Executive Director at Forest Park Conservancy- Portland, Oregon. Apply by Feb. 17th.

Organization: The Forest Park Conservancy

Job Title: Executive Director

Location: Portland, Oregon

Hours and Compensation: Full time, exempt. $65-$72,500

Application Deadline: Open Deadline

Posted on: February 1st

Organization Overview

Covering more than 5,400 acres, Forest Park is the nation’s largest forested natural area within city limits, and is the pinnacle of Portland’s parks system. The mission of the Forest Park Conservancy is to protect and foster the ecological health of Forest Park, maintain and enhance the park’s extensive trail network, and inspire community appreciation and future stewardship of
the splendor of this iconic urban wilderness as a gift for generations.
FPC staff and volunteers operate a range of programs throughout the year, including habitat restoration, conservation education, trail repair and maintenance, new trail construction and signage. Currently, as a major initiative, FPC is working in partnership collaboration with the
City of Portland’s Department of Parks and Recreation (PPR), and other key regional partners, on the creation of a conservation and stewardship strategy designed to insure the long-term viability of Forest Park both as a healthy forest ecosystem, and as a vital recreational and educational resource to the community. Sustained by a strong member base, helped by hundreds of volunteers, and supported by a diverse group of partners, FPC has been recognized as one of the leading conservation organizations in Portland, and is committed to one thing alone: the enduring health of the nation’s premier urban forest.

Description/Responsibilities

Specifically, our executive director will:

Overall strategy

• Work closely with the board of directors, providing vision and leadership in the development and management of FPC’s strategic plans;
• Recommend annual operating plans, evaluation systems and benchmarks for success in accordance with goals outlined in FPC’s strategic plan;
• Work with the City of Portland, Forest Park’s owner and manager, to identify and implement forest and park management activities that would not otherwise be undertaken given existing staff and budget realities;
• Work with key stakeholders on strategy development and implementation.

Forest stewardship

• Serve as main liaison with Portland Parks & Recreation management on stewardship efforts, including trail and habitat restoration plans and programs;
• Lead planning and implementation efforts, as agreed to by PPR, working with partners, board/staff teams and other stakeholders;
• Coordinate directly with various partners and the board on the development and implementation of the Greater Forest Park Conservation Initiative (GFPCI) and other key projects;
• Drive recommendations in regard to FPC’s role in all stewardship and trail restoration initiatives (including the GFPCI);
• Oversee FPC’s land management strategies, stewardship education programs, efforts and offerings.

Financial management and resource development

• Provide day-to-day leadership in planning and monitoring annual budget and projected future needs;
• Work closely with the development staff to cultivate positive relations with funders and donors that are consistent with FPC’s mission and future;
• Work closely with the development staff to create a diversified, sustained revenue stream aligned closely with FPC’s priority programs and services;
• Ensure that the fiscal affairs of the organization, including cash management, are managed with the highest integrity and accuracy in accordance with board oversight;
• Work closely with the board treasurer to provide detailed and well organized monthly and quarterly financial reports to the Board of directors.

Public affairs

• Energetically engage members, government and private funders, elected officials and other partners and community stakeholders in collaborative partnerships to advance the organization’s mission;
• Serve as primary spokesperson for the organization, actively promoting its activities among the community at large.

Executive Support to the Board – Governance, Policies and Operations

• Provide staff support for the planning, organizing and conducting of board and committee meetings;
• Inform, advise and consult with board and committees on organizational, nonprofit sector and community issues of concern;
• Provide professional advice and guidance to the board on governance, operations, program, policy and development;
• Ensure proper implementation of board policies;
• Develop/maintain organizational structure, job descriptions, assignments, supervisory and evaluative procedures.

Human Resources

• Serve as head of staff, providing direction, supervision, management and leadership;
• Build on, and contribute to, a dynamic and positive workplace environment that attracts, retains and motivates top quality staff.

Qualifications/Skills

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following skills and qualifications:

• A balance of practicality and optimism
• A passion for effective collaboration and coalition building
• Visionary leadership in strategic environmental stewardship
• Rock solid managerial competence, including organizational development; problem solving; staff team leadership and ability to delegate; and financial and budget oversight
• 5+ years direct work experience on issues related to forest ecology, environmental stewardship and/or conservation education.
• Marketing, communications, membership and fund development experience and knowledge
• Experience working with nonprofit organizations and board of directors
• An enthusiastic, can-do attitude, and the will to execute big, key initiatives
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral
• Bachelor’s Degree required

Benefits

Health, Dental

How to Apply:

Please submit a detailed letter explaining how FPC would thrive under your leadership, as well as names of three references, how you heard about this position, and a complete chronological resume to: [email protected] with “FPC” in the title by Friday, February 17, 2012 at 12:00 pm PST.