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Executive Director for Save Mount Diablo, Walnut Creek, CA
About the Organization
Save Mount Diablo’s (SMD) vision is to preserve Mount Diablo’s peaks, surrounding
foothills and watershed lands as permanent open space.
Since 1971, SMD has worked to preserve natural land forever and enhance the quality
of life for all. Through acquisition and land use advocacy, SMD sustains Mount Diablo’s
biological diversity and historical heritage while encouraging recreational opportunities
consistent with the protection of natural resources. Furthermore, SMD fosters
enjoyment of the Mount Diablo wilderness through public education and events.
The Mount Diablo area is one of the nation’s biodiversity hotspots. Only half of Mount
Diablo’s wilderness is preserved. The other half is at risk of being lost to development
forever. SMD works to preserve, defend and restore the remaining natural lands for
people and wildlife to enjoy.
SMD defends the mountain and its foothills from threats of development by being active
in land-use planning and by engaging with development proposals that affect open
space on and around Mount Diablo. SMD protects natural lands through direct
acquisition and collaboration with park agencies. The organization restores habitat on
lands acquired and stewards a portfolio of preserved properties not yet integrated into a
park system. SMD achieves its mission through engagement with environmental and
business coalition partners, volunteers and supporters.
About the Opportunity
SMD has a legacy of accomplishments in its 44-year history, furthered during the last 15
years through the coalition building and supporter development of the retiring Executive
Director (ED). SMD’s experience in land conservation for public benefit through both
acquisition and land-use planning and advocacy positions it at the cutting edge of
organizations engaged in land protection.
SMD seeks a dynamic ED, a strong manager with an aptitude and energy for furthering
the organization’s mission. This is a great opportunity to work with an organization that
has a staff and board who serve as knowledge experts to the organization. SMD has
grown substantially in recent years; the next ED will help assure that SMD is an
effective, sustainable organization for the next 44 years and beyond.
Executive Director Position
SMD is seeking a leader with a passion for San Francisco Bay Area conservation and
environmental issues. Successful candidates will have a demonstrated commitment to
land conservation, preservation, and natural resource management, as well as an
understanding of the principles of effective land use policy and land acquisition.
The next ED will be a strategic thinker who will have leadership skills. S/he will report to
a 12-member board of directors and manage a staff of 18, supported by hundreds of
dedicated volunteers.
Required Skills and Experience
Candidates must possess a strong suite of management and leadership skills supported
by substantial experience, specifically:
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At least ten years of senior leadership experience in an organization that is
similar in size to SMD.
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Experience managing a budget of at least $2M.
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At least 5 years of experience supervising a staff of 15+.
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A successful track record of leading fund development, including major gifts
solicitation and fundraising program development.
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Experience working with a nonprofit board of directors as an ED, or other Senior
Director level staff.
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Superior ability to cultivate, nurture, and maintain relationships with officials in
local, regional, and state government, as well as partnering NGOs, diverse
stakeholder groups and the business community.
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Ability to inspire others to invest time and resources into SMD and build
consensus on critical issues.
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Negotiation and conflict resolution skills; proven experience developing
meaningful and pragmatic solutions to controversial issues.
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Ability to work in a high pressure environment, and simultaneously prioritize both
internal and external needs of the organization.
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Ability to publicly speak about issues of concern to SMD.
Preferred Experience
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Senior-level member of a capital campaign.
Experience with land use advocacy and policy including familiarity with CEQA,
public funding mechanisms and regional open space planning.
Familiarity with natural resource protection including the principals of ecology and
conservation biology.
Personal Characteristics
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Believes in the transformative power of the outdoors.
Communicates articulately and persuasively.
Natural relationship builder.
Entrepreneurial.
Life learner.
Passionate for the mission and vision of SMD.
To Apply
Leadership Search Partners, a retained executive search firm, is conducting this search
on behalf of Save Mount Diablo. Interested candidates should apply via email by
sending a letter outlining qualifications, a salary history, and a resume as separate
Word or PDF documents to [email protected] with “Save Mount Diablo” in
the subject line. The application deadline is June 26th, 2015.
Recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce is a high priority for Save Mount
Diablo.