Executive Director

Full-time | Reports to the Board of Directors

If you’re passionate about land conservation and want your leadership to make a visible, lasting impact, this is your opportunity. At Park Lands Foundation, you’ll join a small but dedicated team working to protect the natural beauty and biodiversity of Central Illinois, one acre, one partnership, and one community at a time.

Park Lands Foundation is a nonprofit land trust committed to protecting, restoring, and managing the natural lands of the Mackinaw River watershed. For more than 50 years, we’ve safeguarded thousands of acres of prairies, forests, and wetlands while inspiring people to value and protect our region’s ecological heritage.

The Executive Director provides strategic and operational leadership for the organization. This includes guiding long‑term goals, overseeing land stewardship, building partnerships, engaging donors, leading the staff, managing finances, etc. The right candidate will be a mission‑driven leader who thrives on collaboration and is eager to help grow Park Lands’ conservation impact.

• Lead the organization’s mission, goals, and strategic plan.
• Oversee land acquisition, restoration, and long‑term management efforts.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with donors, volunteers, and community partners.
• Direct fundraising, grant management, and outreach initiatives.
• Manage budgets, reporting, and compliance with nonprofit and land trust standards.
• Supervise staff and volunteers and support the Board of Directors.

• Leadership experience in nonprofit management, land conservation, or an environmental field.
• Strong communication and partnership‑building skills.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising and donor relations.
• Experience managing budgets and organizational operations.
• Knowledge of ecological restoration or conservation practices preferred.
• Genuine passion for environmental preservation and community engagement.

• Full‑time position based in Central Illinois (Bloomington‑Normal).
• Flexible schedule; occasional evenings or weekends for events.
• Compensation commensurate with experience

Park Lands Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.