Executive Director

Position Title: Executive Director

Location: Remote in the state of Florida

Compensation and Benefits: $90,000-$100,000/year; paid time off; health, vision, & dental insurance; retirement benefits; cell phone & internet stipend

Status: Full Time, Exempt

Start Date: Approximately Feb 15, but flexible based on candidate
Application Deadline: Jan 2, 2026. Early applicants are encouraged!

Position Overview
The Executive Director (ED) of FTA is responsible for the supervision and oversight of the entire organization, staff, volunteers, and programs. The ED will plan, direct, administer and evaluate all components of FTA programs, staff, and partnerships. The ED reports to the Board of Directors and ensures that all FTA activities meet long-term objectives and are consistent with the FTA Strategic Plan and mission statement. The ED is responsible for day-to-day coordination and collaboration with the USFS FNST Administrator, along with state and local government entities and partners to secure cooperation and resources for the FT and the FTA. The ED oversees the financial health of the organization and is responsible for ensuring long-term financial sustainability.

The successful candidate will bring a strong background in non-profit leadership, a dedication to volunteerism, a commitment to public lands stewardship and conservation, and a demonstrated passion for the mission of the Florida Trail Association. 

Who We Are

The Florida Trail Association (FTA) is a nonprofit founded in 1966. Our mission is to build, maintain, protect, and promote the Florida National Scenic Trail (FNST or FT) and a statewide network of hiking trails, along with our primary agency partner, the U.S. Forest Service. As the organization approaches its 60th anniversary, it operates with an annual budget of approximately $1.3 million and a core staff of around 10 full-time employees. These include the Executive Director, Trail Program Director, Development Director, Operations Director, and other program managers and administrative support. FTA also relies on a wide network of 19 volunteer chapters across Florida who carry out much of our volunteer work throughout Florida.

Key Objectives

• Through oversight of the Development Director, ensure the creation and implementation of a strong annual fundraising development plan to promote mission achievement and financial sustainability.
• Through oversight of the Community Engagement Manager and Outreach Manager, work to improve the FTA’s membership recruitment, image marketing, communications, and social media presence with the goal of recruiting and engaging new and younger members.
• Provide leadership, direction and cohesiveness to internal operations. Improve and enhance training and education for staff at the state levels, to include staff development and succession planning.
• Maintain and strengthen strong working relationships and partnerships with the USFS, the State of Florida, other government entities, environmentally compatible partners, and private partners to improve and enhance advocacy efforts on both the state and federal levels.

Position Responsibilities

• The ED will develop, provide, and set a clear vision and action plan for the BOD, staff, and all stakeholders. They will understand, anticipate, and plan for the needs of the organization in both the short and long-term futures. They will target organizational stability, long-term viability, and financial growth and independence going forward.
• Lead and participate with the BOD in developing strategic plans for the organization.
• Serve as a trusted advisor and active participant for BOD members and leadership recruitment.
• Ensure the preparation and implementation of annual financial development plans with targeted fundraising and development activities.
• Ensure FTA compliance with IRS and corporation laws to maintain nonprofit status; oversee the preparation and submission of IRS returns; remain knowledgeable on all laws and regulations related to the operation of a 501(c) (3) organization.
• Manage all human resources activities, staff orientation, and succession planning.
• Represent FTA and the FT at federal, state, and local level meetings.
• Manage and collectively create the annual budget with staff for presentation to the BOD and regularly monitor and report the organization’s financial status.

Position Qualifications

• The ideal candidate will demonstrate a commitment to, and passion for, working with a leading outdoors/conservancy organization. They will share and support the mission, vision, and values of FTA and be willing and able to adapt their personal and professional style to integrate effectively as a key contributor to the ongoing and future success of the organization.
• Ideally, candidates will have 5 to 8 years of experience in organizational leadership, staff supervision, and increasing fiscal responsibility with a nonprofit. However, we welcome applicants with comparable experience in related fields who demonstrate strong leadership, strategic planning, and financial management skills.
• Knowledge of conservation and trail-related issues and an enjoyment of the outdoors.
• Demonstrated success in community engagement at senior levels with the proven ability to impact corporate relationships and effective community partnerships.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline preferred.

Benefits

• $90,000-$100,000 annual salary, relocation assistance for out-of-market candidates
• Paid federal holidays, vacation, and sick leave
• Health, vision, and dental insurance w/85% paid premium
• Retirement benefits in the form of a SEP-IRA with 5% company contribution
• Monthly cell phone and internet stipend

The FTA is an equal employment opportunity employer. We seek a diverse range of candidates and believe that our organization benefits from the perspectives and talents of a diverse staff. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and organizational needs.