Chief Executive Officer - Appalachian Trail Conservancy

Chief Executive Officer

Appalachian Trail Conservancy

Remote position based within 2 hours of the Appalachian Trail with national travel

Career Opportunity

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy seeks an accomplished, relationship-driven leader to serve as its next Chief Executive Officer. Building on a century of stewardship, education, and advocacy, the CEO will guide 60+ staff, thousands of volunteers, 30 independent trail clubs, and a highly engaged Board in implementing an ambitious 2025-2027 strategic plan in a time of growth. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is headquartered in Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia with regional offices along the Trail.

Mission: Protect, manage, and advocate for the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.

Reporting Structure: The CEO reports to a Board of 19 Directors and leads 5 direct reports, including the Chief Financial & Administrative Officer, Chief Growth Officer, Vice President of Conservation & Government Relations, Vice President of Regional & Trail Operations, and an Executive Assistant.

Total Staff and Budget: 60+ staff members and a $15 million operating budget in 2025.

Compensation: The salary is commensurate with experience starting at $200,000+ annually.

ATC offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage; a 403(b)-retirement plan with up to a 7 percent employer contribution; generous paid time off and 12 paid holidays; paid parental and family leave; a professional-development stipend; and a flexible, remote-friendly work schedule with a home-office equipment allowance.

Working Environment/Location:

• Remote/work-from-home with regular field visits and quarterly Board meetings
• Must reside within 2 hours of the Appalachian Trail for rapid access to trail sites and partners.
• Travel 30–40% nationally, including regular trips to Washington, DC, Harpers Ferry, and regional offices.

Top priorities include:

• Scaling philanthropic revenue to match operating budget
• Elevating the Conservancy’s national voice on landscape conservation and outdoor recreation policy
• Strengthening cooperative management agreements with federal and state partners
• Advancing an inclusive, distributed workplace culture that retains top talent and engages the next generation of advocates

Key Responsibilities of the CEO

Strategic Leadership

• Lead implementation of the 2025-2027 Strategic Plan and annual operating plans.
• Anticipate emerging trends and position ATC as the trusted resource to multiple partners.
• Elevate the profile of ATC across the region.

Fundraising and Revenue Growth

• Connect a wider audience to the ATC and cultivate and secure major gifts.
• Diversify revenue to grow the organization’s impact.

External Relations

• Serve as primary spokesperson with Congress, federal agencies, governors, media, and partners.
• Strengthen multi-agency Cooperative Management System and 30 trail-club relationships.

Operational and Financial Stewardship

• Ensure sound financial management, budgeting, compliance, and reporting practices.
• Oversee $15+ M budget and risk management; ensure timely, transparent reporting.
• Foster a positive, engaged and inclusive culture across a distributed workforce.
• Navigate effective disaster response in times of crisis.

Board Partnership

• Partner with the Board of Directors to set direction, evaluate performance, and ensure strong governance.
• Provide clear and timely information to the Board for guidance with key decisions and organizational priorities and processes.

The Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

• Seasoned executive with at least 10 years leading complex, multi-stakeholder organizations. Passion for and alignment with the ATC mission.
• Proven fundraiser who has cultivated and closed $1 M+ gifts and has experience with capital campaigns and comprehensive development strategies.
• Demonstrated government-relations acumen at the federal and/or multi-state level, including successful advocacy and policy work.
• Collaborative people-leader comfortable managing a geographically and culturally diverse staff and volunteer network.
• Track record of Board development and nonprofit governance best practices.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in environmental policy, nonprofit leadership, natural resources, or related field preferred, or a combination of education and experience that prepares the candidate to manage a complex nonprofit.

Alignment & Values

Candidates must embody ATC’s identity statement—acting with integrity, respecting volunteer culture, and prioritizing conservation outcomes over personal recognition. Experience living, working, or hiking along the Appalachian Trail corridor is highly desirable.

About the Appalachian Trail Conservancy

Founded in 1925, ATC is the only nonprofit dedicated solely to the 2,190-mile Appalachian National Scenic Trail and its surrounding landscape. With headquarters in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, and regional hubs from Maine to Georgia, ATC coordinates trail management, landscape conservation, visitor use, and advocacy in partnership with the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, 14 states, and 30 independent trail clubs. In 2024, ATC delivered more than $8 million in program services and mobilized over 6,000 volunteers.

Want to know more? Visit www.appalachiantrail.org.

How To Apply

To apply, click on the link for this position at https://jobs.armstrongmcguire.com/jobs/chief-executive-officer-appalachian-trail-conservancy-job-1468/. You will see instructions for uploading your compelling cover letter, resume, and salary requirements. Please provide all requested information to be considered. In case of any technical problems, contact talent@armstrongmcguire.com. No phone calls, please, and no applications will be accepted by email or directly from third-party posting sites.

About Armstrong McGuire

Armstrong McGuire is a national executive search, fundraising, and strategic advising firm that believes in unlocking the potential of nonprofit leaders and the communities they serve. Founded in 2004, our diverse team of advisors works with clients and leaders to align strategy, optimize operations, build capacity, and lead nationwide searches that bring supremely talented individuals to high-impact organizations. Learn more about our services in talent acquisition, fundraising counsel, and strategic planning.