Executive Director

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

1)  Board Governance:  

• Responsible for leading GSEP in a manner that supports and guides the organization’s mission and vision as defined by the Board of Directors.
• Responsible for communicating effectively with the Board and providing, in a timely and accurate manner, all information necessary for the Board to function properly and to make informed decisions.

2)   Financial Performance and Viability:   

• Creates and executes a comprehensive development strategy that ensures the current operations are adequately funded and supports the long-term sustainability of the organization
• Oversees and coordinates all fundraising efforts, including membership initiatives, service fees, grant writing, direct mail campaigns, and outreach to major donors
• Manages GSEP’s operating budget, oversee day-to-day financial matters, coordinate the annual audit, facilitate the proper filing of tax documents, and ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations governing nonprofits
• Responsible for the fiscal integrity of GSEP to include submission to the BOD of a proposed annual budget and monthly financial statements, which accurately reflect the financial condition of the organization.

3)   Organization Mission and Strategy:  

• Develops an annual work plan that aligns with the organization’s strategic goals and priorities.
• Develops strategic partnerships that grow membership, support, and organizational sustainability
• Responsible for strategic planning to ensure that GSEP can successfully fulfill its Mission into the future.
• Responsible for the enhancement of GSEP’s image by being active and visible in the communities around the Monument and by working closely with other professional, civic and private organizations.

4)   Organization Operations:  

• Responsible for effective administration of GSEP’s operations.
• Supervises, hires, and evaluates the performance of staff members, fostering a supportive and growth-oriented work environment that provides opportunities for professional development
• Cultivates a collaborative culture among the staff, promoting teamwork and acknowledging the unique talents and contributions of team members
• Ensures operational and programmatic excellence, upholding all aspects of the organization’s work meet high standards of quality and effectiveness
• Fosters alignment and synergy among the Board, staff, and member programs to advance GSEP’s mission

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

The Skills You’ll Need

Success in the Executive Director role will require a deep commitment to GSEP’s mission and core core values as well as to the protection and preservation of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. In addition, the Executive Director will provide thoughtful leadership that is inclusive, transparent, and empowering in a manner that supports and guides the organization’s mission while developing new and innovative models of science-based conservation.

The ideal candidate will also bring the following skills, attributes and experiences:

• Master’s degree in a relevant area.
• Five years of professional experience in nonprofit, academic, or faith-based organizational leadership
• Knowledge of Utah Public Lands issues and the Colorado Plateau desirable
• Experience and skill in working with a Board of Directors.
• High-level strategic thinking and planning. Ability to envision and convey the organization’s strategic future to the staff, board, volunteers, and donors.
• Ability to effectively communicate the organization’s mission to donors, volunteers, and the overall community.
• Demonstrated ability to oversee and collaborate with staff.
• Demonstrated success in managing and raising an annual budget, fundraising efforts, and grant writing
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral
• Demonstrated history of successfully leading staff with orientation to action and results
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice
• Excellent donor relations skills and understanding of the funding community.
• Previous success in establishing relationships with individuals and organizations of influence including funders, partner agencies, and volunteers.
• Solid organizational abilities, including planning, delegating, program development, and task facilitation.
• Strong financial management skills, including budget preparation, analysis, decision making, and reporting.

Organizational Background: Grand Staircase Escalante Partners (GSEP) was founded in 2004 as the “Friends Group” for Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument (GSENM). Our mission is to honor the past and safeguard the future of GSENM through science, conservation, and education. This 1.88 million-acre national monument is the first and largest national monument entrusted to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to conserve, restore, and protect. First designated a National Monument in 1996 and reinstated in 2021, GSENM contains unique scientific and historic resources that offer unparalleled research opportunities for earth and climate scientists, paleontologists, geologists, archaeologists, historians, and conservation biologists. It is also the ancestral homelands of numerous Native American Tribes who made homes, conducted ceremonies, gathered plants, managed resources, farmed, hunted, and prayed in these canyons and mesas. In addition, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, with its slot canyons and sweeping vistas, has become a destination place for people around the world in search of a unique wilderness experience.

Location: GSEP offices are based in Utah: Kanab, and Escalante. We are accepting applications from remote candidates, with a preference for those living in Utah. 

Hours: Full-time with occasional weekend and evening work. 

Compensation:  GSEP offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience.

Benefits:  Our organization supports professional growth, independence, and creativity that is driven by each person’s unique interests and passions. This position is eligible for paid holiday time off and paid vacation and sick leave. GSEP also offers 401k retirement options and health insurance.

Application Process: Please send a resume and cover letter to applicant@gsenm.org. This position is open until filled with a preferred start date on or before January 2, 2024.