WRA President

• Location:
  
  Hybrid with travel, based in AZ, CO, MT, NV, NM, UT, or WY

Western Resource Advocates (WRA) is a regional nonprofit advocacy organization fighting climate change and its impacts to sustain the environment, economy, and people of the West. The organization is driving state-level action by developing data-driven policies, advocating for their adoption, and then implementing those policies to achieve measurable results while holding decision makers accountable.

WRA's work focuses on three interconnected priorities: advancing clean, affordable, reliable energy; protecting rivers and water resources; and conserving lands and wildlife habitat. We partner with policymakers, utilities, businesses, Tribal Nations, community groups, and other stakeholders to develop pragmatic, research-based solutions that balance environmental protection with economic and community needs.

Operating across seven Western states in the Interior West, WRA has secured significant investments in renewable energy, advanced water conservation and drought resilience strategies, and safeguarded some of the region's most important natural landscapes. Having built a reputation as the region’s go-to state and local policy expert over the past four decades, the organization is known for its collaborative approach, bringing together diverse perspectives to achieve practical, durable policy outcomes.

Going forward, our mission requires us to expand our impact by limiting the worst impacts of climate change while strengthening ecosystem resilience through the protection of water, land, and wildlife. Our new five-year Strategic Plan sets ambitious targets to reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by more than 100 million tons below 2024 levels, protect the health of more than 2,000 stream miles, reduce annual water use by nearly 250,000 acre-feet, and increase legal protections for more than 20 million acres of high-value habitat.

Achieving these goals will require exceptional fundraising leadership, expanding WRA's philanthropic support well beyond our current $16 million annual budget.

Guided by a vision of a sustainable and resilient West, WRA is committed to creating a future in which vibrant communities, thriving ecosystems, and a clean-energy economy coexist and prosper for generations to come.

At this moment of tremendous opportunity, WRA is seeking a dynamic and mission-driven President to lead a highly respected organization into its next chapter of impact. Reporting to the Board of Directors and working alongside an exceptionally knowledgeable staff, the President will be responsible for inspiring, leading, and executing on WRA’s  Strategic Plan and aligning the resources, talent, and political will to make the vision a reality.

In partnership with Senior Leadership and program experts, the President will drive WRA’s fundraising and programs to realize the organization’s mission through astute advocacy across the Interior West. Serving as the chief external ambassador, the President will guide WRA’s affiliated 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) advocacy and policy efforts to achieve ambitious goals while securing the funds and coalitions required to sustain WRA for generations to come.

The President’s major responsibilities include:

• Direct the overall vision, strategy, management, and leadership to a staff of 80+ and an annual budget of $16M, with a plan to grow significantly over the next five years.
• Partner with the Board and Development Team to expand financial support for WRA, taking an active, lead role in fundraising initiatives and activities.
• Lead, mentor, and empower a high-performing team, fostering a collaborative culture grounded in transparency, trust, and openness to feedback.
• Establish and enhance strategic and operational partnerships and coalitions with key individuals, organizations, and agencies across government, political, private, and philanthropic sectors.

We recognize that there is a spectrum of lived and professional experience that will set candidates up for success in this role. While no one candidate will have every experience outlined in the position description, ideal candidates will…