Nonprofit Executive Director

Position Summary

Friends of Rose Canyon is a community-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a 20+ year history of success in pursuing our mission to protect, preserve, and restore Rose Canyon and the Ros...

Our major focus is on the Rose Canyon green belt between Interstates 5 and 805, much of which is included in the City of San Diego’s Rose Canyon Open Space Park and …

• Part‑time (approximately 20 – 25 hours per week)
• Remote and in‑person work required, including some evening and weekend events
• Requires maintaining a regular presence in Rose Canyon to observe habitat conditions, monitor or participate in restoration projects, meet with staff, volunteers, members of the public, contractors, City of San Diego Open Space Park rangers, or others to represent Friends of Rose Canyon
• Reports to the Board of Directors
• Supervises two part‑time employees: a seasonal Education Coordinator and a Restoration coordinator

• Coordinate and conduct community outreach and engagement
• Maintain and grow existing networks of relationships, and collaborate on advocacy efforts with other environmental organizations
• Monitor plans by the City of San Diego, SANDAG, and private developers that may impact Rose Canyon and the Rose Creek watershed
• Advocate to protect Rose Canyon and the Rose Creek watershed at remote and in‑person meetings, hearings, and in environmental coalitions; work with outside legal counsel as needed
• Plan and host community and education events in Rose Canyon and surrounding areas

• Research and write grant proposals and donation requests; ensure grant compliance; prepare and submit required grant reports
• Plan and implement annual fundraising campaign
• Cultivate relationships with existing and potential donors
• Maintain donor and volunteer databases; manage donor and email software programs
• Strengthen community engagement through email, social media, attendance at meetings and events

• Work closely with the Board of Directors to advance the organization's mission, and collaborate on strategic priorities
• Implement Board‑approved strategic priorities and annual work plans
• Prepare and present regular reports on programs, finances, and organizational activities
• Support Board of Directors recruitment

• Oversee planning and implementation of our habitat restoration projects in coordination with our Habitat Restoration Coordinator, the City of San Diego Open Space Division, and our restoration contractors
• Oversee planning and implementation of our nature education walks for local schools in coordination with our Education Coordinator

• Manage budget, oversee payroll administration and financial reporting in coordination with the bookkeeper and external accountants
• Ensure compliance with all nonprofit and regulatory requirements
• Maintain and upgrade data systems and website

• Demonstrated experience showing passion for nature, conservation, and community
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in nonprofit leadership or management
• Demonstrated experience in fundraising, grant writing, donor cultivation, or related activities

• Experience in advocacy and work on successful environmental protection efforts
• Familiarity with San Diego’s environmental community, environmental issues and California state and federal environmental agencies
• Familiarity with San Diego’s native habitats
• Experience with habitat restoration, outdoor nature education, or related environmental work
• Proven organizational and time‑management skills to manage multiple responsibilities independently
• Strong writing and public‑speaking communication skills
• Ability to effectively network and influence local environmental policy
• Ability to leverage digital tools and applications to operate the organization efficiently and effectively

• Compensation: $32–$34/hour, depending on qualifications and experience

• Health insurance stipend; eligibility for Cal Savers retirement program (no employer contribution)

• Position accommodates flexible work hours and frequent remote work,…