to meet both their immediate and longer-term needs. We have already raised 50% of the $20M campaign goal and anticipate achieving our goal by 2026.

WHO WE ARE

Our Team and Organizational Culture

Our work is powered by an 18-member Board of Directors and seven-member staff team made up of active park visitors, volunteers, and advocates who are passionate about our mission and enjoy “getting our boots dirty” to accomplish our goals. We genuinely enjoy spending time together, working collaboratively, and supporting each other.

Our Commitment to Equity 

Washington’s National Park Fund is committed to equity and inclusion of all people, a commitment we share with the National Park Service (NPS) and Washington’s three largest national parks. Alongside our friends at NPS, we aim to ensure that people of all backgrounds feel welcome, comfortable, and able to access the parks as truly, they are for all.

By actively funding projects that give access and opportunities to traditionally underrepresented communities, and by building an organization whose donors and partners represent diverse cultures, backgrounds, and life experiences, we become more fruitful stewards and champions of Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks. These values are paramount to WNPF and help to guide our day-to-day actions. Learn more about our equity journey and our accomplishments here.

Land Acknowledgement

Washington’s National Park Fund acknowledges that the national parks we partner closely with–Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks–are situated on the ancestral lands of many Tribal Nations. We celebrate the first stewards of these lands and seascapes and recognize their continued deep connection to these special places. Their voices are, and will forever be, vital in protecting, preserving, and sharing their homeland and traditions. More information on WNPF can be found on our website: wnpf.org.

OPPORTUNITIES AND ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CEO

WNPF is undergoing an exciting period of transformative growth as we aim to scale our support of the parks to groundbreaking new levels. We are seeking a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead WNPF into this next phase of growth, achieve our $20 million fundraising campaign goal, and continue to build our strong staff team as we execute on our mission and grow our impact in the parks we serve.

In partnership with WNPF’s board and staff, the CEO will develop deep knowledge of core programs, partners, and organizational plans. They will have overall strategic and operational responsibility for WNPF staff, programs, and execution of its fundraising mission.

We expect the new CEO will spend their time on these key responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Overseeing strategic planning to chart WNPF’s trajectory and priorities, ensuring continued organizational growth and financial health
• Fundraising: Leading fundraising efforts, including personally cultivating major donors and securing leadership-level gifts
• Communications and Relationship Building: Serving as the chief spokesperson, relationship builder and representative for WNPF with key stakeholders, representing WNPF at conferences, events, and in park communities
• Organizational Partnerships: Collaborating closely with leadership of Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks
• Board Partnership: Recruiting and stewarding an engaged, diverse Board of Directors
• Staff Leadership: Leading, supporting, and developing a dedicated and close-knit staff team of 7.
• Community Access and Inclusion: Championing initiatives to welcome and engage communities historically underrepresented in the parks

IDEAL CANDIDATE EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

Our next CEO will love Washington’s national parks and be deeply committed to WNPF’s mission. They will have proven leadership, fundraising, relationship, and organizational management experience. 

More specifically, the ideal CEO candidate will bring:

Fundraising and External Relations Experience 

• Significant experience in nonprofit fundraising, especially with major gifts and capital campaigns
• Demonstrated success in developing strategic partnerships and building relationships
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to engage diverse stakeholders

Organizational Management Experience

• Minimum of 5 years experience in a senior nonprofit leadership role, with a track record of leading an organization through growth and change
• Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to inspire and develop a cohesive staff team
• Credibility and experience to engage and partner with the Board of Directors
• A goal-oriented, innovative, and adaptive leadership style
• High emotional intelligence, integrity and a collaborative, positive approach
• Maturity, sound judgment, and grace under pressure

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leadership Skills

• Commitment to embedding diversity, equity and inclusion into the organizational culture and practices
• Able to connect with people of diverse backgrounds and create opportunities for underrepresented communities
• Passionate about building relationships and access for traditionally underrepresented groups

Familiarity and experience working with the National Park System and public lands is a plus.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

This is a full-time, salaried position with an anticipated salary range of $130,000-$150,000+ with a bonus package to be negotiated annually and approved by the Board of Directors.

WNPF headquarters are located in downtown Seattle, Washington, and the CEO is expected to reside in Washington State and effectively manage a hybrid/remote team. Western Washington is preferred for proximity to our downtown Seattle office and three national parks, as our CEO will engage in frequent donor meetings, lead and participate in events, host onsite meetings with staff, travel to locations throughout the park system regularly, and participate in speaking engagements.

WNPF benefits include health and dental plans, a retirement plan, a fully-funded ORCA transit pass, continuing education, and a professional membership reimbursement. In addition to offering a generous PTO policy, WNPF offers “Take it Outside” leave, typically during the first week in July, where staff are encouraged to visit and learn more about Washington’s national parks.