Executive Director

The Amargosa Conservancy is seeking an Executive Director to lead us into the future.

The Amargosa Conservancy is a 501(c)3 California and Nevada non-profit organization headquartered in Shoshone, California. For over 20 years, the Amargosa Conservancy has worked toward a sustainable future for the Amargosa River Basin through science, stewardship, and advocacy. Through programs in advocacy, ecological restoration, and hydrologic science, the Amargosa Conservancy leverages partnerships to achieve tangible wins for conservation. Learn more about our programs and priorities at http://amargosaconservancy.org

The Executive Director of the Amargosa Conservancy will work closely with the Board of Directors, assuming primary operational leadership of the organization. Day-to-day operations will be conducted in close coordination with the Board’s Executive Committee. The Executive Director will work with the Board to establish broad priorities for the organization, and create a strategic vision for achieving those priorities.

Job Duties:

Program Supervision (40%): The Executive Director will supervise staff, currently three, ensuring timely progress and completion of deliverables for program-related grants and contracts. This will include regular team meetings, one-on-one check-ins, field visits, and evaluations throughout the year. The Executive Director will develop a working knowledge of our campaigns and restoration programs, including project goals and objectives, and will track key milestones. The Executive Director will maintain relationships with grantors and other program-related funders, working with staff to compellingly tell the story of the AC’s dynamic programming.

Development (30%): The Executive Director will work with the Fundraising and Development Committees to continue to grow the AC’s donor base and grant funding opportunities and provide overall strategic direction for all development activities. This will include developing donor materials such as newsletters and appeals, direct donor outreach and cultivation, and coordinating donor events. This will also include grant writing and grantor relationship development. Guided by the organization’s strategic vision, the Executive Director will actively seek funding to enhance existing programmatic and pursue new programming to achieve organizational priorities.

Finance and Administration (20%): The Executive Director will work with the Treasurer and the Board to establish budget priorities, set an annual budget, and track organization and project expenses and income. Together with the Treasurer and a contract bookkeeper, the Executive Director will continue to maintain the organization’s high standards for financial health and reporting, including ensuring that all reporting requirements for active grants are fulfilled in a timely and compliant manner. Will also be responsible for all administration of the organization, including ensuring compliance with human resources policies, financial and tax laws, and other regulations.

Field Work (10%): The Executive Director will spend ample time in the field in the Amargosa River Basin, developing a working knowledge of the natural history of the area, including Mojave Desert flora and fauna; geology and hydrology; and human and cultural history. The Executive Director will use face-to-face time to develop relationships across the Basin. The Executive Director will co-lead tours of the area for funders, donors, journalists, agency personnel, and other key partners.

Other duties as assigned.

Location:

While the majority of work will be done remotely in a home office setting, this position will require regular travel, including to the Amargosa River Basin (2-3 times/month); and annually to Carson City-Reno, Sacramento, and Los Angeles. Must be comfortable with driving long distances, including in remote locations, as well as spending time outdoors in rugged landscapes and remote settings.

This position requires the Executive Director to live in Las Vegas, Nevada, or otherwise within 100 miles of Shoshone, California. A relocation stipend is available to the right candidate.

Compensation and benefits:

• Salary range: $70,000-90,000 d.o.e.
• Opportunity for bonuses based on performance
• Health benefits not included
• 15 days paid vacation & all federal holidays
• Home office stipend provided
• Relocation stipend, if required

Required Qualifications:

• Dedication to the preservation of water, wildlife, and communities for future generations.
• Strong leadership skills and experience and comfort level with cultivating collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to be a strong advocate for the mission of the organization in a variety of settings and with a diverse range of audiences.
• At least three years experience leading organizations or programs with significant managerial responsibilities.
• Experience supervising staff, including remotely.
• Experience managing budgets and with Quickbooks.
• Basic familiarity with, and passionate commitment to the ecological health of the Amargosa Basin and Mojave Desert specifically, or the Southwestern U.S. generally.
• Bachelor’s Degree from a four year college or university.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with all aspects of nonprofit development, including donor cultivation, special events, grant-writing and grants management.
• At least 3 years of progressively responsible professional experience in conservation, environmental, resource management, public lands or related sectors.
• Experience working with a non-profit board including familiarity with board governance and best practices in collaborative decision-making.
• Working knowledge of the natural history of the Mojave Desert including biology and hydrology.

To Apply:

Please send a cover letter describing pertinent experience, a resume, and a professional writing sample to info@amargosaconservancy.org.