Executive Director

Position Summary

The Coalition of Oregon Land Trusts (COLT) seeks an Executive Director (ED) to lead a diverse coalition of conservation organizations across Oregon. The COLT ED is dedicated to advocating for our natural world through statewide policy development and uniting land trusts in Oregon to raise a collective voice for our lands and waters. The ED leads COLT with a dynamic vision for the future of land conservation, stewardship, community engagement, and Indigenous land justice in Oregon. COLT’s ED is a strategic coalition builder who excels in fundraising, building strong relationships, and advocating for land conservation. The ED will shape the organization’s strategic direction in collaboration with the staff, board, membership, and key partners to ensure COLT’s continued financial and programmatic success and the Oregon land trust community’s effectiveness and sustainability.

About COLT

The Coalition of Oregon Land Trusts (COLT) represents a tightly knit network of 30 conservation organizations. COLT’s mission is to serve and strengthen the land trust community in Oregon by helping our members do what they do best— protect wildlife and wild places, defend working farms and forests, provide recreation and parks, champion clean water for all, drive climate solutions, and advance land justice. COLT’s work is guided by a strategic plan that aims to 1) Advocate on behalf of land trusts, 2) Support a thriving land trust community in Oregon, and 3) Strengthen our coalition in an effort to respond to our growing social and environmental challenges. We are also collaboratively leading the Oregon Land Justice Project to expand Indigenous access, ownership, and stewardship of land. Oregon Land Justice Project .

About Our Culture and Team

COLT is committed to building a diverse and welcoming organization by supporting the growth, well-being, and inclusion of all staff. COLT’s goal is to nurture an inclusive, equitable, and justice-oriented organizational culture and statewide coalition. Connecting with people is at the heart of our work, and all positions spend time in the field learning from partners and members.

We are a collaborative and flexible team that makes space for different learning styles, values diversity and supports ongoing team-building. COLT values a healthy work-life balance and is committed to supporting employee well-being.

We believe that a diverse staff of qualified, highly skilled, and creative individuals is necessary to achieve the vision and mission of the organization. We also understand that many of these individuals have been historically denied opportunities. Coalition of Oregon Land Trust is actively working to change this model and encourages anyone with an interest in the position to apply.

To excel in this role, the Executive Director brings:

• Statewide Land Trust Leadership: Passion for leading the land trust sector within the state, driving policy advocacy, securing state-level funding, and promoting best practices in land conservation and stewardship.
• Community Building: Skilled in building coalitions and fostering strong relationships with diverse stakeholders, Indigenous communities, public and private community partners, and policymakers.
• Leadership in Nonprofit: Experience leading coalitions or collaborations to achieve their shared vision through effective strategy, governance, communication, operational management, and trust-based leadership.
• Team Leadership: Demonstrated ability in guiding a diverse team with a leadership style that values mutual support and accountability, integrating staff feedback into organizational decision-making processes.
• Fundraising Excellence: Proven track record in developing and implementing a fundraising strategy from diverse sources, including major gifts, grants, and government funding.
• Strategic Vision and Execution: Experience leading and/or implementing strategic plans at the organization level and for a broader coalition.
• Commitment to Equity: Experience leading and/or implementing equitable and inclusive policies, practices, and change across all facets of the organization, as well as a deep commitment to advancing land justice through Indigenous land access, land return, and Tribal sovereignty.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Coalition and Land Trust Leadership (30%): Serve as a leading authority, content expert, and advocate for land trust initiatives guiding the coalition’s strategic direction. The ED plays a pivotal role in building and maintaining coalition member relationships ensuring effective coordination within the coalition, and advancing land justice in Oregon.
• Fundraising (30%): Lead fundraising efforts to maintain and diversify COLT’s funding streams through government contracts, private foundations, and individual donors.
• Programmatic & Staff Leadership (20%): Support COLT programs, including conservation, communications, operations, land justice, water protection, pro bono services, and community engagement initiatives.
• Organizational Management (20%): Oversee COLT’s financial health, including $1M+ budget development, financial planning, and compliance. Work closely with the Board of Directors and manage a dedicated staff of 7, fostering a strong, collaborative work environment.

Skills and Experience

• Education, Experience, and Knowledge
• Demonstrated experience working in land trusts, conservation, or related fields.
• A foundational understanding of land use policies, environmental regulations, funding mechanisms, and/or legal frameworks governing conservation efforts.
• Demonstrated nonprofit leadership experience. Membership organization, collaborative, or coalition experience is a plus.
• Strong written communication and public speaking skills.

Desired Experiences & Competencies

• Strong cultural competency and/or a foundational knowledge of working with diverse partners, including Indigenous communities.
• Experience working effectively with local governments and agencies.
• Experience with grant writing and reporting.
• Experience with advocacy and policy development.
• Experience collaborating with nonprofit boards.

Core Work Hours/Environment

COLT is a hybrid workplace. Full-time, Portland-based COLT staff typically work 1-2 days a week in the office. Non-Portland-based staff typically work 3-5 days consecutively a month in the Portland office.

Residency in Oregon or SW Washington is required. Due to frequent in-person meetings and events in the Portland area, reasonable proximity to Portland is preferred, but candidates will be considered regardless of location. Additionally, this position requires frequent travel throughout the state of Oregon. Access to reliable transportation and the ability to travel throughout Oregon is required (up to 25%).

ADA Statement

This job requires sitting at a desk and talking on the phone. There are occasional outdoor meetings, tours, and field trips that will require walking and standing. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

How to Apply

How to Apply

Nonprofit Professionals Now is proud to support the COLT in filling this key leadership position. Applications must include a resume and a statement of interest highlighting your experience.

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