Executive Director

Discover Life in America · Gatlinburg, TN · 2 mo ago

HybridFull-time

About the Role

Discover Life in America (DLiA) is seeking an Executive Director to lead the next chapter of science-based conservation and partnership work in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Southern Appalachia. This role will ensure that research, education, citizen science, and partnerships work in concert, advancing biodiversity knowledge to inform conservation decisions and reach the public.

The Executive Director will translate decades of biodiversity data and community trust into stronger scientific relevance, broader public reach, and durable financial support. This leadership opportunity combines nonprofit leadership, scientific partnership-building, public storytelling, educational impact, fundraising, and stewardship of relationships across park, research, donor, and volunteer communities.

About the Organization

Discover Life in America (DLiA) is a nonprofit partner of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, leading efforts to document life in the park while raising awareness of biodiversity’s role in conservation. Since 1998, DLiA has connected scientists, park partners, educators, volunteers, and the public through discovery, learning, and conservation-focused engagement. The organization manages research, education, and community science programs tied to biodiversity discovery and conservation, including the All-Taxa Biodiversity Inventory, biodiversity education programming, and community science initiatives.

Responsibilities

Lead DLiA’s strategic vision to advance the All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory and study species and ecosystem shifts over time.
Strengthen scientific relevance and public engagement by transforming operations, partnerships, education, outreach, and communications.
Grow financial support through annual giving, endowment growth, and funder investments aligned with conservation outcomes.
Steward relationships with park partners, researchers, donors, volunteers, and the broader community.
Ensure biodiversity knowledge informs conservation decisions and reaches diverse audiences.

Requirements

Authorization to work in the United States; compliance with state and federal E-Verify requirements.
Successful completion of a public records check, consistent with applicable laws.

Application Instructions

Submit the following via search@dlia.org:

Resume
Letter of interest
Response to either Prompt A or Prompt B (250 words or fewer):

Prompt A: Identify one major shift over the next five years (e.g., technology, equity, funding models, or community engagement) that will force a change in DLiA’s strategy and initiatives. List specific actions a new Executive Director could take in their first year to position DLiA ahead of that shift.

Prompt B: DLiA emphasizes biodiversity work that can inform conservation initiatives, climate resilience, and sustainable resource management. How might an Executive Director develop funder investments that support those outcomes? Share a concrete example that informs your perspective.