Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer

Key Responsibilities

• Lead NWALT’s land protection strategy, including conservation easement programs, land acquisition, and long-term stewardship of protected lands.
• Build and sustain relationships with landowners, government agencies, conservation partners, and community stakeholders.
• Ensure NWALT’s conservation activities meet the standards of the Land Trust Accreditation Commission and align with Land Trust Alliance best practices.
• Identify and pursue new conservation opportunities that advance NWALT’s mission and respond to regional growth pressures.
• In partnership with the Board of Directors, drive the development and execution of NWALT’s strategic plan, setting annual goals and operational priorities.
• Monitor organizational performance against strategic goals and report progress to the Board.
• Identify emerging trends in land conservation, philanthropy, and regional development and adapt organizational strategy accordingly.
• Lead NWALT’s fundraising program, cultivating and stewarding major donors, foundations, and government funders to ensure a sustainable and growing asset base.
• Personally engage in major gift solicitation and donor relationship management alongside development staff.
• Oversee grant acquisition, compliance, and reporting; ensure grant activities align with NWALT’s strategic goals.
• Ensure the ongoing integrity of donor intent and stewardship obligations.
• Ensure NWALT has the financial resources and discipline to achieve its mission, overseeing budget preparation, expense management, and income targets.
• Work with the Board Treasurer and Executive Committee to manage and invest NWALT’s assets in accordance with policies and nonprofit regulatory requirements.
• Oversee preparation of financial reports, the annual Form 990, and the annual audit.
• Maintain legal and regulatory compliance across all operations, including contracts, insurance, HR policies, and technology systems.
• Recruit, hire, lead, and develop a talented, mission-driven staff team; foster a culture of collaboration, learning, and mutual accountability.
• Provide regular performance feedback and professional development opportunities.
• Ensure employment practices comply with all applicable state and federal laws and NWALT policies.
• Build a strong, collaborative partnership with the Board of Directors; support Board recruitment, onboarding, and development.
• Serve on the Executive Committee and ex officio on all committees; prepare and distribute timely Board and committee materials.
• Keep the Board informed of significant organizational developments, risks, and opportunities.
• Serve as NWALT’s primary public spokesperson, representing the organization to media, community groups, civic organizations, and the general public.
• Advocate to local, state, and federal legislators and decision-makers on issues that align with NWALT’s land protection mission.
• Oversee the development and execution of a strategic marketing and community engagement plan that clearly communicates NWALT’s mission and impact.

  Qualifications

  • Minimum of 5 years of senior-level nonprofit management experience with direct budget and P&L responsibility.
  • Demonstrated passion for and knowledge of land conservation, conservation easements, or closely related environmental work.
  • Prominent track record in nonprofit fundraising, including major gift cultivation and donor stewardship.
  • Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking and executive presence.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead, inspire, and develop staff as a cohesive, high-performing team.
  • Visionary and strategic thinking skills with the ability to translate vision into executable plans.
  • Experience working effectively with a volunteer Board of Directors.
  • Direct experience in land trust operations, including conservation easement management and land acquisition.
  • Familiarity with Land Trust Alliance standards and the Land Trust Accreditation Commission process.
  • Experience managing a nonprofit with an annual budget of $1M or more.
  • Knowledge of the Northwest Arkansas philanthropic and conservation community.
  • Advanced degree in conservation, environmental science, nonprofit management, law, or a related field.

    Compensation & Location

    • NWALT offers a competitive compensation package, with a salary range of $90,000–$135,000 per year, commensurate with qualifications and executive experience.
    • The comprehensive benefits package includes health insurance, generous paid time off (PTO), a cell phone allowance, mileage reimbursement, and support for continuing professional development.
    • This is an in-person role based at our headquarters in beautiful Northwest Arkansas.

    How To Apply

    Please submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to Grady Spann, at [email protected], with the subject line “Executive Director Application — [Your Name]”. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis; priority consideration will be given to applications received by July 17th, 2026.

    Contact Information

    Questions about the position may be directed to Grady Spann, at [email protected].