Login Jobs Job Seekers Employers Login Executive Director Bird Alliance of Oregon | Portland, OR Applying to this job will open a new window on the employer's web site to apply there. Posted Date 9/03/2026

Description Executive Director Job Title :

Executive Director Reports to :

Board of Directors Supervises :

Director of Conservation and Rehabilitation Director of Impact and Engagement Director of People, Culture and Operations Location :

Portland, Oregon Classification :

Exempt (Salaried)

Compensation :

$140,000 - $165,000 annually

Benefits Include:

Medical insurance : 100% payment of premiums for medical and dental insurance for employees only Competitive leave benefits : Two (2) weeks of paid vacation during a staff member's first year, eight (8) hours of paid sick time per month, eight (8) recognized paid holidays, 40 hours of flexible holiday time per year 401(k) : 3% match Professional development : Ability to attend free or subsidized courses at Bird Alliance of Oregon Retail benefits : Substantial discount at our Nature Store, including optics Work environment : Our main office is located on a 172-acre wildlife sanctuary adjacent to Forest Park, one of the largest urban forest reserves in the country, and just minutes from downtown. About Bird Alliance of Oregon Bird Alliance of Oregon (formerly Portland Audubon) has been a leading voice in conservation for over a century. Through conservation advocacy, environmental education, and wildlife rehabilitation, we promote the understanding, enjoyment, and protection of native birds, other wildlife, and their habitats. We've helped to pass key conservation-focused legislation that includes protection for Oregon's most vulnerable species through new transient lodging tax, increased climate resilience through the Community Green Infrastructure and Natural Climate Solutions initiatives, and increased stream protection for salmonids and amphibians through the Oregon Forest Practices Act. Our education program has reached thousands of children and adults annually to connect them to birds, plants and the natural world. Through these relationships, program participants become advocates for conservation, restoration and rehabilitation. Our Wildlife Care Center treats over 4,000 injured and orphaned animals each year and is at the center of a planned expansion to a new 12.5 acre property located in northeast Portland. Bird Alliance of Oregon's three wildlife sanctuaries provide 479-acres of protected and restored habitat for Oregon's native species, from the threatened Marbled Murrelet to the common Black-capped Chickadee. Our three sanctuaries, located on the central coast, in Portland, and in the foothills of Mt. Hood. all provide vital opportunities for habitat protection and environmental education. Bird Alliance of Oregon believes that inspiring all people to love and protect nature is best achieved when we embrace diversity as a value and practice. In the same way an ecosystem needs many types of plants and wildlife, an organization thrives when it includes a diversity of people and perspectives. We recognize widespread inequities that create gaps between our present reality and our aspirations . We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive environment that reflects the diversity of our community in our board, staff, volunteers, and members; ensuring our internal culture, business practices, and programs are welcoming; and advancing our diversity goals. Position Summary The Executive Director is a mission-driven leader who can balance internal leadership with being a visible spokesperson for Bird Alliance of Oregon's past present and future work. This role provides strategic direction, energy, clarity, accountability and collaboration, leading with both head and heart by stabilizing organizational practices and supporting Bird Alliance to remain a conservation force into the future. This position reports to the Board of Directors, and helps to strengthen Board leadership and engagement across all areas of the organization. Facing outward, the Executive Director engages with and inspires our community to support our work in the Portland Metro Area and Statewide. Key Responsibilities Strategic Planning and Leadership (25%) In partnership with the board and staff, develop, implement and deliver to a 3-year organizational strategic plan and balanced budget Oversee the Director of Impact and Engagement, Director of Conservation and Rehabilitation and the Director of People, Culture and Operations Fundraising (20%) In collaboration with the Director of Impact and Engagement actively participate in high-level fundraising activities such as major gift solicitations, grant proposals , and special events Lead the organization through planning and execution of a multi-year capital campaign, partnering closely with Board leadership, campaign volunteers, donors, and staff to secure transformational investments for the Wildlife Care Center and Nature Park Financial Management (20%) Ensure development and monitoring of operational and capital budgets based on strategic objectives in collaboration with the Finance Director Ensure an adequate reserve fund as defined by policy to provide financial stability and resilience, and advance the organization's mission Steward the growth of recently established endowments Program and Organizational Management (15%) Support and hold Directors accountable to successful program management and financial stewardship Lead and support the Directors to cultivate an engaging culture of accountability, inclusivity and delivering on our promises Adapt organizational goals and work plans to the current civic and social atmosphere. Stakeholder Relations and Advocacy (10%) Partner with the Director of Conservation and Rehabilitation and the Director of Impact and Engagement to develop and maintain high level strategic relationships for Bird Alliance of Oregon with nonprofit leaders, public and private stakeholders, legislators, elected officials, and funders Build reciprocal trust with high level conservation advocates and leaders, serving as a spokesperson, facilitator, and coalition builder to further the organization's strategic goals Board Relations and Communication (10%) Maintain regular and clear communication with Board members on policy and program matters, including with Board committees Assist the Board with Board member recruitment, orientation, training, and evaluation Assure adequate staff support for the Board member activities and committees Ensure regular financial, operational, and strategic reports to the Board Preferred Qualifications 10+ years of leadership experience in fields relevant to nonprofit mission-driven management, staff leadership, stakeholder relations/advocacy, strong donor partnerships and fundraising, with preference for experience in an Executive Director role Significant experience in and commitment to conservation with the ability to provide input and guidance when/if a conservation policy or action contradicts the mission or existing policy positions of Bird Alliance of Oregon Demonstrated ability to translate strategy into action, with a proven record of success developing and implementing innovative solutions with the engagement of supporters and partners Experience leading a multifaceted team with collaborative and facilitative management skills Demonstrated ability to be decisive and inclusive while maintaining accountability Demonstrated experience leading organizational change while maintaining trust, engagement, and operational effectiveness Solid understanding of financial management principles, including the recognition of revenue and expenses, the distinction between assets and liabilities, and the ability to read and interpret a balance sheet Outstanding written and oral communication skills, interpersonal awareness, and listening skills Skilled in representing the organization before donors, elected officials, media, community leaders, and public audiences Skills & Competencies Office 365, Google Suite (including Calendars) Hosting virtual meetings and creating presentations Tracking supervision and work products for timely delivery Work Environment/Conditions The physical demands described here represent those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. The work environment characteristics described here represent those employee encounters while performing the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to perform essential duties. Regular communication in-person and electronically On-site office hours required weekly Occasional travel for organizational events; some evening and weekend work may be required Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds as needed Busy shared office spaces in a campus with Sanctuary trails, Nature Store, the Wildlife Care Center, and Education activities on site Primary responsibilities involve working on a computer, typing, looking at screens for many hours Must be able to travel to and from our Cornell and 82nd Ave Campuses and around the Portland Metro region even when public transit is not an option Cultural Competencies Bird Alliance of Oregon is committed to maintaining an anti-racist organizational culture. We are committed to training all staff and Board members on cultural competency and diversity, equity, and inclusion. We see staff with a high degree of cultural competency or lived experience working with communities of color, people who are disabled, and people from all socioeconomic backgrounds, as vital for all positions in our organization. We seek staff with comfort and curiosity in engaging in conversations around issues of identity, belonging, and systemic oppression. Creates an environment that acknowledges, encourages, and celebrates differences Functions and communicates effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities, and cultural backgrounds Seeks opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement Diversity Statement Bird Alliance of Oregon strives to cultivate a welcoming and inclusive community with a collective vision of a more just, sustainable, and healthy environment for all people and wildlife. We are committed to advancing equity, embracing diverse perspectives, and working to dismantle systems of oppression in order to build a better future for Bird Alliance of Oregon, our community, and the environmental movement. We acknowledge the impacts of systemic racism and oppression in our country, and how they show up in the conservation movement, as well as in our own organization. We will continue to examine the ways Bird Alliance of Oregon has benefitted from these structures and work to address past wrongdoings, close gaps in our programming and policies, and build stronger and deeper relationships with diverse communities. Our commitment to equity and inclusion extends to all facets of our organization, from our board and staff to our membership, volunteers and beyond. "Together for nature" means that every person has a voice and a meaningful contribution to make in stewarding our natural environment, not only at Bird Alliance of Oregon, but in the greater conservation movement. Equal Opportunity Employment Bird Alliance of Oregon is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable organization. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences, including people of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and members of other historically underrepresented communities. Reasonable accommodations will be made so that qualified disabled applicants may participate in the process. Please advise in writing at the time of application. Bird Alliance of Oregon does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. All Bird Alliance of Oregon employees are expected to serve diverse audiences and help advance our diversity strategies. Please email Ashley Marslender at the Duffy Group at amarslender@duffygroup.com with interest. Thank you! Salary 140,000.00 - 165,000.00 Annual Location Hybrid Position Type Full Time Experience More than 10 years Job Category Nonprofit Share this job + − Leaflet | © MapTiler © OpenStreetMap Address 5151 NW Cornell Road Portland, OR 97210 JOB SEEKER Info Search Jobs Register Search Employers

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