Executive Director

Executive Director

About North East Trees

North East Trees (NET) is a community-based, non-profit organization that helps heal environmental injustice through urban forestry, nature-based design-build, habitat restoration, and workforce development. NET works in underinvested communities in Los Angeles County – particularly in Northeast, East, and South Los Angeles – to build climate resiliency through stewardship, planting, design, and community engagement.

The work of North East Trees is achieved through the following programs:

Workforce Development

NET employs and trains local community members in entry and mid-level restoration, construction, and urban forestry careers. Crew members build their skills and knowledge in environmental leadership and stewardship, while at the same time transforming their own neighborhoods with tree planting, habitat restoration, and community engagement.

Urban Forestry

NET plants trees in neighborhoods with as little as zero percent tree canopy to increase climate resiliency through creating shade justice, managing stormwater, decreasing energy costs, reducing urban heat, and providing the mental health benefits of urban green space. They provide free shade and fruit trees to residents, along with education and community outreach to help those trees thrive.

Design-build Inspired by Nature

NET is Los Angeles’ longest-established design-build nonprofit. They foster input from local communities to design and build parks and green spaces that restore native habitat, revitalize neighborhoods, improve water quality, and create much-needed public open space in underinvested communities.

Grow and Protect Habitat

NET stewards and restores crucial urban habitats to improve climate resiliency, manage stormwater, reduce wildfire risks, and protect open space in the urban landscape. Native Plant Nursery professionals collect and grow local plant materials from Northeast Los Angeles habitats, creating resilient local plants.

Engage the Community

NET operates a thriving Native Plant Nursery and connects with communities through projects and programming. NET is adept at navigating complex project and funding requirements, using expertise to create transformative opportunities for historically marginalized neighborhoods.

Green Schoolyards

NET transforms schoolyards in underinvested neighborhoods by removing asphalt and adding trees, outdoor learning areas, bioswales, and native planting. These verdant schoolyards support student well-being, improve academic achievement, and expand urban habitat.

Learn more about North East Trees at https://www.northeasttrees.org/ 

The Opportunity

North East Trees is in search of a passionate and purpose-driven Executive Director to lead the organization into its next phase of growth and transformation. With a genuine dedication to environmental justice, this visionary leader will draw upon over three decades of success to pioneer innovative initiatives that empower and uplift underserved communities across Los Angeles County.

Utilizing established networks, partnerships, and resources to address emerging environmental challenges, the Executive Director will be instrumental in guiding the organization’s direction, overseeing all programs and administrative functions. Reporting to the Board of Directors, this role will collaborate with staff, partners, volunteers, and city officials to expand and enhance impact while aligning with NET’s strategic mission and objectives.

Candidate Profile

We recognize that there is a spectrum of lived and professional experience that will set candidates up for success in this role. While no one candidate will have every experience outlined in the position profile, ideal candidates will display the following professional and personal qualities, skills, and characteristics:

Passion for the Mission

The Executive Director will possess a strong dedication to environmental justice and conservation, striving to expand NET’s impact across the Greater Los Angeles community. They will be driven to develop programs and services addressing environmental inequities and to cultivate collaborative partnerships within NET’s communities, including East LA, Northeast LA, South Los Angeles, Compton, and Watts. Knowledge of native plants, landscape design/construction, conservation, restoration, urban greening, and familiarity with the political landscape of Los Angeles regarding parks, recreation, and green spaces will be advantageous. Furthermore, this leader will demonstrate deep insights and unwavering commitment to inclusivity and fairness in advancing nature-based solutions for both ecological and human well-being.

Strategic and Visionary Leader

As a visionary leader, the Executive Director will enhance the organization’s vision, leveraging NET’s history and achievements. They will strategically pursue opportunities to expand impact while remaining adaptable to the evolving needs of the Greater Los Angeles community. Ensuring alignment across operations, finance, and administration, they will establish and execute annual strategic goals to advance NET’s mission. Previous experience in bolstering a Board of Directors is preferred.

Business Acumen and Manager

The Executive Director will serve as a solutions-oriented leader with a deep understanding of organizational efficiency and effectiveness. This entails streamlining processes, implementing best practices, and ensuring alignment of day-to-day operations with the organization’s mission and goals. With demonstrated management proficiency, they will develop, coach, and mentor staff to achieve objectives while promoting a collective sense of purpose. Additionally, the Executive Director will possess expertise in fiscal and budget management, ensuring adherence to fiduciary responsibilities and maintaining sound financial practices and accountability throughout the organization.

Expertise in Fundraising and External Relations

This leader will possess a deep understanding of fundraising strategies, having achieved previous success in securing financial support from diverse sources such as donors, sponsors, grants, and partnerships. They will excel in building and leveraging connections to generate new business and funding opportunities, effectively communicating the value proposition to potential funders, partners, and supporters. Serving as a pivotal spokesperson and ambassador for NET, they will represent the organization to donors, partners, government agencies, and the wider community, nurturing existing relationships while cultivating new ones to broaden NET’s network and influence. Demonstrating a thorough grasp of grant management and reimbursement processes is also crucial.

Excellent Collaborator, Relationship Builder, and Communicator

The Executive Director, characterized by humility, warmth, and approachability, will build trust and strong relationships across all organizational levels through collaborative management. They will embody empathy and inclusivity, possessing high emotional intelligence to create a unified atmosphere. Exceptional communication and listening skills will enable them to articulate complex ideas persuasively, fostering meaningful dialogue and ensuring all voices are heard and valued. With energy, humor, and a deep understanding of NET’s history, impact, growth strategy, and future direction, they will inspire others and rally the community around North East Trees’ mission. Moreover, their strong management skills will ensure efficient operations and strategic decision-making, driving the organization towards its goals with clarity and purpose. Ideally, the new Executive Director will be bilingual with Spanish proficiency.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The salary range for this role is $150,000 – $180,000 with a generous benefits package.