Executive Director

About Georgia Native Plant Society

Georgia Native Plant Society (GNPS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the mission to champion the stewardship and conservation of Georgia’s native plants and their habitats. Established in 1994, GNPS is a statewide organization with 9 affiliated chapters throughout Georgia. Chapters implement programs and initiatives locally while the state organization focuses on broader strategies, partnerships and administrative support. GNPS signature programs include a variety of educational and advocacy programs, plant rescue, habitat restoration, community-supported propagation, and habitat certification. The GNPS 2026-28 Strategic Plan maps out the goals for the organization over the next three years.

Position Summary

The Executive Director (ED) serves as the primary leader for the organization and has overall strategic and operational responsibility for GNPS’s programs, staff, and execution of its mission. The ED maintains deep knowledge of core programs, operations, and leads the implementation of the Society’s Strategic Plan—with a strong focus on increased fundraising. The ED works closely with the Board of Directors, committee chairs & chapters to ensure that the organization is fulfilling its mission and serving its members effectively. The ED cultivates and maintains relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, partners, and community leaders. The ED reports to the board of directors and works closely with the board chair and treasurer.

Essential Areas of Focus

• Expansion of fundraising and partnership programs
• Deliverables defined in the 2026-28 Strategic Plan
• Member engagement and membership growth
• Marketing, communications, and raising the public profile of GNPS
• Advocating with government officials at state and local levels to advance the society’s policy priorities

Primary Job Responsibilities

Leadership and Management:

• Ensure excellence in programs, finance, administration, fundraising, communications, and business systems
• Actively engage and energize GNPS members, volunteers, board members, committees, chapters, partnering organizations, and donors
• Collaborate with the Board in strategic planning and lead implementation of strategic plans
• Manage GNPS employees, including hiring, performance review, and professional development (GNPS currently has one other full-time employee, the Membership & Communications Coordinator, with potential for more with organizational growth)
• Serve as staff liaison for each state committee, achieve strategic objectives through building consensus and attaining commitment regarding actions, required resources and timelines
• Develop and maintain partnerships that support attainment of the mission and goals of the organization
• Develop and maintain relationships with GNPS affiliated chapters, providing forums for feedback, training, and collaboration

Communications and Marketing:

• Broaden and refine all aspects of communications—from web presence to external relations—to create a stronger brand
• Raise the visibility and prominence of GNPS by representing GNPS in diverse forums and developing partnerships aligned with the Society’s mission
• Serve as the public face of GNPS

Financial Stewardship & Fundraising:

• Develop and lead the implementation of a comprehensive fundraising strategy
• Maintain a long-range financial planning model to project outcomes based on current and expected performance
• Present an annual budget and operating plan to the Board of Directors for approval

Qualifications

• Managerial experience, preferably senior level in a nonprofit organization
• Proven leadership, relationship management, marketing, and fundraising experience
• Communications experience including social media, press, and newsletters
• Experience working with a Board of Directors, volunteers, and partner organizations
• Track record of leading others to achieve strategic objectives
• Outgoing, mission-driven people person who inspires others
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• Georgia resident and willing to occasionally travel across the state, as required
• Experience or knowledge in botany, ecology, horticulture, or environmental sustainability and stewardship (desired)

Skills and Abilities

• Strong interpersonal skills
• Excellent written and verbal communications
• Collaboration and consensus building
• Strategic planning
• Experience using technology in nonprofit operations, such as Google Docs and CRM systems (GNPS currently utilizes Neon)
• Self-starter able to thrive and focus in a remote working environment

Work Environment

The Executive Director is a full-time, 40-hour per week exempt employee. All employees work remotely. Weekend and weeknight work is required as needed. Occasional travel, mainly in state, may be required although most meetings are held virtually.

Compensation

Range is $75,000-$85,000 annually, commensurate with experience and skills.

Benefits

• GNPS does not currently offer a group health insurance plan, but a healthcare stipend of $500/month is provided in addition to the salary
• 20 PTO days (vacation/sick/personal time) & 8 paid holidays (New Years Day, MLK Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas)
• Professional development and training opportunities

How to Apply

Qualified applicants should submit their cover letter, resume, and three references via email to EDSearch@gnps.org with the subject line “Executive Director Application.” Deadline to apply is July 20, 2026. Successful applicants should expect multiple rounds of virtual interviews with various stakeholders. Applicants will be notified via email if their application is no longer under consideration for the position.

The Georgia Native Plant Society is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified candidates for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, creed, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other status protected by law.

• GNPS does not currently offer a group health insurance plan, but a healthcare stipend of $500/month is provided in addition to the salary
• 20 PTO days (vacation/sick/personal time) & 8 paid holidays (New Years Day, MLK Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas)
• Professional development and training opportunities