President and Chief Executive Officer

About The Kalamazoo Nature Center
The Kalamazoo Nature Center (KNC) is a not-for-profit organization
whose mission is to create relationships and experiences that
welcome and inspire people to discover, enjoy, value, and care for
nature. KNC envisions a resilient community where all people have
strong interconnections with the natural world. Founded 64 years
ago, it is recognized by its peers as one of the top nature centers
in the country. KNC is located on 1,100 acres of wooded, rolling
countryside and includes over 15 miles of hiking trails winding
through some of the most magnificent habitats in Michigan. It also
includes the Heronwood Field Station, Nature’s Way Preschool,
Nature Center Camp, DeLano Homestead and Farms, the Urban Nature
Park, and the Stryker Nature Preserve.

The Kalamazoo Nature Center’s team consists of ~40 full-time, ~20
part-time, and ~60 seasonal employees and includes the following
departments and programs:

The Conservation Stewardship Department leads KNC’s
scientific and land management activities. Specialties include bird
banding, community science, conservation work for endangered
species, and managing wildlife habitats. The Conservation
Stewardship Department is comprised of several teams and
departments dedicated to advancing our understanding and protection
of the environment. These include:

• The Ecological Services Team: The team works with
  private and public landowners on surveys, planting, treatments, or
  monitoring to find more sustainable solutions for their land
  management needs.
• KNC’s Research Team: Partnering with local, national,
  and international organizations, this team conducts scientific
  research that supports the restoration and conservation of native
  habitats and species. Their projects range from short-term actions
  that address critical conservation needs to multi-decade population
  studies. KNC’s research program aims to deepen the collective
  understanding of Michigan’s natural communities and provide
  information to guide the activities of land managers, policymakers,
  and others who care for nature.
• Community Science Team/Program: The team comprises
  professional scientists andanymember of the general public
  interested in collaborating to protect our environment. Through
  volunteering as a Community Scientist, people of all ages,
  experience levels, and interests work to help gather data about
  nature.
• KNC Land Management Teams: Funded by grants and private
  donors, these teams protect, conserve, and restore our ecological
  heritage through a variety of sustainable land management
  practices.

  The Learning + Engagement Department provides schools,
  community groups, and organizations with one-of-a-kind experiences
  and educational programs. The department encompasses several key
  programs and facilities:

• Nature’s Way Preschool: Established in 1982, the
  Nature’s Way Preschool has been connecting young children and
  families with nature. Initially housed in a one-room log cabin,
  Nature’s Way Preschool is one of the longest-running environmental
  preschool programs in the nation. In 2011, the Kalamazoo Nature
  Center built a new facility, expanding the enrollment to 128
  students. Students enjoy daily hikes on 30 wooded acres, including
  a beautiful wetland area along the west fork of Portage
  Creek.
• Heronwood Field Station: A 5,000-square-foot ecological
  field station on over 60 acres in Alamo. Heronwood is home to
  several projects and programs, including high school Conservation
  Biology courses.
• Fair Food Matters Program (FFM): Provides food and garden-based
  education to connect, educate, and empower youth experiencing
  systematic oppression through food and garden-based hands-on
  learning experiences. Over 300 students are involved in learning
  activities in the garden each year.
• KNC Camp Program: A camp program that strives to provide
  safe experiences that allow all children to grow into active and
  respectful community members through exploration of the natural
  world.
• DeLano Farms: A working, educational farm whose initial
  purpose is to serve as a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)
  model for the community. CSA is a farming model based on a mutually
  beneficial relationship between farmers and eaters
  (members).
• The Exhibits Team is responsible for presenting
  self-curated and traveling exhibits as well as for the daily care
  and upkeep of all indoor and outdoor interpretive exhibits.

  The Development Department leads fundraising efforts for KNC and
  oversees memberships and grants. The department works with donors
  and funders to develop relationships and cultivate major gifts, as
  well as submit grant proposals to foundations for funding. They
  also engage with members at key KNC and community events.

  The Marketing/Communications Department creates ongoing awareness
  of the Kalamazoo Nature Center and its value to the community. KNC
  maintains a robust website and digital presence, along with
  targeted print materials for fundraising and membership
  retention.

  The Finance and Administration Department manages several key
  teams, programs, and facilities:

• Finance provides planning and financial oversight for
  the stability and growth of the organization.
• The Facilities Management Team provides upkeep of KNC’s
  many onsite and offsite properties, including the iconic Visitor
  Center, and maintains KNC’s 15-mile trail system and vehicle
  fleet.
• The Visitor Services Team are the frontline ambassadors,
  highly trained to welcome visitors and answer all of their
  questions, ensuring they have the best possible
  experience.
• Trailhead Gifts + Books Shop enhances the experience of
  the individual/family visit by providing a souvenir or educational
  item, creating a lasting connection.
• Facilities Rentals + Event Planning Team provides
  increased visibility of KNC and event planning and
  coordination.
• The Volunteer Team is critical to the operation of the
  organization to maximize resources and provide KNC with a broad
  range of people and experiences to draw upon as needed. In turn,
  KNC seeks to provide meaningful educational experiences for its
  volunteers.
• The Human Resources Team manages employee relations,
  policy updates, benefits, recruiting, and onboarding.

  The Kalamazoo Nature Center holds responsibility for over 1,500
  acres of land. These properties embody a history of deep historical
  injustices that have produced inequity in access to nature that
  continues today. KNC occupies the traditional, ancestral, and
  contemporary lands of the first peoples, the Anishinaabek. Also
  known as the Council of the Three Fires, the Odawa, Ojibwe, and
  Bodewadmi people ceded land in the 1821 Treaty of Chicago and lost
  lands through forced removal in 1833. Additionally, they
  acknowledge the complex racial inequity contributing to steep
  disparities in land access and ownership for Black, Indigenous, and
  people of color communities. This gives weight to KNC’s charge to
  their community. They are committed to becoming an organization led
  by and in service to all of their community and to honoring their
  complex history in all they do. KNC is committed to healing these
  relationships between people and land in their work.

  Opportunity
  Over its 64-year history, the Kalamazoo Nature Center has been led
  by three President + CEOs. The opportunity now available for the
  fourth President + CEO to foster significant foundational growth
  for this well-resourced organization is tremendous.

  KNC is one of the largest nationally recognized nature centers in
  the country and a strong organization with a strategic plan and a
  talented, dedicated, mission-driven staff and volunteers. They have
  a large endowment, brand recognition, and public support.

  Position Summary
  The Kalamazoo Nature Center seeks a President + Chief Executive
  Officer to lead the organization. The President + CEO is
  responsible for all financial, operational, administrative, and
  legal/compliance aspects of organizational management, including
  but not limited to public relations, financial management,
  fundraising, organizational development, and staffing. This
  executive leader liaises with and coordinates the contributions of
  diverse groups of trustees, donors, staff, volunteers, and
  community groups. The President + CEO works under authority granted
  by the Board of Trustees and will have the full support of this
  active and engaged Board.

  KNC’s ideal President+ CEO is a decisive, charismatic,
  mission-driven executive leader, a proven fundraiser, and a
  seasoned people manager. They are inspiring, authentic, and
  diplomatic; financially and operationally savvy; experienced in
  managing and overseeing complex programs, including those funded by
  grants.

  They possess a well-developed executive presence and an ability to
  externally represent KNC confidently, skillfully, and
  strategically, elevating the organization’s profile throughout its
  various communities of current and prospective funders, clients,
  and partner organizations.

  They have the humility and curiosity first to observe and learn the
  vastness of its programs and services, recognizing the strength and
  effectiveness of the professionals leading those various
  departments and programs. They are resilient in the face of
  challenges, ambiguity, and adversity; they are adaptable and
  decisive.

  The next President + CEO is a systemic thinker and problem-solver
  who exercises irreproachable integrity and judgment when addressing
  organization-level challenges and opportunities. They are a
  transformative thinker, a compelling, long-term visionary who
  inspires, motivates, and empowers those in their charge.

  Essential Job Functions
  The Kalamazoo Nature Center is a dynamic organization responsive to
  the needs of the communities it serves. The duties and
  responsibilities of the President + CEO are likewise dynamic and
  may change from time to time as business requires and as directed
  by the Board of Trustees. The President + CEO’s essential duties
  and responsibilities include but are not limited to those
  identified below.

  Strategic Leadership + Organizational Development

• Work in partnership with the Board, Executive Team, and staff
  to provide strategic direction, insight, and pragmatic vision to
  achieve desired outcomes and mission growth
• Serve as the board liaison, particularly for interdepartmental
  strategic initiatives, including Indigenous Peoples/cultural land
  stewardship, Urban Nature Park, Stryker Nature Preserve, climate
  action plan, and facilities management
• Guide the development, prioritization, implementation, and
  tracking of the overall organizational strategy, goals, and outcome
  metrics
• Ensure that the mission and core values of KNC are centered in
  the work
• Lead staff in the planning, development, implementation,
  evaluation, and evolution of programs that align with KNC’s
  strategic vision and values and ensure impact
• Ensure the organization has the resources, technologies,
  operations, and policies in place to work efficiently and meet the
  highest standards for financial controls, HR policies, fund
  development, legal, and federal and state compliance
• Advance and enhance KNC’s organizational profile by cultivating
  strategic organizational partnerships and networks

  Financial Oversight, Organizational Management, +
  Administration

• Manage operations and personnel, including hiring and
  organization restructuring/staff role changes; oversight of
  contracts, grants, land leases, legal consultation, and federal and
  state permits; and general administrative tasks
• Propose, obtain approval of, and implement KNC’s annual budget
  in cooperation with the Board of Trustees, addressing current
  operating budget issues
• Ensure robust financial management of the organization, making
  appropriate decisions on strategic priorities and providing general
  financial oversight
• Ensure all operational activities are consistent with KNC’s
  annual budget
• Oversee activities of outsourced firms and vendors
• Ensure the evaluation, maintenance, and upgrades (as needed) of
  IT infrastructure and systems, including the donor database

  Program Development + Delivery

• Develop programs to fulfill KNC’s mission, ensuring contractual
  compliance for all KNC programs and initiatives
• Provide a current perspective on funding models that will build
  the capacity of the successful programs
• Establish a balanced approach to addressing educational needs
  and financial sustainability
• Maintain ultimate oversight of all KNC’s programs and
  initiatives

  Fundraising

• Ultimately responsible to the Board of Trustees for oversight
  and execution of fundraising operations adequate to support KNC’s
  mission and to fulfill annual, short-, and long-term budget
  requirements
• Provide leadership in developing and implementing a fundraising
  strategy, including individual, foundation, and corporate major
  giving, planned giving, and grants
• In partnership with the Director of Development, implement a
  sustainable fundraising strategy that ensures KNC has the financial
  resources necessary to implement and grow its work
• In coordination with the Board, evaluate the feasibility of a
  capital or major Campaign
• In partnership with the Director of Development and Grant
  Manager, identify appropriate grant opportunities
• Develop and cultivate deep and meaningful relationships with
  key KNC supporters and financial donors

  External Relations + Communications

• Be a passionate thought leader in the community and
  spokesperson for KNC, clearly and fervently communicating and
  advocating for its mission
• Cultivate strong relationships at the state and local levels;
  among peers and partner organizations; among donors, grant-makers,
  and government entities; with the media; and with the community at
  large
• Develop strategic partnerships and alliances that broaden KNC’s
  reach and effectiveness
• Act as the face and voice of KNC, including in media and among
  financial supporters
• Bear ultimate responsibility to the Board of Trustees for
  executing a public relations and communications plan to support
  KNC’s programs, mission, and vision in accordance with the
  organization’s strategic plans

  Team Development + Personnel Management

• Create a strong, inclusive, and supportive internal culture
  that engages, inspires, develops, and retains a diverse community
  of staff, volunteers, consultants, and community
  partners
• Lead the Executive Team in interdepartmental decision-making
  processes, major program changes and restructuring, capital
  planning, and expenditures
• Act as an effective leader, listener, delegator, and
  decision-maker for collaborative, team-wide projects, tasks, and
  meetings, ensuring that they are handled efficiently, inclusively,
  and respectfully
• Develop future leadership within the organization by ensuring
  staff receive the professional development, growth opportunities,
  and support needed to succeed
• In collaboration with the Board, lead the organization in a
  major priority of developing a compensation study and
  plan
• Ensure that onboarding, recruitment, retention, development,
  and staff management are professional, positive, and
  productive
• Lead the organization’s hiring strategy to ensure KNC has the
  right competencies and an inclusive and equitable process

  Board Relations + Communications

• Support the Board in executing its governance responsibilities
  by keeping them fully informed of and advised about relevant issues
  through ongoing communication
• Partner with the Board Chair and Executive Committee to
  continuously improve the experience, knowledge, and capabilities of
  the Board of Trustees to ensure organizational success
• Assist the Board Chair in planning Board meetings, agendas, and
  material

  Qualifications
  With the understanding that no one person will offer every desired
  skill and characteristic outlined below, compelling candidates will
  offer much of the following:

  Education + Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree is required; master’s or Ph.D. in
  environmental sciences, conservation, or other aligned fields
  preferred
• Five or more years of nonprofit executive management experience
  with proven leadership and strategic planning abilities and ten
  years of professional work experience
• Preference for experience and passion in the following areas:
  ecology, natural resources, environmental education, stewardship,
  justice, advocacy, and access
• The capability to envision and chart meaningful organizational
  growth while maintaining a strong, sustainable
  foundation
• Experience managing multiple lines of services and
  programs
• A demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
  efforts and a strong understanding of the integration of EID
  considerations into all aspects of a social purpose organization’s
  work.
• Knowledge and practice of professional principles/ethics (e.g.,
  client and staff confidentiality, board/staff interrelations,
  nonprofit, tax-exempt agency operations)
• Proven development strategy and fundraising experience with the
  ability to cultivate authentic, meaningful relationships with major
  constituencies

  Skills + Competencies

• Proven experience in financial management with an organization
  of comparable size and complexity; exceptional skills in budgeting,
  cash flow management, and financial analysis
• Exceptional interpersonal and management skills working with
  staff and volunteers to build teams, manage effectively, and
  motivate them toward success
• Proven project management experience
• Experience developing and implementing a fundraising
  strategy/plan, with proven skill in fund development through
  various methods, including corporate and institutions, individual
  and major gifts, planned giving, grants, and event
  management
• Exceptional ability to cultivate and maintain effective
  relationships with diverse stakeholders, such as donors, community
  organizations, local and state officials, and board and community
  members
• Proven success in developing and supporting an organizational,
  professional development program
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, including
  the ability to present and speak publicly on relevant
  issues
• Demonstrated experience in leveraging, managing, and
  collaborating with a nonprofit Board of Trustees
• Comfort with technology; ability to enhance systems and work
  with a variety of software and online applications

  Attributes of Success

• Inspiring, confident, calm, decisive, and pragmatic leader who
  builds trust
• Deep commitment to the Kalamazoo Nature Center’s mission and
  vision
• Passion for issues related to the environment
• Empathy, compassion, fortitude, and resilience
• Personal embracement of all identities represented throughout
  KNC’s communities
• Creativity and flexibility in establishing and aligning
  strategic goals with organizational capacity
• Decisive, yet diplomatic, and inclined to employ process,
  collaboration, and teamwork to achieve results
• Ability to listen, motivate, inspire, and empower others, as
  well as to appropriately delegate to achieve efficiency and
  effectiveness
• Entrepreneurial energy with proven business acumen and affinity
  for the mission
• Solution-oriented approach with exceptional organizational
  skills
• Roll-up-your-sleeves mentality; willingness and desire to be in
  the trenches working alongside staff and community volunteers as
  necessary

  Reporting Relationships
  The President + CEO reports to the organization’s volunteer Board
  of Trustees, represented by the Board Chairperson, and has the
  following direct supervisory responsibilities:

• Director of Marketing + Development
• Vice President Conservation Stewardship
• Vice President Development
• Vice President Finance + Administration
• Vice President Learning + Engagement
• Executive Assistant

  Location
  This position is located in Kalamazoo, MI, and requires the
  successful candidate to reside in or relocate to the area.
  Relocation assistance will be considered at the time of offer if
  the chosen candidate resides outside the area. Relocation to the
  area is expected within a reasonable time following acceptance of
  an employment offer.

  Compensation + Benefits
  The salary range for this position is $130,000 – $150,000+.
  Kalamazoo Nature Center provides a benefits package that includes,
  but is not limited to, the following:

  KNC Paid

• Employee Assistance Program
• Group Life Insurance
• Group Long-Term Disability
• Group Short-Term Disability
• Vision Insurance

  KNC and Employee Paid

• Medical Insurance
• Health Savings Account

  Employee Paid

• Dental Insurance
• Voluntary Accident Coverage
• Voluntary Life and AD&D

  Additional Benefits

• Simple IRA
• KNC Match up to 3%
• Student Loan Forgiveness
• Generous Accrued PTO
• KNC Household Membership
• One Free Rental Per Year
• Employee Discount on KNC Offerings
• Expert Voice Account
• Non-Profit Ready Account

  As a reflection of our firm’s commitment to equity and equal pay
  for all, Cooper Coleman requires that salary ranges or salary
  starting points be published for every search we conduct. The
  practice of not posting salaries perpetuates the gender and racial
  wage gap and discriminates against women, people of color, and
  other historically excluded or de-prioritized populations by
  causing individuals to negotiate from a disadvantaged starting
  point.

  EEO + Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
  The Kalamazoo Nature Center provides equal employment opportunities
  to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits
  discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race,
  color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status,
  genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender
  identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by
  federal, state or local laws.

  This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment,
  including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination,
  layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and
  training.

  Professional References + Credentials Verification
  Before sending your resume for this position, please read it over
  for accuracy. Cooper Coleman verifies its candidates’ professional
  references and employment credentials prior to or at the time of
  offer and will conduct a background check before finalizing an
  offer.

  Submission Instructions (read carefully)

  Cooper Coleman is
  leading this search on behalf of the Kalamazoo Nature Center. To
  apply, please visit this
  link. Expressions of interest should be made using the online
  application. Inquiries and nominations of qualified candidates can
  be sent to:

  Kathy Kraushar
  [email protected]

  Kindly use the position title as the subject line of your email.
  All inquiries are confidential.

  A cover letter is not required with your initial application but is
  welcomed to help us understand your fitness for this role during
  our initial evaluation. Candidates invited for interviews will be
  asked to provide a thoughtful letter of interest indicating their
  specific qualifications for the opportunity, desire to join the
  Kalamazoo Nature Center, and connection to its mission.

  Cooper Coleman LLC is committed to providing equal employment
  opportunities to all qualified candidates and will refer candidates
  regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual
  orientation or identity, age, ability, veteran status, or any other
  legally protected basis.

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