Executive Director

Executive Director - Nature and Wildlife Discovery CenterAbout the Nature and Wildlife Discovery Center About the Nature and Wildlife Discovery Center The Nature and Wildlife Discovery Center (NWDC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that promotes environmental stewardship and community health through nature education, wildlife rehabilitation, and outdoor recreation. With campuses in Beulah and Pueblo, Colorado , NWDC serves Southern Colorado through hands-on environmental learning, outdoor experiences, and the rehabilitation of Birds of Prey . Our work inspires curiosity, strengthens ecological understanding, and connects people of all ages to the natural world. Position Overview The Executive Director serves as the face of the Nature and Wildlife Discovery Center (NWDC), which includes the Mountain Park Campus and the River Campus. This role provides vision, leadership, and general oversight of the organization; manages finances and facilities; develops financial and human resources; oversees programs; and elevates the profile of NWDC through strategic communications, marketing, and partnerships. The Executive Director is supervised and evaluated by the Board of Directors and reports directly to the Chair of the Board. Core Competencies Community Engagement — Builds authentic relationships with residents, schools, civic groups, and regional partners to strengthen NWDC's role as a trusted environmental resource. Donor & Volunteer Relations — Cultivates meaningful, mission-centered relationships with donors and volunteers; communicates impact through compelling storytelling and transparent reporting. Resource Development — Leads fundraising strategy, grant development, sponsorship outreach, and revenue-generating initiatives to sustain and grow NWDC's environmental and wildlife programs. Team Expertise & Leadership Development — Invests in staff training, mentorship, and professional growth; builds a team with deep expertise in environmental education, wildlife rehabilitation, and community programming. Environmental & Communications Leadership — Communicates NWDC's mission with clarity and passion; elevates the organization's visibility through environmental storytelling, public outreach, and consistent brand identity. Key Responsibilities Provide strategic leadership and long-term vision for NWDC's mission, programs, and two-campus operations. Oversee financial management, budgeting, reporting, and organizational sustainability. Strengthen and expand community partnerships across Southern Colorado. Lead donor cultivation, grant writing, sponsorship development, and fundraising campaigns. Support and empower staff, ensuring strong internal communication, professional development, and a positive organizational culture. Ensure high-quality delivery of environmental education programs, including staff capacity to provide on-site programming at schools and community locations. Manage facilities, safety, and operational systems at both campuses. Serve as the public representative of NWDC through media, events, and community outreach. Work closely with the Board of Directors to implement strategic goals and organizational policies. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in environmental science, nonprofit management, wildlife biology, education, or related field (Master's preferred). 5+ years of leadership experience in nonprofit, environmental, or educational organizations. Proven success in fundraising, donor relations, and community engagement. Experience managing staff, budgets, and multi-site operations. Strong communication, relationship-building, and public-speaking skills. Compensation & Benefits Salary range $75,000-$85,000 depending on experience and organizational budget. Health, dental, and vision insurance. Retirement plan with employer match. Paid time off and holidays. Professional development support. Flexible campus-based and field-based work schedule. How to Apply Submit a resume with a cover letter that shares why you qualify for this position. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Nature and Wildlife Discovery Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected status, or any other characteristic protected by law. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$75,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Relocation assistance Vision insurance

Education:

Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

Leadership:

5 years (Required)

Language:

English (Required)

License/Certification:

Driver's License (Required) Shift availability: Day Shift (Required) Ability to

Commute:

Beulah, CO 81023 (Required) Ability to

Relocate:

Beulah, CO 81023: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location:

In person