General Manager

The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority seeks an exceptional leader to steward its mission of protecting open space, supporting agriculture, advancing habitat connectivity, improving public access, and building strong community partnerships in Southern Santa Clara County—one of California’s most significant conservation landscapes.

About the role

This is an opportunity to lead a trusted government conservation agency at a pivotal moment in its evolution. The next General Manager will strengthen organizational capacity, deepen partnerships, advance strategic conservation priorities, and position the Authority for long-term impact. The role involves serving as a key ambassador for the Authority, working alongside the Board of Directors, staff, community leaders, conservation partners, and stakeholders to elevate the agency’s mission and collective voice.

The ideal candidate is a politically savvy, collaborative, and visionary executive who balances diplomacy with accountability, builds trusted relationships, and fosters a culture of shared leadership. They will cultivate an environment where expertise is valued, decisions are informed by those closest to the work, and success is broadly shared. A deep commitment to land protection and a belief in the importance of preserving natural and working lands for future generations are essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority as its chief executive, reporting to the Board of Directors and overseeing all organizational operations, strategic planning, and mission delivery.
• Strengthen organizational systems, improve financial infrastructure, and enhance operational effectiveness to support long-term conservation goals.
• Develop and maintain trusted relationships with elected officials, funders, agricultural interests, partner organizations, and community members to advance the Authority’s mission.
• Serve as a primary ambassador for the Authority, ensuring its accomplishments, expertise, and impact are recognized as the work of the organization rather than any individual.
• Cultivate a high-performing, inclusive culture characterized by trust, ownership, accountability, and shared leadership, intentionally developing leadership capacity at all levels.
• Navigate the complexities of public accountability, including compliance with California’s local government regulatory and land use policies (e.g., CEQA), conservation funding programs, and regional partnerships.
• Oversee land acquisition, management, and public access initiatives to protect and enhance open spaces, natural areas, and working farms and ranches.
• Manage public funding structures, grants, and restricted funds to ensure financial sustainability and mission alignment.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess any combination of training and experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. A typical pathway includes:

• Eight (8) years of experience in a senior executive role (e.g., General Manager, Executive Director, Deputy General Manager, Chief Operating Officer) within a public land, parks, or open space agency.
• Five (5) years of experience in land acquisition, land management, and public access initiatives.
• Experience working with governing bodies, public funding structures, grants, restricted funds, and elected officials.
• Familiarity with California’s local government regulatory and land use policy environment, including CEQA, conservation funding programs, and regional conservation partnerships (highly desirable).
• Proven track record of strengthening organizational systems, improving financial infrastructure, enhancing operational effectiveness, developing leadership capacity, and delivering measurable mission outcomes.
• Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in public policy, planning, resource management, natural sciences, or a related field. A Master’s degree is desirable.

Values

The Authority is committed to Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Access in its work to preserve the natural environment, support agriculture, and connect people to nature. Its values include:

• Accessible, Collaborative, and Accountable processes to engage diverse communities in programs, projects, careers, and governance.
• Respect for the land and all people in the community.
• Inclusive practices that acknowledge current and historic land stewards.
• Empowerment of future generations of conservation leaders.
• Inviting everyone to join and connect to nature.

Workplace Culture

The Authority is a mission-driven organization with a strong reputation, dedicated employees, and committed partners. Staff are passionate about conservation and work in a collaborative, inclusive environment that encourages growth, development, and innovation. The agency manages thousands of acres of open space lands, providing opportunities for hiking, biking, and equestrian use while prioritizing equity of access for all constituents.

Pay

The salary range for this full-time, exempt position is $250,000 to $268,408 annually.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents, with the Authority covering 100% of premium costs.
• CalPERS retirement programs, including a 6.25% employer contribution to a 401a plan and access to a 457 Plan for tax-deferred retirement savings.
• Basic life insurance provided to all eligible employees, with options to purchase additional personal insurance benefits.
• Employment under an agreement to be approved by the Authority’s Board of Directors.