Executive Director

Smart Justice California; United States; Remote; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nonprofit organization is seeking an Executive Director to spearhead efforts in wildlife and plant conservation. This strategic role is essential for managing operations, implementing initiatives, and collaborating with Board members. The ideal candidate will possess significant experience in nonprofit management and a passion for environmental conservation, working primarily in a remote setting with some travel requirements.

Benefits

Flexible work arrangements

Travel opportunities

Qualifications

• At least 7–10 years of professional experience in foundation and/or nonprofit organizational management.
• 3 years in senior leadership roles with experience building mission-driven ventures.
• Strong knowledge of conservation and environmental issues.

Responsibilities

• Shape strategy and lead implementation of operations for both Foundations.
• Manage operations of legacy properties in Missouri and California.
• Identify new opportunities to advance conservation missions.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Nonprofit Management

Project Management

Collaboration

Job description

The WDH Foundations are seeking an inaugural Executive Director to help lead the next phase of the organizations’ shared mission to preserve, protect, and enhance native wildlife and plants in the United States. Willis Dean Hadley, who was deeply committed to conservation and enhancing habitat for native plants and wildlife, created the WDH Foundation-C3 and WDH Foundation-C4 organizations with a combined endowment of approximately $130 million and requirements to achieve Mr. Hadley’s vision. With the support of highly engaged Board leadership, this new role offers an exciting opportunity for a collaborative leader to make a meaningful contribution to conservation in the United States.

The role will involve shaping the strategy and leading its implementation and operations of both Foundations, working collaboratively with Board Trustees to:

• Manage operations of legacy properties in Missouri and California and other ongoing projects.
• Identify new opportunities to advance the Foundations’ mission and impact in conservation.
• Solidify organizational infrastructure and grant-making processes.

The Executive Director must stay informed of conservation issues and emerging trends in the philanthropic conservation sector, identifying issues of importance to the Foundations’ work. They will provide day-to-day leadership over the operations of the Foundations’ current projects and properties. The ideal candidate will be a skilled communicator, highly motivated, self-directed, and collaborative, with a passion for environmental conservation. Their knowledge and expertise in foundation and nonprofit management, strategic grant allocation, and project management will complement the financial, real estate, legal, and other areas of expertise of Board leadership to collaboratively drive new initiatives and ongoing operations.

The Foundations currently have no employees and will engage the successful applicant to advise on designing appropriate employment options.

While legacy properties are managed in Northern California and St. Louis, MO, and current Trustees are based in those areas, the Executive Director can be based anywhere in the U.S. and work largely virtually, with periodic travel as needed to ensure effective execution of the scope of work.

The ideal candidate will be a seasoned and intelligent leader with exceptional communication skills, who takes initiative and accountability for driving outcomes and values collaborative relationships. Additionally, the candidate should have:

• At least 7–10 years of professional experience in foundation and/or nonprofit organizational management, including at least 3 years in senior leadership roles and preferably 2 years building a start-up, mission-driven venture, or grant-making organization.
• A strong knowledge of, and passion for, conservation and environmental issues, including native plants and wildlife, with at least 3 years of direct experience supporting conservation efforts.
• Knowledge of effective philanthropic and grant-making processes, including identifying, evaluating, and recommending funding opportunities, and monitoring grant impacts and outcomes.
• The ability to evaluate, recommend improvements, and operationalize enhancements to existing projects.
• Strong organization management skills and experience working effectively with boards to achieve mission goals.
• Experience managing consultants, vendors, and contractors involved in conservation, preservation, or wildlife projects.
• A commitment to maintaining policies, understanding foundation documents, and ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, upholding the highest standards of conduct and integrity.