About this role
About the Organization: The Conservation Finance Network (CFN) advances land and resource conservation by cultivating a network that expands the use and replication of innovative and effective funding and financing strategies. We support a vibrant community of practice across the nonprofit, public, philanthropic, and private sectors that share and incorporate best practices in conservation finance. We achieve our mission through four strategies : convening practitioners through various training and networking events; connecting practitioners with information, tools, and best practices and with each other; coaching practitioners in best practices, including through partnerships such as those with the U.S. Forest Service’s Cooperative Forestry Program and the Department of Defense’s Sentinel Landscapes Partnership; and catalyzing development of the conservation finance field and replication of innovations within it. Since its founding in 2007, CFN has evolved into a vibrant network and go-to resource hub for thousands of practitioners across the country seeking to deploy effective and innovative funding and financing strategies. The Executive Director will help refine and implement a new strategic vision that emphasizes the continued growth and evolution of the CFN, strengthening participation and belonging in the network, enhancing the visibility and accessibility of opportunities across the movement and amplifying the stories and impact of the network and its members. Position Summary: The Executive Director will have overall strategic and operational responsibility for CFN’s staff, programs, expansion, and execution of its mission. With the support of experienced staff and a robust steering committee, they will be responsible for developing deep knowledge of the field, core programs, operations, partnerships, network stakeholders, fundraising plans, and strategic growth opportunities. By building a growing network of public, private, and nonprofit professionals through practitioner convenings, intensive training, and the dissemination of relevant knowledge, the Executive Director will oversee the program to increase people’s capacity to find practical solutions to address challenges of resource conservation. Leadership : Provide executive leadership that ensures the organization is aligned on strategic priorities and that staff are focused on effectively delivering programs and resources to achieve our strategic goals. With input from CFN’s Steering Committee, refine and implement CFN’s new multi-year strategic vision. With staff team, develop implementation plan for priority goals and actions including projected timelines and budget needed for growth. Fundraising : Develop and implement a fundraising plan for an annual budget of $600,000-$850,000. Address the need to strategically increase revenue generating and fundraising activities to sustain existing program operations and achieve future strategic growth. Recruit non-monetary in-kind contributions that support program implementation. Coalition Building : Actively engage and energize CFN Steering Committee members, network stakeholders, Boot Camp alumni, partner organizations, and funders to motivate their participation in and support of the CFN community of practice. Supervision: Lead, coach, develop, and motivate a team of staff members to effectively achieve the CFN strategic vision. Oversight of Program Activities : Responsible for guiding the staff team on implementation of the program, including all training and network activities. Where possible, identify partnerships for collaboration and new projects that advance the strategic vision. Oversight of Finances & Budgeting : In close coordination with Multiplier, manage all aspects of the budget and actual income and expenditures to produce financial reports for funders and the Steering Committee in a timely fashion. Thought Leadership: Proactively stay apprised of new and innovative land conservation finance techniques. Build a credible and authoritative voice on trends and developments across the field and engage in public forums and speaking opportunities to advance thought leadership and CFN mission objectives. Communication : Share regular updates with appropriate Multiplier staff, CFN Steering Committee, and other network partners. Provide oversight of external communications with broader field through bi-monthly e-newsletter, blog posts and dissemination of CFN and partners information resources.