Executive Director

Weingart Foundation; United States; Remote; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The WDH Foundations seek an inaugural Executive Director to drive conservation efforts across the U.S. This role involves managing operations, identifying new initiatives, and leading a mission-driven organization focused on enhancing native wildlife and plants, with the flexibility to work remotely.

Qualifications

• 7-10 years of experience in foundation or nonprofit management.
• 3+ years in senior leadership roles.
• Direct experience in conservation efforts.

Responsibilities

• Manage operations of legacy properties in Missouri and California.
• Identify new opportunities for conservation initiatives.
• Strengthen organizational infrastructure and grant-making processes.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project Management

Collaboration

Environmental Conservation

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 habitat enhancement for native plants and wildlife, established the WDH Foundation-C3 and WDH Foundation-C4 organizations with a combined endowment of approximately $130 million to realize his vision. With strong support from an engaged Board, this role offers an exciting opportunity for a collaborative leader to make a meaningful impact in conservation across the U.S.

The Executive Director will help shape and implement the strategy for both Foundations, working closely with Board Trustees to:

• Manage operations of legacy properties in Missouri and California, along with other ongoing projects.
• Identify new opportunities to further the Foundations’ conservation mission.
• Strengthen organizational infrastructure and grant-making processes.

The ideal candidate should be well-versed in conservation issues and emerging trends in philanthropic conservation, capable of providing day-to-day leadership for current projects and properties. They should be a skilled communicator, highly motivated, self-directed, collaborative, and passionate about environmental conservation. Experience in Foundation and nonprofit management, strategic grant allocation, and project management will complement the expertise of the Board in areas like finance, real estate, and legal matters, fostering new initiatives and ongoing operations.

The Foundations currently have no employees and will engage the successful applicant to advise on employment options. While legacy properties are managed in Northern California and St. Louis, MO, the Executive Director can be based anywhere in the U.S. and work largely remotely, with periodic travel as needed.

The candidate should be a seasoned leader with excellent communication skills, proactive, accountable, and committed to collaboration. Specific requirements include:

• 7–10 years of experience in Foundation or nonprofit management, including at least 3 years in senior leadership and 2 years building a start-up or mission-driven organization.
• A strong passion for conservation and environmental issues, with at least 3 years of direct experience supporting conservation efforts.
• Knowledge of effective philanthropic and grant-making processes, including evaluating funding opportunities and monitoring grant impacts.
• Ability to evaluate and improve existing projects and operationalize enhancements.
• Experience working with boards and managing consultants, vendors, and contractors in conservation-related projects.
• Understanding of foundation policies, legal and regulatory compliance, and commitment to high professional standards.