Executive Director

bayoulandconservancy; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Bayou Land Conservancy seeks an Executive Director to set strategic direction, lead a team of staff and volunteers, and guide all programs with fiscal stewardship of a ~ $800,000 budget.

You will serve as the primary spokesperson, cultivate partnerships, and advance DEI & Access initiatives while ensuring strong governance and organizational health.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership and governance experience.
• Proven ability to raise funds from foundations, individuals, and corporations.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, negotiation, and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Set strategic direction and oversee all programs.
• Lead staff and volunteers, ensuring an inclusive, high-performing culture.
• Oversee fundraising, annual budgets, and operational governance.
• Serve as primary spokesperson and advocate for the organization.
• Develop partnerships with public, private, and community stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with standards and transparent reporting to the Board.

Skills

Leadership

Fundraising

Strategic planning

Public speaking

Budget management

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

Advanced professional certification in conservation finance/governance/public policy

Job description

The Role

Setting the strategic tone for the organization, the Executive Director guides a passionate team of expert staff (5 full-time, 2 contract) and dedicated volunteers and directs all programs of BLC. This role reports to the Board of Directors and manages a budget of approximately $800,000.

Key Responsibilities

As the primary spokesperson for BLC, you will champion our mission through a range of critical leadership duties:

Strategic Growth and Advocacy

• Strengthen Our Voice: Provide leadership on public policy issues, including crucial advocacy projects at local, state, and federal levels
• Drive Partnerships: Lead in developing impactful partnerships with stakeholders to advance BLC’s mission.
• Define the Future: Develop, implement, integrate, and evaluate strategies to advance BLC’s Strategic Conservation Plan and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Access Plan

Development and Financial Stewardship

• Fundraising Leadership: Supervise and support development staff to achieve BLC’s annual operating and program budgets, actively assisting in cultivating major donor support from foundations, individuals, and corporations.
• Operational Excellence: Ensure the organization’s core mission support programs (administrative, operational, financial) operate at peak efficiency and are transparent to staff and the Board.

Team Empowerment and Oversight

• Mentorship: Hire, supervise, and provide mentorship and leadership to staff, establishing and maintaining a positive organizational culture.
• Conservation Management: Supervise and support conservation staff with acquisition projects, land management issues, and stewardship programs.
• Community Connections: Supervise and support community engagement staff by ensuring sufficient resources are available for program excellence.
• Compliance: Ensure board and staff compliance with internal policies and guidelines set forth in Land Trust Alliance Standards and Practices.

Who We’re Seeking

The ideal candidate for this pivotal role is a passionate leader with a deep commitment to nature and community. You should be a team builder with a history of successful collaboration in the region. We require strong communication and organizational skills and a preparedness to champion a corporate culture that is inclusive and innovative.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrable commitment to BLC’s mission.
• A minimum of five years of successful experience in land conservation or a related field.
• Experience supervising staff and/or volunteers, particularly fundraising or sales teams.
• Experience managing the comprehensive business functions of a dynamic organization.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, negotiation, and social skills.
• Strong leadership skills to coach and mentor employees and board members.
• Knowledge and ability to identify, cultivate, recruit, and maintain relationships with top-level volunteers, donors, and partners.

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Relevant experience or certifications may demonstrate acquired knowledge.
• Advanced professional certification in conservation finance, non-profit governance, or public policy.
• At least 5 years of experience in management roles.
• Experience with capital campaigns or major fundraising initiatives.
• Proven ability to work effectively with local, state, or federal agencies on collaborative conservation projects.