Program Director (Friends of Lake Sammamish State Park)

About Friends of Lake Sammamish State Park

Friends of Lake Sammamish State Park (FLSSP) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting, enhancing, and advocating for Lake Sammamish State Park through environmental stewardship, recreation, education, community engagement, and strategic partnerships. Working alongside Washington State Parks, local governments, community organizations, volunteers, donors, and residents, FLSSP helps ensure that Lake Sammamish State Park remains a vibrant, welcoming, and accessible public resource for current and future generations.

Our work includes habitat restoration, environmental education, community events, volunteer engagement, advocacy, fundraising, and support for long-term park improvements and strategic initiatives.

Friends of Lake Sammamish State Park Values

Stewardship

We believe public lands are community treasures that require active care, restoration, and responsible management to thrive for future generations.

Community

We believe parks bring people together. We strive to build meaningful relationships among volunteers, visitors, community organizations, public agencies, and supporters.

Inclusion

We believe everyone deserves access to safe, welcoming, and inspiring outdoor spaces. We work to ensure our programs and partnerships reflect the diversity of our community.

Collaboration

We believe the greatest impact comes through partnerships. We foster strong relationships with Washington State Parks, local governments, nonprofits, businesses, schools, and community leaders.

Education

We believe environmental education and outdoor experiences inspire stewardship, lifelong learning, and community connection.

Sustainability

We believe in protecting natural resources and promoting practices that support environmental health, climate resilience, and long-term community well-being.

Position Summary

Classification: Contract Position (contracts are typically drafted on an annual basis)

Reports To: Board President and Board of Directors

Hours: Approximately 28 - 32 hrs hours per week/not to exceed 32 hrs/week

Location: Hybrid; Lake Sammamish State Park and surrounding communities

Salary: $27 - $30/hr (DOE)

Job Description

The FLSSP Program Director acts as the main contact and event planner for the execution of the strategic plan of Friends of Lake Sammamish State Park. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Program Director is responsible for the administration of the outlined programs in the strategic plan, financial oversight of funds raised in coordination with the Board Treasurer and Accountant, community engagement and volunteer coordination for Board approved programming and events, newsletter communications and marketing strategy partnerships with our contracted social media manager, and event planning responsibilities for the organization.

This position combines Board engagement with hands-on operational management. The Program Director works closely with volunteers, board members, park staff, donors, sponsors, elected officials, community partners, and contractors to advance FLSSP's mission and ensure organizational sustainability and growth.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative nonprofit program director who can effectively balance operational management of the Board approved strategic plan, fundraising in coordination with a working board, relationship-building, and operational execution while fostering a culture of stewardship, inclusion, and community engagement.

Some evening and weekend work is required to support Board meetings, volunteer activities, restoration projects, fundraising events, and community programs. General working hours are flexible with some designated weekend hours required for standard events.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

Events and Educational Programming

• Effectively plan, staff, and execute various events:
  • Educational programs
  • Stewardship activities
  • Fundraising / Signature events (Polar Plunge, Camp S’more, etc.)
  • Volunteer / Restoration events
• In partnership with Committee members, develop & maintain the annual event calendar
• Coordinate event sponsorships, vendors, logistics, registration systems, volunteers, and communications
• Attend events & programs as needed

Technology and Data Management

• Maintain and oversee FLSSP's CRM database and constituent management systems (donors, vendors, sponsors, etc.)
• Prepare engagement & event / financial summary reports
• Maintain digital records, organizational documents, and media assets
• Support website functionality, event registration systems, and FLSSP technology needs

Organizational Leadership & Strategic Planning

• Facilitate execution & monitor progress on Board-approved Friends of Lake Sammamish State Park strategic plans
• Prepare Board agendas, reports, meeting materials, and follow-up action items
• Coordinate Executive Team meetings (VP, Director, PD)
• Verify & organize yearly 501(c)3 FLSSP legal documents to maintain compliance in coordination with our contracted accountant

Fundraising

• Work with FLSSP board to set goals, develop & execute plans focused on fundraising (e.g. Annual Giving Campaign & other events, including online)
• Work with FLSSP Board to develop appropriate grant proposals and manage reporting requirements for grants
• Work with the FLSSP development committee to strategize fundraising goals and manage the Board toward meeting fundraising goals

Financial Management and Administration

• In coordination with the Board Treasurer and contracted accountant ensure the fiscal integrity of the FLSSP organization (budget, reports, financial health)
• Partner with Treasurer, Bookkeeper, and Board leadership to
  • Assist in developing and monitoring annual budgets
  • assist with invoices, deposits, payments
  • grant reporting
• Maintain compliance with organizational policies, contracts, grants, and reporting requirements

Communications and Marketing

• Draft and distribute monthly newsletters and donor communications
• Oversee website content, social media, email marketing, and public outreach and work collaboratively with outside contractors when necessary
• Manage communication strategies that increase awareness, volunteer participation, and donor engagement

Community Relations and Strategic Partnerships

• Serve as the primary external FLSSP spokesperson & ambassador
• Represent FLSSP at public meetings, coalition gatherings, and community events
• Maintain strong relationships with Washington State Parks leadership and staff
• Coordinate regular meetings with park management & agency partners
• Develop relationships with Donors, Sponsors, Partnerships, Corporations, Community orgs & Regional stakeholders, Schools & Local government as needed

Volunteer and Community Engagement

• Manage volunteer communications, onboarding, and participation tracking (including database)
• Work with State Parks staff and Board members to track volunteer hours and program participation
• Foster a welcoming & inclusive volunteer culture
• Oversee the Independent Volunteer Program

Core Qualifications & Leadership Experience

• 5+ years of progressively responsible leadership experience in nonprofit management (parks and recreation, conservation, environmental education, public administration, or related fields)
• Experience implementing strategic plans and organizational growth initiatives
• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Knowledge of nonprofit budgeting and financial oversight
• Demonstrated success in event planning, working with vendors, gaining sponsorships, and setting up events (including community engagement)
• Experience working effectively with volunteer boards and leadership
• Experience with CRM databases, donor management systems, and digital communication platforms
• Excellent written, verbal, and public speaking communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships across diverse stakeholder groups
• Passion for environmental stewardship, public parks, outdoor recreation, and community engagement

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with Washington State Parks or other public land agencies
• Knowledge of environmental stewardship, habitat restoration, or conservation initiatives
• Experience managing contractors, consultants, and volunteers
• Familiarity with website management and digital marketing

Physical and Work Requirements

• Ability to work both remotely and on-site at Lake Sammamish State Park
• Ability to attend evening and weekend meetings and events as needed
• Ability to lift and transport materials up to 25 pounds
• Ability to participate in outdoor events, restoration projects, and volunteer activities
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation preferred

Compensation

This is a contract position with an annual contract.

Hours: Approximately 28 - 32 hrs hours per week/not to exceed 32 hrs/week

Location: Hybrid; Lake Sammamish State Park and surrounding communities

Salary: $27 - $30/hr (DOE)

How to Apply

Please submit:

• Resume
• Cover letter describing your interest in the position and connection to the mission of Friends of Lake Sammamish State Park
• Three professional references

Applications should be submitted through the google form linked below:

Job Application- Friends of Lake Sammamish State Park Program Director Position

Priority consideration will be given to applications received by: August 31st

Position open until filled.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Friends of Lake Sammamish State Park is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for employees, volunteers, and community members. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, identities, and perspectives. We believe diverse voices strengthen our organization and improve our ability to serve the community and steward public lands.

Disclaimer

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Responsibilities may be modified to meet the evolving needs of the organization.

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