Executive Director

The client is seeking a strategic and collaborative Executive Director to guide their organization through a period of growth and increased public use of the trail network. This role involves serving as the primary advocate for the client's regional vision by building partnerships with public agencies, private landowners, elected officials, community organizations, land trusts, and tribes. The Executive Director will focus on closing infrastructure gaps and maintaining the trail for future generations while effectively communicating the trail's regional importance to communities. Strong relationship-building skills are essential for engaging diverse stakeholders and forging meaningful connections that support the trail's development as a regional recreational, economic, and community asset. As a key leader, the Executive Director will spearhead strategic initiatives, including serving as the trail's spokesperson and forming impactful relationships with agency partners, landowners, and community leaders. They will devise strategies to close critical trail gaps and lead efforts to secure National Scenic Trail designation to enhance funding opportunities. Additionally, this role includes convening partners geographically and functionally to promote collaborative problem-solving and shared resources. The Executive Director will oversee a motivated team and ensure a balanced approach to natural resource protection and public engagement. The role also encompasses developing and implementing a comprehensive fundraising strategy, including securing major gifts, foundation grants, and government funding while spearheading legislative advocacy for transportation funding and trail infrastructure improvements. By working closely with agency partners, the Executive Director will identify additional funding opportunities and cultivate relationships with individual donors, foundations, corporate sponsors, and public funding sources. Overseeing grant writing and management, the individual must ensure effective stewardship and reporting to funding partners. Engaging and activating trail advocates to support priorities with agency partners and elected officials is also a significant responsibility, further solidifying the trail as a regional priority.