Executive Director

Overview: Wild Society (wildsociety.org) is a small outdoor education nonprofit based in Kitsap County in Washington State. Our mission is to cultivate wonder and belonging in the natural world. Wild Society runs a variety of programs including Backpacking Camps, Adult & Family trips, and partner programs with other local nonprofits and community organizations. Our community of guides is made up of a variety of ages, professional and personal backgrounds, and skill sets.

Wild Society prioritizes diversity and inclusion. We are an equal opportunity employer and we encourage individuals from all cultures and communities to apply, especially BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, people of color), women, non-cis-gendered people, and other people underrepresented in outdoor organizations. In ecosystems and human societies alike, we know that diversity makes communities stronger. Thank you for considering joining us.

The Executive Director of Wild Society works collaboratively to define Wild Society’s strategic vision to drive the future relevance and sustainability of our small outdoor education nonprofit. Working with our Board of Directors, the executive director in this position safeguards the organization’s mission and ensures long-term financial stability through fundraising and stewardship of resources.

Principal Responsibilities

• Maintain and build relationships with our community: families, donors, participants, partner organizations, staff, volunteers.
• Develop a long-term vision for the organization with the board.
• Handle core administrative duties including basic bookkeeping, insurance, human resources, state and federal taxes and reporting, etc.
• Develop the organizational budget of $200,000+ (with oversight from the Treasurer) and closely manage finances against the budget to ensure operations remain in the black.
• Oversee contract bookkeeper and accountant.
• Develop the board: recruit, orient, support, and collaborate actively with the 5+ members of the Board of Directors.
• Serve as spokesperson, managing marketing and communications for the organization.
• Lead fundraising campaigns and events.
• Research and manage grants.
• Work with community program partners to develop relationships and programs.

• Program planning (itineraries, permits, etc) and logistics oversight.
• Hire and manage 8-12 seasonal staff for summer programs including one full-time program coordinator, two-full time guides, and many part-time guides. Plan and facilitate staff training, support staff in the field.
• Drive the organization to continually center diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Time Spent

• 65% Wild Society administration and development, including working with Board of Directors, insurance and nonprofit management, budget and bookkeeping, grant writing, fundraising, marketing, partnership building, daily communications, etc.
• 35% Program planning and implementation, including staff management, logistics (trip planning and permits, with guide support), volunteer management, registration, parent communications, etc.

Required Qualifications

• Strong sense of personal relationship with the natural world.
• Excellent project management, prioritization, and decision making skills.
• Strong communication skills including writing and public speaking.
• Ability to operate at multiple operational levels—both big picture and details.
• Creative, collaborative, and self-directed mindset. Ability to work alone and delegate.
• Two years experience managing staff and/or volunteers.
• Experience fundraising for nonprofits, including comfort making direct asks for support.
• Experience working with budgets (we hope you love numbers).
• Ability to effectively research and manage grants.
• Commitment to and consideration of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in all organizational decisions and development.

Desired Qualifications

• Grant writing experience, especially for outdoor/environmental education.
• Experience with marketing and content strategy.
• Familiarity with GSuite, CampBrain, WordPress, Mailchimp, Google Ads, social media.
• Knowledge of the Olympic Mountains and Kitsap County.
• Welcoming of people from different backgrounds with a willingness to listen and learn.

Expectations and Commitment

• 30-50 hours per week depending on the season (busier in summer), flexible schedule.
• Some evenings and weekends are required for meetings.
• Must have a personal vehicle and valid driver’s license.
• Access to the internet and computer required, positions are 100% remote except for programs, which take place on public land. Hardware (computer, printer) will be provided as needed for home office setup.
• Willingness to meet monthly (with board, staff, volunteers) or as-needed, both remote and in-person in Kitsap County.

Compensation

$32/hr up to $66,500 annually.

Benefits include:

• $300/month reimbursement of health insurance premiums via QSEHRA.
• Paid sick leave accrued hourly, at 1hr for every 40 hrs worked.
• 10 days paid time off per calendar year.
• 10 paid holidays per calendar year.
• Flexible unpaid time off for personal and vacation days.
• Reimbursement for wilderness first aid and CPR certifications.
• Access to gear, equipment, and trip planning support for outdoor adventures.
• 50% off all Wild Society programs for your partner and/or dependents.