Executive Director Colorado Canyons Association

Organizational Background

Based in Grand Junction, Colorado, Colorado Canyons Association (CCA) fosters community stewardship, education, and awareness of our National Conservation Lands with a focus on Dominguez‑Escalante, Gunnison Gorge and McInnis Canyons National Conservation Areas in Western Colorado.

CCA brings together diverse, often non‑traditional, public lands supporters to protect and restore our National Conservation Lands in western Colorado. Our organization provides educational programs bringing over 3,000 students, 500 community members and several hundred volunteers out onto their public lands annually. As a river outfitter on the Colorado and Gunnison Rivers, CCA manages a robust and successful river education and stewardship program while managing our private science/adventure camp along the Colorado River.

One of the top BLM friends groups in the country, we work closely with public land managers to ensure the public is engaged with their lands. CCA also advocates for programs important to the long‑term health of the National Conservation Lands and our three National Conservation Areas in Western Colorado.

CCA seeks an Executive Director to join a motivated team that includes a Board of Directors, experienced staff, and dedicated supporters at an exciting time in our fifteen‑year history. This position requires a seasoned non‑profit leader with the ability to direct our growing organization with a budget over $600,000, 3 full‑time staff members, a team of part‑time and seasonal personnel, and a volunteer Board of Directors.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director oversees the strategic vision and operational efficiency of our programs and staff, and is responsible for developing and implementing a fundraising plan that includes diverse sources of support. They will play a key role in hiring, retaining, and managing staff as well as developing and maintaining relationships with individual donors and community groups.

Responsibilities include oversight of all operations, development, programs, administration and strategic vision. Working closely with the Board of Directors, the ideal candidate will be a well‑rounded, independent, seasoned leader with a strong ability to work across a broad spectrum of political interests.

• Establish a 2027–2030 strategic plan to align long‑term priorities with operational goals.
• Lead and coordinate all aspects of major gifts fundraising, including prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Conduct donor and grant research to develop comprehensive profiles and engagement strategies for major donors.
• Develop and implement strategies to grow corporate partnerships and sponsor ships.
• Oversee monthly fundraising and financial reports to ensure progress toward annual revenue and budget goals.
• Mitigate liabilities through development and implementation of appropriate policies and procedures.
• Manage donor recognition and stewardship strategies to strengthen long‑term engagement.
• Serve as the primary staff liaison to the Board on philanthropic strategies and performance.
• Oversee all external communication materials including website, newsletters, and social media platforms, including Instagram and Facebook.
• Serve as the face of the organization and actively participate in both internal and external events to develop strategic partnerships and increase community awareness of CCA’s programs.
• Build and lead an effective team dedicated to fulfilling the organization’s mission through successful program implementation, community engagement, and fundraising targets.

• Bachelor’s degree and 6+ years of senior management experience, preferably in the nonprofit sector.
• A fundraising leader with senior level development program experience.
• Strong strategic vision and planning background with a long history of working with a Board of Directors.
• Commitment to personal and staff professional development.
• A passion for the National Conservation Lands and the three National Conservation Areas located in Western Colorado.
• Politically nuanced with an ability to work with donors and elected officials from all political affiliations, and a strong background in advocacy and/or experience managing conservation or public lands campaigns.
• An entrepreneurial can‑do spirit with the ability to inspire others.
• Firm grasp of land conservation and stewardship strategies.
• Excellent organizational, presentation and verbal and written communication skills.
• Persistent, yet patient, individual who has vision, the passion for the land and community, a love of the non-profit organization and a great sense of humor.