Founding Executive Director

The client is seeking a visionary, collaborative, and entrepreneurial founding Executive Director to launch the organization and lead its first stage of growth and impact. The role will help protect a nearly intact temperate-zone ecosystem across the central Rocky Mountains, a globally significant natural laboratory for landscape ecology and a world-renowned recreational destination. The Executive Director will be instrumental in advancing science-based, collaborative conservation efforts that bridge public and private lands to support the long-term health of this irreplaceable wilderness. As founding Executive Director, the client will develop innovative solutions to complex conservation challenges and unite diverse stakeholders around shared conservation goals. Responsibilities include shaping organizational vision and strategy, cultivating a broad network of supporters, and helping educate and inspire others to make evidence-driven conservation changes. The work will involve coordinating collaborative partnerships and aligning resources to address pressures on the ecosystem, including demographic shifts, private development, and increased visitation. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong leadership and entrepreneurial drive to build programs and partnerships during an early growth phase. They should be able to connect effectively with a range of stakeholders, translate mission goals into actionable strategy, and mobilize support for conservation outcomes. Experience leading mission-driven organizations, building networks, and fostering collaborative, research-informed approaches is expected, along with the ability to steward the organization’s long-term legacy.