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The Opportunity | New River Conservancy (NRC)

The New River Conservancy (NRC) is a three state (North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia), non-profit 501(c)(3) organization established in 1975 to protect and enhance the river and watershed of the world’s second oldest river. The 320 mile long New River winds through its 4.2 million acre Appalachian watershed and includes two state parks, a National Park (New River Gorge), and is designated both a federal Wild and Scenic, and an American Heritage river.

The Watershed | Blowing Rock, NC to Gauley Bridge, WV

Flowing South to North, the New River and its surrounding watershed begins in the Mountains of Northwestern North Carolina and winds its way through the Blue Ridge mountains, the New River Valley of Virginia, and on through the New River Gorge in West Virginia. The area is known for its scenic mountains, bucolic countryside, historic towns, rare ecosystems, and strong cultural heritage. The three-state organization has its main office located in West Jefferson, North Carolina nestled within the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains of northwest North Carolina. West Jefferson offers a bustling downtown district featuring an eclectic selection of boutiques, exceptional eateries, antique shops, coffee and wine shops and even a craft beer brewery. The entire watershed provides many opportunities for a wide variety of outdoor recreation.

The Position| President/Executive Director

The President/Executive Director is the senior management leader of New River Conservancy. The position is responsible for the financial sustainability of the organization and oversees the administration, programs, staff, and strategic plan of the organization. Other key duties include fundraising, marketing, budgeting, real estate/land trust operations, government relations, and community outreach. The position reports directly to the Board of Directors.

 General Responsibilities

  1. Mission and Strategy: Works with the board and staff to ensure that the mission is fulfilled through programs, strategic planning and community outreach.
    • Implements NRC’s programs that carry out the organization’s mission.
    • Leads organizational strategic planning to ensure that NRC can successfully fulfill its Mission and Strategic Plan.
    • Enhances NRC’s reputation by being active and visible in the community and by working closely with other professional, government, civic and private organizations.

  2. Financial Performance and Viability: Develops resources sufficient to ensure the financial health and viability of the organization.
    • Organizes and leads major fundraising activities, grant writing as well as developing other revenues necessary to support NRC’s mission.
    • Manages the fiscal integrity of the NRC, including preparing an annual budget and monthly financial reports to the board.
    • Develops and executes the annual budget, maximizes use of all resources, and ensures the organization maintains a positive financial position.
    • Reviews and approves all contracts for services.

  3. Organization Operations: Manages and uses the appropriate resources to meet organizational goals.
    • Hires and retains a diverse and competent, qualified staff.
    • Supervises, collaborates, and supports the NRC’s staff.
    • Effectively administers NRC’s programs and operations.
    • Executes all notes, agreements, financial documents, and other legal instruments on behalf of the organization.
    • Manages the real estate and land trust operations of the organization.
    • Participates in essential outdoor river activities including river cleanups, riverbank restoration, project identification, fundraising events, and public and community outreach.
    • Serves as NRC’s primary spokesperson to the organization’s constituents, the media and the greater community.
    • Must be able to work weekends and holidays as required to support NRC events.
  • Board Governance: Works with the board to fulfill the organization mission.
    • Leads NRC in a manner that supports and guides the organization’s mission as defined by the board of directors.
    • Communicates effectively with the board and provides, in a timely and accurate manner, all information necessary for the board to function properly and to make informed decisions.
  • Qualifications

    • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with five or more years senior nonprofit management experience. Preferred: Master’s degree and 10 or more years of nonprofit management experience.
    • Executive level experience with natural resource protection, conservation, or environmental action organization.
    • Demonstrated success in working with multi-state or community organizations and with diverse groups.
    • A history of successfully generating new revenue streams and improving fiscal results.
    • Demonstrated fundraising experience. Must have excellent donor relations skills.
    • Demonstrated success in establishing relationships with individuals and organizations of influence including funders, partner agencies and localities, and volunteers.
    • Demonstrated information technology skills including overseeing social media.
    • Understanding of Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and Salesforce software.
    • Familiarity with ARC/GIS, and other mapping applications.
    • Must have genuine love for the outdoors and commitment to protecting our streams, river and wetland resources.
    • Able to spend time out of doors on the river and around the watershed.

    Physical requirements: the job responsibilities include significant time spent at and in the river, grasslands, forested areas, traveling unpaved roads and in both front and back country. If you are an individual with a disability, we welcome your application and would be happy to discuss specifics with you.

    To Apply: New River Conservancy has retained Capital Development Services to assist with professional recruitment. Expressions of interest, and applications can be submitted via email to searchservices@capdev.com or to apply online click here.

    Candidates should include a cover letter, a resume, and a list of three references. All material will be kept confidential. Additional inquiries may be directed to Jen Tozier at Capital Development Services, 336-747-0133 x 208.

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