Point Reyes National Seashore Association: Executive Director


A. Position Summary

The Point Reyes National Seashore Association (PRSNA) exists to preserve the extraordinary wilderness of the Point Reyes National Seashore (Park) and to educate the public about the environment. PRNSA is a complex, multifaceted 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization which is financially sound, respected in the community, and enjoys a healthy partnership with the National Park Service (NPS).

Each year, with the support of our members, we sponsor over one million dollars in preservation projects in the Park. More than 4,000 people of all ages attend our environmental education programs. Eleven ongoing staff and seventeen seasonal staff implement this wide range of program activity.

Although 40 years old, the organization has grown tremendously over the past six years and achieved many successes. The new Executive Director will have the exciting role of leading the organization to its next stage, which will include increasing community financial support for Park needs and expanding environmental education opportunities.

B. Responsibilities

I. Conceptualize, plan, implement strategic growth

  • Refine and implement the 2006-2011 strategic plan, which prioritizes expanding fundraising for Park enhancement projects and expanding environmental education programming in the Park.
  • Work closely with NPS staff, PRNSA staff, our Board of Directors (Board), and community partners to take advantage of strategic opportunities that arise and craft the most advantageous response.
  • Build the consensus and understanding among Board, NPS staff and PRNSA staff to successfully choose and implement new strategic initiatives.

II. Sustain core operational & program areas

  • Supervise and coordinate the core environmental education programs of the organization: Nature Science Summer Camp, Environmental Education Center School Program, and Field Seminars.
  • Supervise and coordinate core operational areas: 3 Revenue-Generating Bookstores in the Visitor Centers, Development Department, Finance and Administration Department, and Special Park Projects (currently a collaborative $5,000,000 wetlands restoration project).

III. Sustain and enhance partnership with NPS and other collaborators

  • Maintain the complex collaboration at the core of PRNSA's mission to support the goals of the NPS. Meet regularly with Park Superintendent and Park staff to coordinate programs, solve problems, and design new initiatives.
  • Work with various NPS technical experts to help implement grants that PRNSA receives and serves as fiscal sponsor on behalf of the Park.
  • Work closely with other government agencies and nonprofit organizations on collaborative efforts to enhance the Park.

IV. Provide leadership and management

  • Provide the inspirational and creative leadership that builds a strong sense of teamwork among the diverse staff of PRNSA and the different program areas.
  • Supervise five staff positions and provide: feedback on performance, work plan development and problem solving, and overall coordination among the organization programs.
  • Oversee hiring and employment practices according to employment law and PRNSA employee handbook.

V. Lead fundraising for annual operating expenses and special projects

  • Implement the annual campaign (approximately $500,000) for operating revenue and small to moderate size Park projects. Implement fundraising in the areas of membership, major donors, corporations, foundations, and government agencies. (Approximately $250,000 comes from individuals and an equal amount from foundations.)
  • Work closely with the Park Superintendent to select appropriate large-scale Park projects for which PRNSA will implement fundraising campaigns.
  • Recruit a new Director of Development.
  • Design the next round of Park project fundraising campaigns and determine how best to grow fundraising to cover expenses of this new position.

VI. Represent the organization and Point Reyes National Seashore to the public, donors, and media

  • Serve as the public representative of PRNSA in a variety of capacities: through the media, public meetings, with funders and major donors, nonprofit partners, and NPS staff at Point Reyes and nationally.

VII. Sustain and enhance the financial health of the organization

  • Maintain the overall financial health of the organization, maintain healthy financial reserves, and employ up-to-date accounting systems.
  • Develop and manage, with the support of the Chief Financial Officer, complex annual budget of approximately $1.5 million operating revenue/expenses, plus significant special project grants.
  • Ensure adequate operating revenue is secured from diverse set of sources, including bookstore revenue, membership revenue, fees, donations, grants.

VIII. Other Duties As Assigned

C. Qualifications

  • Significant, professional managerial experience of 5-7+ years. Previous experience as an Executive Director and in the non-profit sector extremely helpful.
  • Demonstrated track record of growing fundraising programs and managing complex budgets.
  • Demonstrated track record of designing and implementing educational programs; prefer experience in environmental education programs.
  • Demonstrated track record building and sustaining successful collaborations among diverse organizational partners and personalities.
  • Bachelor of arts/science, Masters and/or specialization in conservation science or education helpful or equivalent demonstrated work experience.
  • Excellent writing skills, quantitative and qualitative analysis skills, public speaking skills.
  • Excellent initiative, leadership skills, communication skills, problem solving skills, excellent diplomacy and mediation skills, and time management skills.
  • Experience in natural resource conservation, historic preservation helpful.
  • Interest in/knowledge of natural history and California cultural history helpful.
  • Experience on a Board of Directors or working with a Board helpful.
  • Knowledge of Point Reyes helpful.
  • Love of the outdoors a must.

D. Salary

Salary and benefits are competitive and dependent on qualifications.