Executive Director

Reports to:

Board President

Compensation:
Salary $85,000 - $95,000 (Based on experience and qualifications)

Schedule:

Full-time
, flexible hours, requires some evening and weekend work

Founded in 1967, the Park Lands Foundation is the fourth-oldest conservation land trust in Illinois. Our mission is to protect, restore, and manage the natural habitat of the Mackinaw River basin for current and future generations. We aim to expand a permanent corridor of protected natural lands that foster ecological resilience for native plants and wildlife and improve the health of the river, while strengthening our community’s connection to the wild.

The new role of Executive Director (ED) is a comprehensive “hands‑on” leadership position responsible for both high-level mission advancement and the day-to-day management of the Foundation. The ED provides the primary leadership in executing the vision and strategic direction for the Park Lands Foundation while overseeing and ensuring the excellence of its day-to-day operations.

• Strategic Leadership & Governance
  • Visionary Planning:
    Monitor and drive progress against the active strategic plan and provide the Board with insight and priorities to further fulfill the mission.
  • Board Relations:
    Support the Board of Directors and committees by providing necessary information for governance and oversight. Coordinate the Board and Executive Committee meetings and agendas.
  • Conservation Strategy:
    Coordinate with the Board to identify and pursue land acquisition opportunities in line with guiding principles.
  • Accreditation & Compliance:
    Ensure ethical and legal operation of the Foundation with the long-term goal of achieving Land Trust Alliance (LTA) accreditation.
  • Future Planning:
    Develop a roadmap for the Foundation’s future staffing needs and organizational resilience.
  • Team Building:
    Inspire and motivate a highly skilled and committed team, including staff, volunteers, and Board members.
• Fundraising and Development
  • Growth Strategy:
    Develop and implement an aggressive fundraising strategy to increase individual giving, memberships, grants, and corporate sponsor ships.
  • Donor Development and Major Gift Stewardship:
    Manage a portfolio of top major gift prospects, ensuring a cycle of personal contact with key donors every two years.
  • Grant Lifecycle:
    Identify, write, and secure grants for land acquisition and stewardship while managing all reporting and documentation.
  • Data Optimization:
    Oversee the CRM platform (Neon CRM) to ensure high-quality donor data and develop targeted giving programs.
• Operations and Financial Management
  • Financial Planning and Oversight:
    Work with the Treasurer and contract bookkeeper in preparing annual budgets, supervising finances, participating in yearly audits, and reporting status to the Board.
  • Office and Business Functions:
    Manage and organize all office and business functions with staff, vendor, and Board assistance. This includes general accounting, insurance matters, vendor management, records management, human resources, information technology use, and legal and regulatory compliance.
  • Contract Management:
    Administer grant agreements, vendor agreements, farm contracts, leases, and federal conservation payment programs, among others.
• Personnel Management
  • Recruiting and Staffing:
    Responsible for recruiting, hiring, and supervising staff based on the Board-approved organizational staffing plan and budget. Conduct annual staff performance evaluations with measurable goals.
  • Human Capital Requirements:
    Advise the Board regarding staffing needs, compensation, personnel policies, practices, and performance.
  • Volunteers:
    Recruit, train, and manage volunteers.
• Land Stewardship & Facilities Management
  • Property and Land Stewardship Management:
    Oversee effective management, plans, and maintenance of all Foundation facilities and properties.
  • Habitat Restoration & Maintenance:
    Collaborate with the Stewardship Committee to enhance conservation values on Park Lands preserves through habitat restoration, trail construction, maintenance, and stewardship projects.
  • Easement Management:
    Ensure appropriate oversight, inspection, and reporting for…