Executive Director

Xerces Society Inc; Santa Maria (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accrued vacation

Sick leave

Paid holidays

Health insurance

Job summary

The Executive Director serves as the chief administrative officer for the District, directing internal operations and coordinating with the Board of Directors. This at-will, full-time position faces responsibilities across governance, budgeting, grant management, and external relations.

A strong nonprofit leadership background and grant-writing skills are essential to advance the District’s mission. Key duties include strategic leadership, financial oversight, regulatory compliance, staff

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in nonprofit sector.
• Strong budgeting and reporting experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Commitment to community resilience and partnerships.
• Familiarity with natural resource management.

Responsibilities

• Lead organizational and strategic planning aligned with the mission.
• Advocate and represent the organization to stakeholders, funders and regulatory bodies.
• Oversee financial operations and ensure grant compliance and accountability.
• Direct day-to-day operations, staff, budgets, hiring and compliance with applicable laws.
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors on governance, reporting and program development.

Skills

Leadership

Financial management

Communication

Community engagement

Resource management

California Driver's License

Education

Bachelor of Science degree preferred

Job description

The Executive Director serves as chief administrative officer, responsible for managing and directing internal business operations and public Board hearings of the District that are consistent with the strategic plan, goals and objectives, and policies and procedures established by the Board of Directors. The Executive Director is an at-will position that serves as the face of the District in its dealings with agricultural, regulatory and environmental communities, and the public at large. The position requires strong agricultural knowledge, fund development and grant writing skills, self- direction, collaborative leadership, and problem-solving abilities in order to effectively carry out the District’s Mission.

Classification: Full-time, Exempt
Compensation: $90,000 - $140,000 DOE
Benefits: Accrued vacation, sick leave, paid holidays, and health insurance
Reports to: Board of Directors

The Executive Director is expected to assume and maintain a leadership role to direct activities related to the planning and implementation of management practices that address working lands and natural resource concerns, conducting all District business on behalf of the Board of Directors, including all required reporting, recordkeeping, preparation for and attendance at Board of Directors meetings, coordination with bookkeeping, accounting, and legal counsel professionals who act as independent contractor consultants to the CRCD, and preparing and managing the annual budget. The position requires the ability to seek, implement, and manage grant opportunities addressing natural resources. The Executive Director will be responsible for contract administration, selecting and supervising staff and consultants, coordinating with grant funders, and general District business. The Executive Director is also responsible for securing funding for his/her position.

Key Responsibilities

• Organizational and Strategic Leadership
  • Develop and execute a visionary strategic plan aligned with the organization’s mission
  • Serve as the primary advocate and spokesperson, representing the organization among stakeholders, funders, regulatory agencies, resource partners, board of supervisors, non-governmental organizations, and broader community
  • Keep informed of local, state, and federal laws/regulations, ordinances, general plans and policies that affect conservation work within the District’s service area
• Fiscal and Administrative
  • Identify and pursue funding opportunities to secure financial resources that are consistent with the District’s mission
  • Oversee financial operations to ensure they conform to accounting policies and grantor requirements
  • Build and maintain relationships with funders, ensuring the organizations meets or exceeds revenue goals to support programs and operations
• Operational Management and Compliance
  • Oversee day-to-day operations, including program adherence, staff, budgets, hiring, terminations, disciplinary actions, and training
  • Interpret, make decisions, and ensure compliance the Brown Act, Division 9 of the Public Resources Codes, Conflict of Interest requirements, Form 700s, annual audits, and other laws, regulations, policies, and procedures that pertain to the operations of the District
• Board Engagement
  • Collaborate closely with the Board of Directors on staff needs, policies, and programs, providing updates, reports, and recommendations
  • Assist in board development, recruitment, and governance

• Proven leadership experience, preferably in the nonprofit sector
• Financial management expertise, including budgeting and reporting
• Exceptional written and oral communication and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated commitment to community resilience, networking, and building partnerships across diverse stakeholders
• Familiarity with natural resource management techniques and practices
• Must possess a valid and active California Class C Driver's License
• Bachelor of Science degree preferred