Executive Director
The Center for Northern Woodlands Education (“Northern Woodlands”), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit located in Lyme, New Hampshire, is a trusted voice for forest stewardship in the Northeast and the publisher of Northern Woodlands magazine. Our educational mission is to advance a culture of forest stewardship and to increase understanding of and appreciation for the natural wonders, economic productivity, and ecological integrity of northeastern forests. We promote respect and dialogue among a diverse community of stakeholders.
Our staff of six is supported by a volunteer, 12-member board of directors and a creative community of writers, photographers, and artists. In addition to publishing the magazine – now in its 30th year of continuous publication – we publish the weekly Outside Story ecology essay series, as well as online and special publications, and host natural resources-related events.
Title: Executive Director, Center for Northern Woodlands Education
Description
Reporting to the board of directors and working at least three days a week from our headquarters in Lyme, New Hampshire, the executive director is responsible for the strategic leadership of the nonprofit, as well as day-to-day management, financial and editorial oversight, and fundraising.
This position requires strong organizational and people skills, an entrepreneurial spirit, and availability for occasional travel in the New England/New York region. It does not require a specific professional background, and the board of directors would consider customizing the role for an outstanding candidate. However, the executive director must have leadership skills and a demonstrated interest in natural resources topics. Fundraising experience is highly desirable.
Northern Woodlands places a strong emphasis on inclusion and respect for diversity, both in our office culture and in our service to the Northeast forest stewardship community. The executive director has a leading role in maintaining that culture, and should enjoy working with people representing a broad range of personal and professional experiences, interests, and identities.
Key Responsibilities
Organizational leadership
- Maintain Northern Woodlands’ commitment to our educational mission, with particular focus on our role as a trusted voice for forest stewardship in the Northeast
- Serve as the primary representative of the nonprofit for Northern Woodlands supporters and other members of our community
- Serve as the nonprofit’s main liaison with the board of directors
Management
- Oversee the continued production of Northern Woodlands magazine and other editorial products; ensure that editorial work aligns with the nonprofit’s mission and priorities
- Manage staff, oversee work performance, and ensure a supportive and productive work environment
- Work with the finance director to produce quarterly and annual reports and to develop annual budgets
Development
- Maintain and cultivate relationships with individuals and family foundations
- Manage all aspects of three separate fundraising appeals, gift acknowledgments and annual reporting
- Research and draft applications to charitable foundations and provide end-of-grant-cycle reports
- Maintain and cultivate diversified revenue opportunities
Qualifications
- Proven leadership skills, ideally including 3-plus years of management experience
- Organizational skills, including multitasking skills required in a small nonprofit
- A strong, demonstrated interest in nature and natural resources topics
- Solid writing skills, and a capacity to appreciate and cultivate editorial quality
- Curiosity, and a commitment to continuous learning
Compensation
- $90,000–110,000 starting salary, based on experience
- 401(K)
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
How to Apply
Please submit a cover letter, resume, and three references to careers(at)northernwoodlands.org. (References will only be contacted for finalists.) The search committee will begin reviewing candidates on March 4 and continue on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Northern Woodlands is an equal opportunity employer.
The mission of the Center for Northern Woodlands Education is to advance a culture of forest stewardship in the Northeast and to increase understanding of and appreciation for the natural wonders, economic productivity, and ecological integrity of the region’s forests. We publish a quarterly magazine and a weekly series of natural history essays. We also organize an annual conference and share stories about forests through our website and social media accounts.