Executive Director

Mountains Restoration Trust (MRT) is a nonprofit public benefit corporation founded in 1981, in Calabasas, California. MRT’s mission is to protect the natural and cultural resources of the Santa Monica Mountains.

A 9-member Board of Directors, 20 paid staff and over 3,000 volunteers support our conservation work. Our efforts have resulted in over 2,500 acres of land in the Santa Monica Mountains being conserved through conservation easements and fee title ownership. MRT is a recognized leader in invasive species removal, native habitat restoration and education programming to protect and enhance the resources of the Santa Monica Mountains. For more information about MRT and its programs, visit www.treepeoplelandtrust.org

We seek a leader who can deliver on ambitious fundraising and program goals to help make MRT an even more successful land stewardship and conservation organization. The Executive Director (ED) is expected to identify and implement short- and long-term strategic goals, and to be accountable to the Board of Directors for achieving those goals.

The ED must be able to provide leadership and identity for the organization and be an effective public ambassador. The ED will maintain and expand strong relationships with the Board of Directors, our donors, government officials and agency and non-profit partners.

SPECIFIC DUTIES:

FUNDRAISING

  • Lead the identification, cultivation, and solicitation of major donors in partnership with the Board of Directors.
  • Identify and secure public and foundation funds for unrestricted and restricted uses.
  • Strategically identify and execute additional development programs, including planned giving and capital campaigns.

MANAGEMENT

  • Supervise staff, provide mentoring and leadership and create a positive, enabling work environment.
  • Recruit, train, motivate and evaluate staff. Make efforts to develop a diverse and competent working community.
  • Ensure professional development opportunities for staff to increase their effectiveness and keep them informed of new opportunities.
  • Develop and monitor an annual budget and provide overall management of the fiscal operations of MRT in cooperation with the Board President and Board Treasurer.
  • Ensure regular evaluation and reporting to the Board of budget analysis.
  • With the Board of Directors, prepare strategic plans and annual operating plans, and ensure their implementation.
  • Ensure Board and staff compliance with all internal policies and procedures, legal requirements, and financial standards.
  • Lead the effort to finalize MRT’s accreditation application to the Land Trust Alliance.

CONSERVATION AND LAND PROTECTION

  • Ensure that MRT achieves its conservation mission in a highly strategic and focused manner.
  • Build and nurture relationships with landowners, key stakeholders and agency partners.
  • Oversee management of MRT’s fee lands and conservation easements.
  • Ensure compliance with the Standards and Practices of the Land Trust Alliance.
  • Supervise science-based conservation and restoration projects.
  • Assist in the development of science-based conservation and restoration plans that guide MRT’s future work.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND EDUCATION

  • Oversee all communications and outreach efforts.
  • Establish and maintain strong, positive working relationships with a wide range of partners and stakeholders.
  • Represent MRT to a variety of audiences, including volunteers, government agencies and officials, community leaders and other partners.
  • Effectively communicate MRT’s vision and exemplify its core values.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

  • Graduate level education and at least five years experience in a related field.
  • Fundraising experience including developing, sustaining, and identifying new sources of financial support.
  • Demonstrated leadership skills, including management and supervisory skills and experience working with a non-profit Board of Directors.
  • Proven experience functioning effectively as a member of a team and comfortably partnering with a diverse range of stakeholders.
  • Experience in financial management with aptitude for financial statement analysis and ability to navigate Quickbooks software.
  • Commitment to MRT’s mission.

COMPENSATION:

Salary is commensurate with experience. Benefits include health insurance, vacation and holiday pay. No retirement benefits are offered. This position is full-time exempt.

HOW TO APPLY:

Email a letter of interest, resume, and contact information for three references with “Executive Director Search” in the subject line to executivesearch@treepeoplelandtrust.org. Applications are accepted only electronically; no calls please.

Application review begins June 27, 2018 and the position is open until filled. MRT is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

Job Type: Full-time