Forest Park Conservancy

Forest Park Conservancy's mission is focused on protecting Forest Park and Marquam Nature Park's ecological health while encouraging responsible recreation and access. We believe these values are not only consistent, they are interdependent: the more people visit these parks and experience just how special a place they are, the more the public will support and value it. And the more people value these unique urban forests, the brighter their future will be. That's why our stewardship staff, seasonal technicians, and 2,000+ volunteers spend many hours in the field every year.

Position Summary

Through skillful and confident leadership, Forest Park Conservancy’s executive director will work in collaboration with FPC’s staff and Board of Directors to develop cohesive conservation, education, and stewardship strategies grounded in promoting and achieving equitable outcomes, while also overseeing public policy leadership and fundraising. In addition, the executive director will work closely with the board of directors to develop and execute the strategic plan and mission of Forest Park Conservancy in accordance with our organizational values. At the core, this role is an incredible opportunity to guide and inspire the future of the organization with intentionality, purpose, and heart. 

The executive director will play a key role in increasing public and private support for Forest Park Conservancy’s mission through engagement with major donors, corporations, foundations, and the media while offering support to staff as they maintain existing relationships and foster new ones. Forest Park Conservancy is committed to actively collaborating with more diverse audiences, including communities of color, people with disabilities, people from all socioeconomic backgrounds, and other historically marginalized communities. This role is an opportunity to continue the legacy of a dynamic and committed organization while establishing new partnerships and strengthening existing partnerships with organizations and individuals from diverse backgrounds. As such, we seek an executive director who views advancing equity and inclusion as central to their role and who has a strong, demonstrated commitment to working with communities who have been historically disenfranchised. 

The executive director will work with the leadership of other organizations, including Portland Parks & Recreation, to enhance Forest Park Conservancy’s reputation through coalition building and uniting key stakeholders within the Oregon conservation and nonprofit community. In alignment with our mission, the executive director will increase and promote environmental education, ecological protection and restoration, and the organization’s reach with diverse communities through education and engagement. The executive director will support the development and implementation of ecological conservation strategies and tactics in concert with Portland Parks & Recreation, neighborhood associations and other partners to protect the ecological health of Forest Park. The executive director will also leverage Forest Park Conservancy’s programs to expand donor membership, leading to even greater potential to grow the organization’s ability to protect and restore the park. 

Primary Duties STRATEGIC PLANNING AND LEADERSHIP 

• In partnership with the board and staff, develop the organizational vision and execute the operating strategic plan and budget inclusive of philanthropic goals and annual restoration plans. 
• Perform an annual review of the organization, as well as create an annual work plan for the board to adopt. 

FUNDRAISING 

• In collaboration with the development manager, actively participate in high-level fundraising activities such as major gift solicitations, grant proposal development, and special event sponsorship. 
• Lead the organization through funding initiatives that will be undertaken to sustain growth and financial stability. 

STAKEHOLDER RELATIONS AND ADVOCACY 

• Develop formal mechanisms and maintain ongoing community engagement and relationship building to ensure that the organization’s strategies are executed. 
• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with nonprofit leaders, public and private stakeholders, and funders; build reciprocal trust with conservation advocates and leaders; serve as a facilitator, convener, and coalition builder to further the organization’s strategic goals.

PROGRAM OVERSIGHT 

• Maintain a strong external leadership presence in the local and statewide conservation communities through participation in relevant local meetings and legislative activity, initiative activities (e.g., policy work, legal work, partnerships, research, trainings, convenings), and engagement with emerging conservation opportunities.
• Support the development and expansion of initiatives that actively broaden access to our programs in collaboration with historically marginalized communities. 
• Provide leadership and oversight for additional Forest Park Conservancy programs and operations.

ORGANIZATIONAL MANAGEMENT 

• Collaborate with the organization’s staff to cultivate and support a strong practice of engaging on critical organizational goals. 
• Provide guidance and oversight of the staff and leverage staff experience and insights. 
• Create a culture of trust and partnership by leveraging emotionally intelligent leadership.
• Ensure the hiring, onboarding, supervising, development, and evaluation of all paid staff to meet organizational goals and outcomes. 

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT 

• In collaboration with the finance committee, develop and monitor operational budgets based on agreed-upon strategic objectives. Ensure an adequate reserve fund as defined by policy to provide financial stability and advance the organization’s mission. 

BOARD RELATIONS AND COMMUNICATION 

• Establish and maintain regular and clear communications with board members on policy and program issues. 
• Assist the board with development activities, including board member recruitment, orientation, training, evaluation, and recognition. 
• Assure adequate staff support for the board member activities and committees. 
• Report bimonthly, at minimum, to the board on the organization’s financial status and operations.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION

• Offer personal interest and commitment to working in a diverse and inclusive work environment that places a high value on equity. 
• Participate in promoting a positive workplace culture of collaboration, innovation, and respect. 
• Have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to establish effective working relationships in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment. 
• Effectively engage with underrepresented communities on the importance of ecological protection and the economic and environmental impacts on those communities. 
• Understand the historical and political impact that conservation policy has had on diverse communities. 

Preferred Competencies, Skills, and Experience 

• 10+ years of experience in fields relevant to non-profit management, staff leadership, stakeholder relations, advocacy, and fundraising. 
• Demonstrated ability to translate strategy into action, with a proven record of success in developing and implementing innovative strategies and solutions with the engagement of others. 
• Demonstrated understanding of the lived experiences of diverse Oregonians and strong relationships with relevant communities and nonprofit partners. 
• Significant experience in successful development and fundraising activity. Proven knowledge of best practices and methodologies leading to strong donor partnerships. 
• Experience leading a multifaceted team with exceptional collaborative and facilitative management skills.
• Desire to build a workplace and organizational culture that is fair, inclusive, and representative of diverse experiences and cultures, with the expectation that Forest Park Conservancy will attract, develop, and retain diverse staff, board members, volunteers, and donors. 
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills, interpersonal awareness, and excellent listening skills; a communication style that reflects clarity, authenticity, transparency, executive leadership, and approachability. In addition, a willingness to challenge conventional thinking coupled with the ability to collaborate effectively and encourage dialogue. 

Benefits: In addition to your salary, Forest Park Conservancy provides Healthcare & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account, and Health and Dental insurance coverage for all full-time permanent employees up to $325 per month through our benefit plan with Kaiser Permanente. These benefits will start on the first of the month following your date of hire. FPC offers a retirement plan and contributes up to 2% of your salary to a Fidelity Savings Investment Match Plan (SIMPLE IRA) and offers a generous PTO plan.

Salary: $110,000 - 120,000 DOE

How to Apply: Please send a Cover Letter and Resume to jobs@forestparkconservancy.org.  Commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity

Forest Park Conservancy is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and compliance with all federal, state, and local laws concerning employment discrimination, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. To this end, Forest Park Conservancy ensures equal opportunity to all employees and applicants regardless of race; color; age; gender identity or expression; sexual orientation; religion; marital status; national origin or ancestry; citizenship; lawful alien status; physical, mental, or medical disability; veteran status; or liability for service in the United States Armed Forces.