Executive Director

Nelson | Bye Leadership Search has been retained by Belwin Conservancy to support their search for an Executive Director. Belwin Conservancy Belwin Conservancy is a land-based nonprofit that protects wild spaces and connects people to nature. Belwin's mission, "to inspire connection and engagement with the natural world," recognizes that getting a little dirt under our fingernails can be a wonderful thing. It also acknowledges that these experiences are what inspire people to make better choices about the environment. Through innovative programming, community partnerships, and public access to restored ecosystems, Belwin delivers experiences that awaken a deeper appreciation of the natural world and spark a stewardship ethic. From year one, Belwin has connected conservation with hands-on science education in partnership with Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS). This collaboration is differentiated by its early and sustained commitment to providing outdoor learning experiences to all students, including those with physical and emotional disabilities. In 2025, Belwin expanded educational programs to include a new district-wide partnership with Stillwater Area Public Schools. Altogether, Belwin reaches more than 12,000 children each year with environmental education. Since its start, Belwin has grown from 225 acres to 1,600, located just 20 minutes from downtown St. Paul. As Belwin's footprint has expanded, so has its programmatic activity, which has grown to include local youth athletic fields, public hiking, arts and cultural events, and partnerships including American Indian Family Center, Minnesota Astronomical Society, and FamilyMeans. Belwin hosts nearly 200,000 visits each year. The Executive Director Belwin's next Executive Director will have a rare opportunity to guide a place-based land and water conservation nonprofit at a moment of great momentum. Following a successful $10.2 million capital campaign, growing partnerships, and increasing community visibility, Belwin is in a position of stability and optimism. The next Executive Director will inherit a healthy, well-regarded organization with a collaborative culture, a diverse portfolio of programmatic activity, and one of the most unique land and water conservation environments in the Midwest. The Executive Director will serve as Belwin's chief ambassador, building relationships across the St. Croix Valley and the Twin Cities region, cultivating donors, strengthening partnerships, and representing Belwin with clarity, warmth, and credibility. This is a role for a leader who thrives in community. The Executive Director will guide a talented, mission-driven staff who value collaboration. With a strong team in place, the Executive Director will focus on strategic direction and thoughtful prioritization. The next Executive Director will have an opportunity to leave a lasting impact on land and water conservation, a community, and generations of learners who discover the natural world through this remarkable place. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and provides direct management of five staff, the Program and Partnership Director, Development and Communications Director, Natural Resources Director, Facilities Manager, and Office Coordinator. Key Objectives In their first 18-24 months in the role, the Executive Director will have the following key objectives: Continue to follow through on the execution of capital campaign commitments. Lead the next strategic planning process, including establishing clear priorities that balance conservation, education, and community engagement. Sustain fundraising momentum beyond the capital campaign and continue to build Belwin's visibility across the community. Preserve the organization’s collaborative culture. Become familiar with neighbors, communities and land acquisition opportunities adjacent to its current property. Key Responsibilities Provide strategic leadership to advance the organization’s mission of inspiring connection and engagement with the natural world. Partner with the Board of Directors to develop and implement strategic plans and priorities. Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with donors, foundations, corporate partners, and public funding entities. With support from the Development and Communications Director, lead fundraising efforts including cultivating and soliciting major gifts and managing government grants. Lead major facility, infrastructure, and program expansion projects. Serve as the primary public representative and spokesperson for the organization with community members, donors, government agencies, partners, neighbors, and the media. Respond to emerging operational, environmental, and community issues with sound judgment and effective leadership. Oversee internal operations, including insurance, IT, HR, and legal. Supervise and support staff, including hiring, performance management, professional development, and fostering a collaborative, equitable, and inclusive workplace culture. Oversee preparation and management of the annual operating budget and annual audit, ensuring sound financial stewardship and long-term sustainability. Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, and specific standards and protocols for non-profits and land trusts. Oversee program and partner expansion initiatives, often in partnership with another member of the leadership team. Prepare reports, recommendations, and meeting materials related to strategic initiatives and organizational operations for the Board of Directors and Board Committees. Lead land and water protection efforts including negotiating the acquisition, donation, or transfer of real estate interests from willing landowners, including conservation easements. Manage rental properties, lease-back agreements with former landowners, and on-staff housing. Support marketing, communications, and public relations strategies to increase visibility, engagement, and membership growth. The Ideal Candidate The ideal Executive Director is a relationship-centered leader who brings both strategic vision and grounded nonprofit operational experience. They are an exceptional communicator with the ability to inspire donors, build trust with partners, and effectively represent Belwin in communities. They lead with humility and collaboration and foster an inclusive and mission-aligned culture. The ideal candidate will possess many of the following leadership attributes: A mission-driven leader with a deep appreciation for Belwin's values, conservation, and equitable access to nature. A strategically minded leader who brings clear vision, disciplined prioritization, and the ability to translate goals into execution. A fundraising leader with the presence and relational skills to engage donors, deepen community connections, and cultivate enduring partnerships. A community-centered leader who thrives in collaboration, communicates with clarity and warmth, builds trust across diverse stakeholders, and brings people together around shared purpose. A people-centered leader who empowers others to do their best work, sets clear expectations, and builds a culture of collaboration, accountability, and shared ownership. A nonprofit manager with finance experience and proven record of planning, managing, and implementing a complex operating and capital budget on target. An accomplished executive with proven governance experience who builds a strong, trusting partnership with the Board of Directors. A commitment to IDEA that includes inclusive leadership, cultural humility, and experience partnering with diverse communities. Qualifications Previous experience in conservation, natural resources, environmental education, or a similar field is highly preferred. Expertise or knowledge of real estate law and legal protections for ecologically significant property. Bachelor's degree and a minimum of seven years of leadership experience. #J-18808-Ljbffr