Executive Director

Friends of Rogers Environmental Education Center (FOR) is accepting applications for the position of Executive Director (ED). The ED is the chief executive officer of FOR, reports to the Board of Directors (BOD), manages the FOR Staff, and coordinates operations and activities with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

Friends of Rogers is a private not-for-profit corporation that operates the Rogers Environmental Education Center in Sherburne, NY, in cooperation with NYS DEC. This position is full-time, at a salaried pay scale with a minimum of $65,000 plus benefits and incentives tied to revenue goals achieved.

Key Responsibilities:

• Build and strengthen the Rogers Center’s local, regional, and national profile by cultivating strategic partnerships, engaging with media and key stakeholders, serving as the face of FOR, and proactively identifying opportunities to increase awareness of its mission, programs, and impact.
• Provide leadership in the development, refinement, and implementation of the long-term strategic plan, aligning resources to annual goals to achieve the Friends of Rogers mission and vision.
• Collaborate with New York State Department of Environmental Conservation staff on site stewardship, program development, facilities management, and trail maintenance.
• Oversee the operation and management of the Rogers Environmental Education Center facilities and 600 acre property, including the Visitor Center, Bird Cabin, Sugar Shack, Stone House, Gardens, Trails, Interpretive Exhibits, and Farm Field Leases.
• Cultivate and manage key relationships and diverse partnerships with community stakeholders, including the Oneida Indian Nation, to sustain the FOR mission, programs, and operations.
• Create a positive culture to recruit, retain and recognize highly qualified staff, board members and volunteers while fostering an environment that promotes creativity and effective problem solving.
• Work closely with the FOR Executive Committee and proactively communicate with the BOD on key decisions that would impact staff, budget, or resources.
• Collaborate with the FOR Development Committee to pursue diversified funding streams through a robust multi-year fundraising plan.
• Provide financial management in partnership with the FOR Finance Committee, including the development of the annual budget and grant oversight.
• Support the development of inclusive programming that reflects community needs and interests and engages a broader, more diverse audience.
• Build financial staff and volunteer capacity to support school field trips, summer camp, and public programs.
• Lead signature event production with FOR Staff, Board and Volunteers.
• Ensure effective management of the Maple sugarbush with FOR Staff and community partners.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience; master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of five years of senior management experience, with a focus on staff coaching, professional development, and employee empowerment.
• Demonstrated experience in fund development and budget management, with a track record of building diversified revenue streams, including individual giving, major gifts, grants, corporate and foundation support, sponsorships, and events.
• Strong relationship management, public relations skills and media relations, with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders and cultures.
• Experience in volunteer recruiting, engagement and development.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong project management skills.

Key Attributes:

• Team player
• Relationship builder; strong networker
• Strategic thinker and planner
• Creative problem solver; entrepreneurial and results oriented
• Strong business acumen: knowledge and understanding of financial, accounting, marketing and operational functions of an organization and the ability to make sound business decisions
• Experience and enthusiasm for educational programming
• Strong sense of community and passion for FOR’s mission
• Inspirational leader with strong people management skills

To Apply: Please send resumé, cover letter, and list of three references to View email address on click.appcast.io. Candidates will be considered until the position is filled; submissions encouraged by Friday, October 30, 2026.

Friends of Rogers is an equal opportunity employer.