Executive Director

Loading... Executive Director Save Job Columbia Land Trust Vancouver, Washington Facebook Email Copy URL Job Type Permanent Salary $195,000•$215,000 per year Min. Experience 5+ years Save Job Facebook Email Copy

URL POSITION OVERVIEW AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Executive Director will provide organizational leadership by guiding strategy, supporting a talented and empowered staff team, nurturing strong board relations, stewarding donor and community relationships, and serving as the primary public face and voice of Columbia Land Trust across the Columbia River region and beyond. The position calls for a leader who genuinely trusts the expertise of the people around them: someone who understands that the directors and staff at Columbia Land Trust have deep, hard-won knowledge, and who sees their own role as guiding and supporting that team rather than overriding it. Columbia Land Trust has built a culture of trust and low micromanagement that staff deeply value. The next Executive Director will honor and strengthen that culture. The incoming leader will arrive with a clear vision for the organization, the ability to articulate it compellingly to diverse audiences, and the humility to let that vision be shaped by staff, community, and partners. They will be comfortable navigating a donor and constituent base that spans the full political spectrum, and will understand that conservation in this region requires building bridges across communities, not just within them. The Executive Director will embrace a critical moment: the final phase of a significant capital campaign that will require someone who can step in as a trusted, relationship-anchored community leader and close it with confidence and creativity. Strategic Leadership and Vision Collaborate with staff and the Board of Directors to develop, refine, and implement long-term strategic plans and annual work plans that reflect the organization's mission and values Provide clear, visionary leadership while honoring the organization's collaborative culture Translate strategic goals into achievable objectives in genuine partnership with staff, board, and community Bring a long-term orientation to steering Columbia Land Trust toward its next phase of organizational maturity Ensure that programs and activities are developed, executed, and evaluated to maximize mission impact Participate with the Land Trust Alliance, Washington Association of Land Trusts, Coalition of Oregon Land Trusts, and peer organizations on policy, accreditation, and issues of shared interest Business Acumen Captain a high-performing team by delegating effectively, developing internal leadership, and scaling organizational infrastructure to match growth. Lead with financial savvy, intelligence, and strategic foresight in managing a diversified revenue portfolio, including the ability to assess risk and develop contingency plans in response to shifting government funding landscapes and an evolving regulatory environment. Cultivate and steward relationships across a broad constituent ecosystem, including major donors, institutional funders, government partners, and community leaders spanning both urban and rural constituencies. Communicate with clarity and confidence as the public face of the organization, engaging diverse audiences ranging from major donors and external partners to board members and staff with equal credibility and presence. Strategically identify and pursue opportunities across sectors to expand the circle of Columbia Land Trust supporters without alienating potential allies, and build coalitions that advance organizational priorities in a complex and often politically charged operating environment. Community Engagement and Partnerships Lead Columbia Land Trust's staff and board to be ambassadors across the Columbia River region: connecting with landowners, community members, local and state officials, tribal partners, rural communities, and the broader public Sustain and deepen the organization's partnerships with Indigenous tribal nations, including the Yakima Nation, Chinook Indian Nation, Cowlitz Indian Tribe, and other tribal partners across Oregon and Washington Ensure organizational culture and programming actively welcome volunteers and community participation Oversee outreach, communications, and events that build connections across a diverse and geographically expansive region Demonstrate deep awareness of the rural communities where much of this conservation work takes place, and lead with authenticity and cultural competency in those spaces Fundraising Management Lead fundraising and development efforts with energy, warmth, and authenticity, sharing Columbia Land Trust's story and building genuine relationships with donors across the political and demographic spectrum Steward and complete the organization's active capital campaign, bringing demonstrated credibility and trust with donors, community members, partners, and landowners to the final phase of this major effort Work alongside the Board of Directors and development staff to implement fundraising strategies, including major gifts, campaign giving, planned giving, and grants Cultivate deep, long-term relationships with donors rooted in shared investment in the health and vitality of the Columbia River region Leverage strong existing connections in the Washington and Oregon philanthropic and conservation funding landscape, and actively build new ones Board Relations Collaborate and lead with the board in setting the strategic vision for the land trust Keep board members informed of Columbia Land Trust activities and provide organizational support to officers and committees Engage the board in strategic conversations in a way that honors a consensus-oriented culture while maintaining efficient and clear decision making Serve as liaison between board and staff, ensuring productive and trusting relationships across the organization Organizational Growth and Management Ensure financial compliance, strong practices, and fiscal responsibility, including budgeting, annual audit, and tax filings Recruit, develop, and support staff, conducting evaluations, providing coaching, and fostering high morale and a sense of shared ownership Maintain administrative and communication systems that support efficient, mission-aligned operations Oversee compliance with all applicable legal, regulatory, and Land Trust Alliance standards and practices requirements, including accreditation

DESIRED EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES

Columbia Land Trust seeks an inspiring, grounded leader who approaches conservation with deep respect for the science, the politics, and the people involved. The ideal candidate brings strategic vision and business acumen, strong ties to the Washington and Oregon communities and philanthropic landscape, or experience in a similar region, and a demonstrated commitment to working with, elevating, and genuinely learning from communities that have historically been marginalized in conservation spaces. Executive Capacity Visionary and entrepreneurial thinker capable of organizational transformation and acceleration, moving fluidly between long-term vision and immediate operational detail without losing sight of either Comfortable operating in conditions of uncertainty, with the ability to make sound decisions with incomplete information and course-correct without losing momentum Track record of building productive relationships with government agencies, elected officials, and regulatory bodies at local, state, and federal levels Comfortable with the legal and compliance landscape relevant to land trusts, including conservation easements, accreditation standards, and transaction due diligence Experience in stewarding an organization through periods of transition in leadership, funding, or strategic direction while maintaining staff stability and donor confidence Proven ability to lead organizational change thoughtfully, balancing the urgency of growth with preserving institutional culture and staff trust Skilled at analyzing and making decisions based on complex financial and operational information and translating it into accessible narratives for audiences with varying levels of financial literacy Mission Commitment and Depth A leader driven by mission rather than personal recognition, one who empowers others and celebrates team success Genuine, abiding commitment to land conservation and the mission of protecting vital lands, waters, and wildlife through science-based stewardship Understanding of the intersections of conservation, agriculture, forestry, tribal sovereignty, rural economies, and community wellbeing Appreciation for the political and economic complexity of land conservation: an understanding that land is power, that land ownership carries significant meaning, and that this context shapes everything about how and with whom this work happens Experience working with Indigenous communities in Oregon and Washington, ideally including ongoing relationships with specific tribal nations; tribal membership would be an extraordinary asset Comfortable and effective in rural communities, with an awareness of how to communicate and build trust in those settings Skilled at navigating a politically diverse donor and constituent base with honesty and respect Organizational Leadership and Culture Deeply collaborative and lateral in their leadership orientation: someone who actively elevates the expertise of long-tenured, highly skilled staff and ensures that expertise guides organizational decisions Warm, personable, and genuinely curious about people, skilled at building connections with diverse constituencies from longtime supporters to people who have never heard of Columbia Land Trust Strong team-builder who nurtures a culture of trust, collaboration, kindness, and mutual respect Ability to arrive with openness and spend meaningful time listening and learning from staff before making major changes Deep commitment to working with leaders and communities from nondominant backgrounds: not just awareness of identity, but demonstrated self-directed learning and hands-on experience working alongside people from marginalized communities Fundraising and Donor Partnership Comfortable and skilled in fundraising as an act of relationship-building and community investment, not transactional obligation Proven experience in development, including major gifts and capital campaign fundraising A storyteller who approaches donors with genuine gratitude and the ability to convey the ecological, cultural, and human stakes of conservation Strong existing connections in the Washington and Oregon philanthropic communities, particularly among conservation funders and individual major donors Experience with grant oversight and management, institutional funding, and diversified revenue strategies

COMPENSATION

This is a full-time, exempt, benefit-eligible position. The anticipated annual salary range is $195,000•$215,000, commensurate with experience. Columbia Land Trust offers comprehensive benefits, including: 100% Health care coverage for employee 100% Dental coverage for employee up to 5% 401K matching $50,000 Life Insurance policy 4-week vacation accrual at time of hire with graduated increases based on years of service

LOCATION AND REQUIREMENTS

The Executive Director will work in a hybrid arrangement based at Columbia Land Trust's offices in Vancouver, Washington, with regular travel throughout the Columbia River region.

There are two satellite offices:

Astoria, OR, and White Salmon, WA. The position requires consistent in-person presence to build and sustain strong relationships with staff, board members, landowners, community partners, tribal nations, and donors. Occasional evening and weekend availability will be required for events, community programs, and organizational activities. How To Apply Please visit potrerogroup.com/clt and select "Apply Here." Applications should include a resume and a cover letter describing your qualifications that match the position criteria and what you will bring to the role. Interested candidates should apply by July 6 for priority consideration. When you apply, please indicate that you are responding to the posting on Conservation Job Board. Category Admin & Leadership , General / Stewardship , Land Trust Tags Outreach Related Jobs Senior Philanthropy Director Sustainable Northwest Seattle, WA Job type :

Permanent Salary :

$145,000•$160,000 per year Min.

Experience :

5+ years 19 days ago Chief Executive Officer Mangrove Action Project Seattle, WA Job type :

Permanent Salary :

$110,000•$140,000 per year

Deadline :

Jun 21, 2026 Min.

Experience :

5+ years 7 days ago Founding Executive Director Saving Yellowstone Littleton, CO Job type :

Permanent Salary :

$275,000•$300,000 per year Min.

Experience :

5+ years 21 days ago Cultural Resource Specialist Bat Conservation International Inc. Santa Fe, NM Job type :

Permanent Salary :

$60,000•$65,000 per year Min.

Experience :

5+ years 17 days ago Vice President Spitfire Strategies Remote, CA Job type :

Permanent Salary :

$145,000•$160,000 per year Min.

Experience :

5+ years 7 days ago B.S. and Master's•Sustainability & Renewable Energy Penn State World Campus Online Earn a world-class education part-time and online, while you work. Our online degrees mirror the same quality and rigor you would expect from a Penn State education on campus. Sponsored Land Stewardship Manager Willowsford Conservancy Aldie, VA Job type :

Permanent Salary :

75,000-85,000 Min.

Experience :

5+ years 4 days ago Horticulture Senior Coordinator California Native Plant Society Sacramento, CA Job type :

Permanent Salary :

$31.51•$33.96 per hour

Deadline :

Jul 05, 2026 Min.

Experience :

5+ years 10 days ago MSHCP Compliance Manager Riverside County Transportation Commission Riverside, CA Job type :

Permanent Salary :

$12,273•$16,569 per month Min.

Experience :

5+ years 17 days ago Kelp Project Director, California The Nature Conservancy Remote, CA Job type :

Permanent Salary :

$75,200•$106,200 per year Min.

Experience :

5+ years 27 days ago Executive Director Flow Water Advocates Traverse City, MI Job type :

Permanent Salary :

The minimum starting salary for this position is $150,000 annually, with final compensation based upon the hired candidate's location, qualifications, background, and experience. Min.

Experience :

5+ years 4 days ago Biodiversity Conservation and Management•Online University of Wisconsin-Green Bay 100% Online Build your skills and career on your own schedule, over time. Earn the master's degree or focus on a specific area of study: biodiversity science, data management, or conservation leadership. Sponsored Major Gifts Officer Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests Concord, NH Job type :

Permanent Salary :

$85,000•$90,000 per year Min.

Experience :

5+ years 17 days ago Executive Director Interior Alaska Land Trust Fairbanks, AK Job type :

Permanent Salary :

$70,000•$90,000 per year

Deadline :

Jun 22, 2026 Min.

Experience :

5+ years 24 days ago Executive Director Friends of Tryon Creek Portland, OR Job type :

Permanent Salary :

$110,000 per year

Deadline :

Jul 13, 2026 Min.

Experience :

5+ years 7 days ago Forest Health Operations Manager Whitebark Institute Mammoth Lakes, CA Job type :

Permanent Salary :

$95,000•$115,000 per year

Deadline :

Jul 07, 2026 Min.

Experience :

5+ years 5 days ago Forestry Program Manager Larimer Conservation District Fort Collins, CO Job type :

Permanent Salary :

$75,000•$85,000 per year Min.

Experience :

5+ years 24 days ago Director of Finance and Administration Walker Basin Conservancy Reno, NV Job type :

Permanent Salary :

From $105,000/year DOE Min.

Experience :

5+ years 19 days ago Director of Government Relations Lake George Association Lake George, NY Job type :

Permanent Salary :

$90,000•$110,000 per year Min.

Experience :

5+ years 3 days ago Senior Director of Development Winnakee Land Trust Rhinebeck, NY Job type :

Permanent Salary :

$90,000•$100,000 per year Min.

Experience :

5+ years 19 days ago Division Director of Marine Fisheries NC Department of Environmental Quality Raleigh, NC Job type :

Permanent Salary :

$89,596•$140,050 per year

Deadline :

Jun 23, 2026 Min.

Experience :

5+ years 24 days ago Policy Director Western Landowners Alliance Denver, CO Job type :

Permanent Salary :

$80,000•$120,000 per year Min.

Experience :

5+ years 28 days ago Chief Programs Officer Western Landowners Alliance Denver, CO Job type :

Permanent Salary :

$115,000•$140,000 per year Min.

Experience :

5+ years Today Applied Landscape Ecologist Santa Barbara Fire County Safe Council Santa Barbara, CA Job type :

Permanent Salary :

$104,000 per year

Deadline :

Jun 19, 2026 Min.

Experience :

5+ years 24 days ago Lead Research Biologist/Future Leadership Position For Org. Owl Research Institute Charlo, MT Job type :

Permanent Salary :

Salary is commensurate with experience in both field research and administration Min.

Experience :

5+ years 6 days ago Program Analyst•Level II/III Fishery Disaster Support Saltwater Inc Anchorage, AK Job type :

Temporary Salary :

$35•$50 per hour

Deadline :

Jul 12, 2026 Min.

Experience :

5+ years Today Senior Water Quality Specialist, Grade N26 Montgomery County Government, Department of Environmental Protection Wheaton, MD Job type :

Permanent Salary :

$87,235•$140,274 per year

Deadline :

Jun 19, 2026 Min.

Experience :

5+ years 3 days ago Habitat Restoration Services Manager Santa Ana Watershed Association Riverside, CA Job type :

Permanent Salary :

$57.21•$73.23 per hour Min.

Experience :

5+ years 5 days ago Field Studies Lead Instructor Wildlands Studies Varies, Other Job type : Faculty /

Postdoc Salary :

Competitive compensation paid on a per student enrollment basis Min.

Experience :

5+ years 6 days ago Working Wild Challenge Manager Western Landowners Alliance Denver, CO Job type :

Permanent Salary :

$75,000•$90,000 per year Min.

Experience :

2•4 years 5 days ago Wildlife Program Manager Wisconsin Humane Society Milwaukee, WI Job type :

Permanent Salary :

$50,865•$63,582 per year Min.

Experience :

0•1 year 3 days ago Cooperative Extension Nutrient Management and Forage Systems Advisor Serving Stanislaus, San Joaquin, and Merced Counties (25-37) University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources Modesto, CA Job type :

Permanent Salary :

$85,600•$108,600 per year Min.

Experience :

2•4 years 26 days ago Outdoor Education Field Instructor Camp Nuhop Perrysville, OH Job type :

Temporary Salary :

$500 per week Min.

Experience :

0•1 year 13 days ago Kauai Avian Research/ Management Coordinator RCUH.Com Kauai Forest Bird Recovery Project Kaumakani, HI Job type :

Permanent Salary :

$5,743•$5,973 per month

Deadline :

Jun 29, 2026 Min.

Experience :

2•4 years 6 days ago Prescribed Fire & Stewardship Technician The Nature Conservancy Morehead, KY Job type :

Permanent Salary :

$55,000•$57,000 per year Min.

Experience :

2•4 years 28 days ago Environmental Educator Don Lee Center Arapahoe, NC Job type :

Temporary Salary :

$425 per week Min.

Experience :

0•1 year 11 days ago Conservation Tech I Greenville Water Travelers Rest, SC Job type :

Permanent Salary :

Apply for more details

Deadline :

Jun 26, 2026 Min.

Experience :

0•1 year 5 days ago Texas Regional Liaison•Western Fire and Forest Resilience Collaborative Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies Remote, TX Job type :

Permanent Salary :

$68,000•$72,000 per year

Deadline :

Jun 15, 2026 Min.

Experience :

2•4 years 17 days ago Adventure Tour Guide Door County Adventure Center Sturgeon Bay, WI Job type :

Temporary Salary :

Hourly Min.

Experience :

0•1 year 21 days ago Assistant Crew Supervisor, Green Streets Tree Planting Reentry Program New Jersey Tree Foundation Newark / Jersey City, NJ Job type :

Permanent Salary :

$50,000•$55,000 per year

Deadline :

Jun 23, 2026 Min.

Experience :

2•4 years 6 days ago Restoration, Invasive Species, and Forestry Technician Redstart Corinth, VT Job type :

Temporary Salary :

$16-18/hour DOE Min.

Experience :

0•1 year 27 days ago Marine Operations Coordinator, Hawai'i Island The Nature Conservancy Kailua-Kona, HI Job type :

Permanent Salary :

$63,100•$66,890 per year Min.

Experience :

2•4 years 6 days ago Stewardship Foreman DJM Ecological Services Saint Louis, MO Job type :

Permanent Salary :

$28•$35 per hour

Deadline :

Jun 30, 2026 Min.

Experience :

2•4 years 4 days ago Land Project Manager Methow Conservancy Winthrop, WA Job type :

Permanent Salary :

$33•$43 per hour Min.

Experience :

2•4 years 10 days ago Outdoor Environmental Science Instructor Catalina Environmental Leadership Program Catalina Island, CA Job type :

Temporary Salary :

$105 per day

Deadline :

Jun 15, 2026 Min.

Experience :

2•4 years 28 days ago Tractor Operator•Carpenter Turner Enterprises Management Albany, GA Job type :

Permanent Salary :

Commensurate with Experience Min.

Experience :

2•4 years 18 days ago Avian Biologists (multiple locations in Wyoming, housing provided) HWA Wildlife Consulting, LLC Laramie, WY Job type :

Temporary Salary :

$20•$22 per hour Min.

Experience :

0•1 year 27 days ago Education Coordinator NatureBridge Sausalito, CA Job type :

Permanent Salary :

$19.37 per hour Min.

Experience :

2•4 years 11 days ago Education and Conservation Specialist•Upham Woods Wisconsin Conservation Corps Wisconsin Dells, WI Job type :

AmeriCorps Salary :

$460 per week

Deadline :

Jun 19, 2026 Min.

Experience :

0•1 year 18 days ago Regional Farmland Preservation Program Coordinator New Jersey Farmland Preservation Program/State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC) Trenton, NJ Job type :

Permanent Salary :

$51,479.83 per year

Deadline :

Jun 29, 2026 Min.

Experience :

0•1 year 18 days ago Conservatory Specialist The Huntington San Marino, CA Job type :

Permanent Salary :

$21•$23 per hour Min.

Experience :

2•4 years 13 days ago Programming Intern Pine Mountain Settlement School Bledsoe, KY Job type :

Paid Internship Salary :

$1,000 per month

Deadline :

Jul 31, 2026 Min.

Experience :

0•1 year 26 days ago Seasonal Seed Collection Crew Lead Coos Watershed Association Coos Bay, OR Job type :

Temporary Salary :

$20.06 per hour Min.

Experience :

0•1 year 25 days ago Senior Habitat Specialist (Crew Lead) Pheasants Forever, Inc., and Quail Forever Springfield Area, IL Job type :

Permanent Salary :

$55,000•$75,000 per year

Deadline :

Jul 05, 2026 Min.

Experience :

2•4 years 19 days ago Brand & Engagement Specialist Oregon Hunters Association Remote, OR Job type :

Permanent Salary :

$58,000•$78,000 per year Min.

Experience :

2•4 years 18 days ago Field Instructor Blue Ridge Therapeutic Wilderness Clayton, GA Job type :

Permanent Salary :

$32,900•$48,970 per year Min.

Experience :

0•1 year 20 days ago Natural Resource Specialist Jasper County Soil and Water Conservation District Rensselaer, IN Job type :

Permanent Salary :

$50,000•$55,000 per year

Deadline :

Jul 03, 2026 Min.

Experience :

2•4 years 7 days ago Programs and Communications Manager York Land Trust York, ME Job type :

Permanent Salary :

$54,080 per year

Deadline :

Jun 30, 2026 Min.

Experience :

2•4 years 10 days ago Environmental Restoration Project Specialist Integral Ecology Research Center Blue Lake, CA Job type :

Permanent Salary :

$22•$26 per hour

Deadline :

Jun 22, 2026 Min.

Experience :

2•4 years 7 days ago Natural Areas Stewardship Coordinator Grand Prairie Friends Charleston, IL Job type :

Permanent Salary :

$50,000 per year Min.

Experience :

2•4 years Today Project Manager Mosaic Ecology Cornelius, OR Job type :

Permanent Salary :

$68,000•$82,000 per year Min.

Experience :

2•4 years 6 days ago Stewardship Internship Western New York Land Conservancy East Aurora, NY Job type :

Unpaid Salary :

Unpaid position Min.

Experience :

0•1 year 3 days ago