Arizona Land and Water Trust is a well-established, nationally accredited 501(c) 3 conservation organization with a talented and dedicated Board looking for a visionary and entrepreneurial leader to take the organization to the next level. You will be joining a dynamic, high-caliber and results-oriented team focused on conserving southern Arizona’s western landscapes, wildlife habitat, working farms and ranches and the waters that sustain them. The Executive Director is the face of the organization – responsible for leading Arizona Land and Water Trust’s strategic initiatives, fundraising efforts and assuring its fiscal health.
Responsibilities
Specifically the Executive Director’s responsibilities include:
Leadership, Planning and Supervision
- Providing informed and visionary leadership for the organization, including the creation and execution of a long-range strategic plan to fulfill the Trust’s land and water protection mission
- Exhibiting business acumen including enhancing the Trust’s niche in the conservation and philanthropic community; securing significant contributions; taking prompt and decisive action to accomplish objectives; consistently setting and meeting deadlines and driving for results; and by effectively analyzing complex problems and risks and engaging the Board in making informed timely decisions
- Representing the Trust to external partners including developing and strengthening productive relationships with landowners, donors, agency staff, elected officials and others critical to the Trust’s success
- Preparing and overseeing a goal-oriented annual budget with a focus on financial capacity and long-term security
- Managing the Trust’s resources within its approved budget according to current laws and regulations
- Overseeing the quality of all Trust programs and services
- In concert with the Deputy Director as appropriate, supervising the hiring and replacing of staff and selecting and training employees, including establishing appropriate compensation and benefit levels and ensuring that all staff are meeting objectives in an efficient and team-oriented approach
- Setting and maintaining a high-level of professionalism and accountability throughout the Trust
- Ensuring that all national standards for accreditation are met
Fundraising
- Leading the Trust’s fund raising activities through a strong development team including staff and board members and personal efforts
- Overseeing other fundraising projects as the Board indicates
- Growing the Trust’s visibility as a leading voice for Land and Water Conservation in Arizona and as a conservation leader by state and federal agencies, elected officials, and by the news media
Board Relations
- Maintaining a productive working relationship with the Board that includes regular reporting on progress toward organizational goals and objectives
- Working closely with the Board President to identify key issues for the Trust, set appropriate agendas for board meetings, and support productive Committees
- Supporting Board recruitment in coordination with the Board President and Governance Committee
- Ensuring the implementation of Board policies
Qualifications, Skills, and Characteristics
- Proven track record of excellent organizational and people management skills
- Financial management skills and familiarity with accounting procedures
- High-level partnership and relationship building skills, including the ability to strengthen and grow relationships with leadership and staff, landowners and other key stakeholders
- Track record of success with fundraising or relevant experience in strategic relationship building strongly preferred
- Previous experience working with a Board of Directors
- Collaborative team-builder and motivator
- Strongly results and goal-oriented
- Ability to deliver under firm deadlines
- Strategic, able to anticipate future consequences and trends, and assist the Board in positioning the organization favorably
- Exceptional oral and written communication skills
- Dedication to maintaining high standards for quality and professionalism in all the Trust’s work
- The ability to adapt to changing priorities and circumstances with flexibility
Contact: Diana Freshwater
Board President, Arizona Land and Water Trust
[email protected]
Arizona Land and Water Trust is an Equal Opportunity employer