Executive Director

Outdoor Heritage Education Center (OHEC); Wisconsin; Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Outdoor Heritage Education Center (OHEC) in Wisconsin seeks an Executive Director to lead operations, finances, programs, partnerships, and fundraising, while engaging volunteers, donors, educators, and conservation partners across the state.

The successful candidate will provide strategic direction, oversight of grants and outreach, and strong leadership to advance outdoor education and conservation initiatives with a passion for community engagement.

Qualifications

• Nonprofit leadership experience or strong background in mission-driven organizations.
• Experience in fundraising, donor relations, grant writing, and grant administration.
• Strong communication, public relations, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations and ensure long-term sustainability of the organization.
• Oversee budgeting, financial reporting, and organizational compliance.
• Coordinate grant-making and educational outreach programs and partnerships.
• Drive fundraising, sponsorship development, and donor relations.
• Maintain and enhance the organization’s website and communications efforts.

Skills

Nonprofit leadership

Fundraising

Strategy & planning

Communications

Tools

QuickBooks

MS Office

Job description

Join OHEC, founded 1998, in helping connect youth, families, educators, and communities to nature-based recreation and conservation activities. This is an opportunity for an entrepreneurial leader to maintain and build momentum and shape the future.

OHEC is seeking an organized, detail-oriented, and mission-driven leader to serve as its next Executive Director. We are a Wisconsin-based 501(c)3 charitable nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting people with the outdoors through education, conservation, partnerships, and hands‑on experiences. With educational grants, Touch of the Wild trailers, Midwest Outdoor Heritage Education Expos, fundraising initiatives, and collaborative partnerships, OHEC works to inspire educators and future generations of outdoor enthusiasts, conservationists, and community leaders.

The Executive Director will provide leadership for OHEC’s operations, finances, programs, partnerships, fundraising, and outreach while working closely with, volunteers, donors, educators, conservation groups, businesses, the OHEC Board and community partners throughout Wisconsin.

Key Responsibilities

The Executive Director will:

• Lead day-to-day operations and continued long-term sustainability of OHEC;
• Oversee bookkeeping, budgeting, financial reporting, and organizational compliance;
• Coordinate grant‑making and educational outreach programs like scholastic archery & clay target, Touch of the Wild trailers, two scholarships, two Midwest Outdoor Heritage Education Expos (MacKenzie Center, Poynette, and Havenwoods, Milwaukee);
• Lead fundraising, sponsorship development, and donor relations;
• Maintain OHEC’s website, social media presence, and communications efforts; and
• Maintain and build strong relationships with current and future OHEC collaborators.

Qualifications

Ideal candidates will have experience in some of the following areas:

• Nonprofit leadership, outdoor recreation, conservation, or environmental education;
• Business or organizational management, including bookkeeping;
• Fundraising and donor development, including grant writing and grant administration;
• Communications, marketing, and public relations; and

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong organizational and financial skills;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities;
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities;
• Initiative, creativity, and problem-solving skills; and
• A passion for outdoor education, conservation, and community engagement.

Working Conditions.

This position includes a combination of home office, event, meeting, and outdoor work with some statewide travel. Occasional evening and weekend work is expected.

Compensation

will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.