Chief Executive Officer

Ijams Nature Center; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Vacation

Holidays

Sick leave

Job summary

Ijams Nature Center seeks a Chief Executive Officer to lead its work in environmental education, land conservation, outdoor recreation, and community impact along the Tennessee River.

Based in Knoxville, TN, the organization spans 336 acres and serves hundreds of thousands of visitors yearly, supported by a strong board and community trust. The next CEO will steward growth and a $32M capital campaign while upholding culture and public trust.

Qualifications

• Accomplished, mission-driven Chief Executive Officer as described in the posting.
• Lead the organization's work in environmental education, land conservation, outdoor recreation, and community impact.

Responsibilities

• Lead its work in environmental education, land conservation, outdoor recreation, and community impact.
• Oversee the forthcoming $32M capital campaign and engage with partners, funders, and constituents.

Job description

Ijams Nature Center seeks an accomplished, mission-driven Chief Executive Officer to lead its work in environmental education, land conservation, outdoor recreation, and community impact along the Tennessee River.

Ijams is a nationally respected nonprofit nature center and natural area near downtown Knoxville, spanning more than 336 acres of protected land and connecting hundreds of thousands of people each year to the natural world. A defining part of Knoxville's nationally known Urban Wilderness, Ijams is both a beloved community asset and a regional destination. The organization is financially sound, operationally strong, and supported by deep community trust and an engaged board, with a clear vision for continued growth.

The next CEO will inherit a stable, respected, and ambitious organization. They will sustain organizational excellence, steward a forthcoming $32M capital campaign, deepen key relationships across Knoxville and the region, and guide Ijams on its path of strategic growth while honoring its culture, values, and public trust. The role will appeal to a leader who thrives in complex environments, values collaboration, and is energized by balancing continuity with thoughtful evolution.

Compensation

This is a full-time, exempt position. The salary range is $120,000 to $150,000 annually, commensurate with experience. Ijams Nature Center offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave

Location

This position is based at Ijams Nature Center in Knoxville, Tennessee. The role requires a consistent physical presence on site and in the community to meet with partners, funders, and constituents. Occasional evening and weekend availability for events, programs, and organizational activities is required.

For More Information

For additional information regarding this opportunity, please contact Jena Kuznik, Senior Consultant and Search Lead at Potrero Group, at [e-mail].

More information on Ijams Nature Center can be found at ijams.org.