President Rachel's Network

Rachel’s Network, a nonprofit 501(c)(3), is a community of women environmental funders and advocates. Named for the courageous biologist and writer Rachel Carson, we elevate and support women leaders who work to repair environmental harm and injustice and advance a regenerative and equitable future. Established in 2000, the organization began as a networking and educational space for 18 philanthropists. Since then, it has flourished into a robust network of nearly 200 advocates and funders who are transforming environmental giving to be more accountable, responsive, effective, and joyful.

In 2019, we launched the Catalyst Award for women environmental leaders of color which significantly increased our collective grantmaking, providing over $2 million to 142 individuals and their organizations to date. The award has generated other programs aligned with trust-based philanthropy: community-led grantmaking through our flow fund, wellness retreats for frontline environmental leaders, a community resilience fund for climate emergencies, and more.

We host 15-20 community-building events each year, to uplift the work of our members and other women leaders in the movement. Equity and justice remain central to our work.

By supporting women environmental leaders, we’re also supporting all the things they fight for: climate action, biodiversity, health, environmental justice, regenerative agriculture, and so much more. We seek a president who will carry forward our expansive vision set in motion by our committed staff, board, and members; a leader to grow the network and partnerships, engage and inspire our members, and be a thought-leader in a new vision of philanthropy.

Under the direction of the board, the president is responsible for leading organizational strategy, ensuring financial sustainability, fundraising, overseeing operations and programs, recruiting and retaining members, and motivating a capable board and staff to excel. We have a dedicated professional staff of five (not including the president) who all work in a self-directed and collaborative manner, and a committed board of directors.

Candidates should possess not only relevant experience and expertise, but an interest in multi-racial, cross-class organizing and dedication to our culture of care. We believe that caring for the people in our movement is the foundation of effective environmental work and build this into both our programming and our internal operations. We seek a leader who will cultivate a culture of curiosity, active listening, compassion, and collaboration.

Organizational Leadership and Strategy Development

• Collaborate with the board and staff to strengthen the organization’s direction, processes, and programs. Advance the mission in a way that’s responsive to member and broader movement needs.
• Lead membership recruitment. Develop plans for prospective member cultivation to grow the network along with membership and development director.
• Serve as a thought leader and ambassador for Rachel’s Network. Amplify the work of the funders and Catalyst recipients comprising our membership to increase Rachel’s Network’s influence and impact.
• Foster and maintain relationships with members through regular communication and mutual learning. Help members, especially new members, connect meaningfully with staff, programming, partners, and their peers in the network.
• Identify and cultivate partnerships with aligned organizations and individuals working in the philanthropic and environmental fields.
• Practice and advocate for philanthropy that is more responsive, participatory, and grantee‑centric. Facilitate member, staff, and board education on these topics.
• Partner with Rachel’s Action Network, a…