Executive Director

Olympia Ecosystems is a small 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in Olympia, Washington, with a mission to protect, preserve and restore the diverse ecosystems in and around Olympia, Washington that include the freshwater, shoreline, tidal waters, grasslands and upland forests that are home to the Pacific Great Blue Heron, cutthroat trout, salmon and companion species. In coordination with community members, local agencies, Tribes, and other non-profit groups, we will work to ensure that these ecosystems remain vital in perpetuity. Our vision is of thriving nature and a thriving community in a sustainable urban ecosystem, one that enables Olympia to prosper while caring for the South Puget Sound.

Olympia Ecosystems seeks a passionate and motivated Executive Director to lead the organization as we continue to transition from an all-volunteer organization to a dynamic urban land trust with paid staff and a strong volunteer base rooted in community. The Executive Director is responsible for the strategic, operational, and financial leadership of the organization by maintaining and expanding regional partnerships, strengthening an inclusive organizational culture, and conducting responsible fiscal management and fundraising to ensure opportunities for conservation in perpetuity. 

CORE ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Organization Management and Leadership

• Provides visionary and strategic leadership to carry out the mission and vision of the organization
• Ensures Board and staff compliance with all internal policies and procedures, legal requirements, and financial standards
• Recruits, hires, and supervises staff, utilizing a supportive management style that encourages integrity and accountability
• Assists the Board in setting the organization’s strategic direction through the development and implementation of a strategic plan, fundraising plan, outreach and communications plan, and conservation plan
• Ensures infrastructure and staff are in place to support and carry out annual plans

Financial Management

• Oversees financial planning, budgeting and reporting, ensuring sound fiscal management and accountability, in accordance with applicable laws and our financial controls policy
• Provides overall management of the fiscal operations of OE in cooperation with the Board Treasurer and the Finance Committee

Fundraising and Resource Development

• Develops and executes comprehensive fundraising strategies to ensure the financial sustainability of the organization
• Cultivates and stewards major donor prospects, including individuals, businesses, and private family foundations
• Researches and applies for appropriate grants to further the work of the organization

Board Relations and Governance

• Works collaboratively with the Board of Directors to establish organizational policies and achieve strategic objectives
• Serves as staff liaison to and from the Board of Directors, including preparing materials for meetings, staffing Board committees, assisting with special projects, and communicating key information to staff
• Supports Board recruitment, development, and engagement

Conservation and Restoration

• Ensures that the organization achieves its conservation mission in a highly strategic and focused manner
• Supervises Restoration staff and provides project administration, as necessary
• Builds and nurtures relationships with key conservation stakeholders and agency partners

Community Outreach and Education

• Oversees all communications and outreach efforts
• Establishes and maintains strong, positive working relationships with a wide range of partners and stakeholders
• Represents Olympia Ecosystems to a variety of audiences, including volunteers, members, government agencies and officials, community leaders, and other partners

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum 6-8 years of experience in a relevant field, including 3-5 years in a leadership role
• Successful fundraising and grant writing experience
• Program management experience within a non-profit organization
• Supervisory experience
• Graduate degree in natural resources management, business, or related field
• Experience in or understanding of real estate transactions and land conservation practices relevant to the core programs of the organization
• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with budgets and finances
• Knowledge of conservation and restoration practices
• Able to work independently
• Demonstrated commitment to collaborative conservation and passion for the overall mission of the organization
• Effective oral, written, and listening communication skills and demonstrated public speaking skills
• Proficiency with standard software, including MS Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Adobe products, internet applications, and email
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and justice

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Project administration experience
• Restoration Ecology experience or education
• Familiarity with Pacific Northwest conservation and restoration practices
• Familiarity with applicable real estate development laws and rules, and relevant agencies and organizations in western Washington (city/county/State/Federal)