Executive Director

About MendoParks

MendoParks is a non-profit cooperating association of California State Parks, formed in 1984, currently providing visitor center operations and volunteer docents at ten State Parks from Westport to Manchester on the beautiful Mendocino Coast. MendoParks exists to provide educational and programmatic support to State Parks. For more information on MendoParks visit www.mendoparks.org 

The Position 

The Executive Director provides leadership and management of the organization as its face and voice. The ED shares and sustains the mission and values of MendoParks through education, fundraising, event, and program management, and provides oversight of the operations of the organization. Partnering closely with the Board of Directors, the ED plays the leading role to develop, articulate and then implement the strategic direction of the association for the benefit of the community, visitors and California State Parks.

Duties Include:

• Board relations.
• Manage staff & contractors.
• Human resource management and training
• Oversight of policies/procedures
• Organizational development
• Prepare and monitor budget & financials.
• Technology and software management
• Program management from the annual plan including education efforts.
• Manage Visitor Center and retail operations.
• Volunteer and Docent management.
• Fundraising
• Donor stewardship
• MendoParks memberships (individual and business)
• Grants
• Events
• California State Parks Relations – Project Development, Coordination & Communication(s) with California State Parks
• Marketing and Social Media, Outreach and Communications – Community outreach, including participation in events and offering presentations – Fielding questions/feedback from community and visitors – Communicating to partners, identifying potential partners

Location

The Executive Director will work on-site in the beautiful village of Mendocino, California. Regular travel within Mendocino County will be required to the parks and events as part of the daily operations.

Working Hours

Irregular hours including evenings, weekends and on-call work are expected.

Desired Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience (or equivalent) as a nonprofit professional with a background in the management of people and teams including volunteers.
• 2+ years of experience (or equivalent) successfully managing fundraising initiatives or programs.
• Experience working with and or reporting to a Board of Directors
• An initiative-taker with a demonstrated ability in coordinating and supporting members of the Board and volunteers to raise funds and promote the organization in the community.
• Persuasive communication skills
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience using technology to communicate and manage day-to-day organization business. This includes MS Office Suite and Google Workspace. Experience using Network for Good or similar database highly preferred.
• Located or willing to relocate to the Mendocino coast region.
• Knowledge or interest in parks, conservation, or outdoor education a plus but not required.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is an inspirational leader and communicator with a developed level of business, fundraising, marketing, and public relations acumen, who possesses a collaborative, decisive approach to daily operations and the ongoing development of a small non-profit.

Work Environment

This position regularly sits or stands for long periods at a computer; frequently bends, twists, stoops and crouches while working at desk, filing and records handling; constantly uses both hands/arms in reaching, handling, grasping, and keyboarding while using a variety of office equipment; frequently uses a telephone and computer to communicate with coworkers and public; regularly stands to use a variety of office equipment; occasionally lifts and carries items up to 30 pounds; occasionally lifts above shoulder and head; regularly communicates in oral and written form with co-workers and general public, frequently reads and interprets agreements and other documents. Constant sitting in office chair, keyboarding, and visual contact with computer terminal; frequent walking, standing, bending, and reaching; occasional lifting of items weighing less than 30 pounds, carrying boxes of materials from one place to another. A valid driver’s license and vehicle are required.

Full Time Salaried Position 

This is a full-time (40+ hours/week) role with a starting salary range of $65,000 – $70,000. MendoParks offers a benefits package that includes three weeks Paid Time Off (PTO) in the first year, eight paid holidays, and a $5,000 annual health benefits stipend.

Equal Opportunity

MendoParks embraces a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where all employees, board members, and volunteers feel valued and respected, regardless of their gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, education, or physical abilities. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply.