Executive Director

This is a rare chance to lead a well-established, financially stable conservation nonprofit at a pivotal moment. The Sawtooth Society’s mission is to preserve, protect, and enhance the Sawtooth National Recreation Area (SNRA) — through trail stewardship and USFS collaboration, a License Plate Fund Program that has helped direct $1.2 million into 190+ stewardship projects, wild salmon advocacy, and engagement with a growing donor community.

The Executive Director is the public face and principal advocate of the organization — equally comfortable testifying on public lands policy, cultivating major donors, leading a volunteer workday on a mountain trail, and managing a small, dedicated staff.

What You’ll Do:

• Build and steward an annual budget and operating plan, including goals and program/project priorities aligned with the Society’s mission
• With the Director of Operations, manage day-to-day operations within the approved budget to achieve priority goals
• Advance fundraising goals which include building the annual fund, major donor cultivation/solicitation, and managing the annual Sagebrush Soiree event
• Represent the Society with the USFS, state agencies, elected officials, and partner organizations
• Engage media and the public as a credible, passionate voice for the SNRA
• Oversee 4–6 seasonal trail crew staff and stewardship programming
• Work closely with a 24-member Board of Directors and a 7-member Executive Committee, reporting to the Board Chair
• Oversee 4–6 seasonal trail crew staff and stewardship programming

What We’re Looking For:

• Demonstrated leadership in conservation, public lands, or environmental fields
• Experience representing an organization with federal/state agencies, elected officials, and partner organizations
• Track record in fundraising, donor development, and event management
• Solid knowledge of budgeting, financial management, and marketing
• Experience navigating public policy and building coalitions across diverse stakeholders
• Extensive experience leading ongoing strategic planning processes
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and media relations
• Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Bachelor’s degree or higher

The role requires a physical presence in Stanley, Idaho or the Wood River Valley

Why This Role:

• Lead a respected organization with a strong financial foundation and an approaching 30-year track record
• Work in one of the most beautiful places in North America
• Meaningful, lasting impact on a landscape that matters
• Collaborative, mission-aligned Board and staff
• Competitive compensation for a nonprofit of this scale