Executive Director

Otsego County Conservation Association

OCCA is a private, non-profit environmental conservation organization dedicated to promoting the appreciation and sustainable use of Otsego County’s natural resources. Our major pillars of practice include Environmental Education; Resource Protection and Community Science.

OCCA is active in regional environmental education, natural resource protection, community science, invasive species, community resiliency planning, composting, recycling, and energy.

Founded in 1968, OCCA has been involved in virtually every major environmental issue facing the county, including high volume hydrofracking, energy planning, watershed preservation and planning, invasive species management, and solid waste, and we have accumulated a long list of accomplishments in the arena of environmental improvement, partnerships, protection, and education.

Job Description

The Executive Director is the Chief Executive Officer of OCCA and is responsible for daily and long-term management and planning for OCCA, including, but not limited to:

• matters of finance
• programs
• personnel
• office management
• fund development
• public relations
• special activities

The Executive Director provides the vision and leadership to advance all aspects of the organization. The ideal candidate will have

• a passion for the mission of OCCA
• strong management and administration and collaboration/facilitation skills
• a commitment to and excellence in fundraising with a specific focus on direct donation development
• an overarching strategic vision
• extensive experience in at least three of the following:
  • Non-profit Finance
  • Community Science
  • Environmental Education
  • Partnerships and Collaborations

The Executive Director

• Reports directly to OCCA’s Board President
• Acts as staff liaison to the Board, the Executive Committee, and other committees of the Board
• Suggests policies and procedures to govern OCCA operations and works with OCCA staff to develop and implement them
• Is a non-voting member of committees elected or appointed by the Board
• Will keep abreast of changes in state and federal environmental policy, energy, public lands, and water issues affecting the Otsego County region
• Will be knowledgeable about administrative, legislative, and legal avenues to advance OCCA’s conservation and environmental campaigns
• Works with staff to devise appropriate campaign strategies and oversees their implementation for OCCA’s conservation priorities
• Provides the campaign oversight for OCCA’s varied conservation, environmental and education agendas in the Otsego County region
• Provides direct supervision of OCCA’s campaign and program staff to develop annual work plans, implement campaigns and to set measurable benchmarks for success
• Represents OCCA within the community; developing and sustaining coalitions and partnerships, as well as with individuals, members and potential donors
• Oversees OCCA’s communication strategies, including print and web-based media
• Prepares annual organizational budget and assists Fundraising Committee with annual fundraising plan
• Prepares grant proposals and pursues new funding opportunities
• Oversees implementation of major donor program, including identifying and cultivating major donor prospects and gift donations
• Other duties as assigned

OCCA’s financial documents can be seen online at http://www2.guidestar.org/organizations/23-7250655/otsego-county-conservation-assn.aspx

Qualifications

• Minimum B.A. or B.S. in an environmental field, or equivalent work experience, is required with preference given to those with advanced degrees, non-profit/business management and/or public administration
• 2+ years experience as an Executive Director, or comparable management experience, with preference given for experience relevant to OCCA’s mission
• Proven track record of fundraising success, including foundation solicitations, major donor campaigns, and/or success in grant procurement
• Experienced in public relations/media, including developing strategic messaging for the organization
• Knowledge of and experience with conservation issues and geography of Otsego County, including energy development, public lands management, land use planning, wilderness and water issues
• Understanding of the cultural and economic diversity of the region
• Strong organizational skills to plan, schedule and prioritize tasks including managing time sensitive projects or grants with overlapping deadlines
• Ability to balance a complex budget through skillful use of available resources
• Excellent writing and oral skills and demonstrated success managing communications and public relations for an organization
• Experience managing staff with diverse talents and backgrounds, and strong interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated capacity to involve and motivate volunteers, patrons, community leaders, and peers in shared endeavors and values

Compensation and Benefits

Salary Range: $65,000 - $75,000. Benefits include employer paid health, dental, vision and employer-matched Individual Retirement Account, paid holidays, and generous vacation package.

Application Process

Please provide cover letter, resume and a list of three references via e-mail to coordinator@occainfo.org with “Executive Director Job Application” in the subject line. Application review will begin on August 1, 2026 and continue until the position is filled. See www.occainfo.org for additional information.

Employer paid health, dental, vision and employer-matched Individual Retirement Account, paid holidays, and generous vacation package