Executive Director

ABOUT US
Friends of the ACFL is a non-profit community-based organization located in Anacortes, WA, dedicated to the preservation of the ACFL through education, outreach, and stewardship. For more than 30 years, we have connected our community to the ACFL through youth and community education programs, community hikes, volunteer activities including stewardship work parties with Anacortes Parks and Recreation, and other initiatives. New in 2024 with a grand opening slated for this spring, our downtown interpretive center serves as a place where community members can explore, learn about, and become better stewards of the ACFL. Anacortes is known for its vibrant community and natural beauty, with the ACFL playing a crucial role in connecting and preserving local ecosystems. The Executive Director will collaborate closely with city partners and environmental advocates on local stewardship and conservation initiatives. The work Friends of the ACFL does is sustained by 345 member households, annual grants and numerous community partners. Learn more about the ACFL and our organization at www.friendsoftheacfl.org.

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR
Friends of the ACFL seeks an Executive Director to lead a small, dynamic nonprofit organization with a focus on community engagement and organizational growth. The ideal candidate will bring vision, creativity, and administrative excellence, working closely with our engaged community and an exceptional Friends of the ACFL team of environmental and communication
professionals.

The Executive Director is responsible for leadership, staff supervision, budget management, fundraising, and representation to a diverse community of stakeholders. A successful candidate will have at least five years of nonprofit leadership experience, with expertise in fundraising, staff management, and program development. The Executive Director will demonstrate a
collaborative, transparent, and inclusive leadership style, fostering a supportive culture within the team.

REQUIRED ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Key Qualifications & Required Experience

• Minimum of five years of nonprofit management or leadership experience.
• Experience securing grants totaling $25,000 or more annually.
• Strong writing, organizational, and communication skills, with attention to detail.
• Previous supervisory experience.
• Experience in financial management and budgeting.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and donor management systems (e.g., Little Green Light).

Fundraising

• Create and implement an annual development plan to increase membership, major gifts, grants, and corporate sponsorships.
• Cultivate relationships with major donors.
• Supervise event planning for major events, including a 250+ attendee benefit dinner and annual member meetings.
• Oversee donor management systems to ensure accurate record-keeping and acknowledgment of donations.

Community Engagement

• Coordinate and lead program presentations to community groups.
• Collaborate with the Outreach and Development Coordinator to create educational content for newsletters, websites, and other publications.
• Manage partnerships with other organizations.
• Work with the Board of Directors to issue public comments and action alerts as necessary.

Program Management

• Oversee and evaluate youth and community forest education programs, including advancing the scope & presence of the newly created interpretive center.
• Develop new programs supporting education, outreach, and stewardship initiatives, where staff time and resources allow.
• Collaborate with city partners and environmental organizations to influence local environmental policy.
• Annually, measure program effectiveness using qualitative and quantitative data.

Administration

• Lead the implementation of strategic plans for revenue generation and staff engagement.
• Work effectively, both independently and as part of a team, in various environments.
• Manage personnel, volunteer, and risk management policies.
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors on policy development and engagement.
• Maintain financial and organizational records, ensuring compliance with tax and registration requirements.

DESIRED SKILLS/ATTRIBUTES

• Experience or education in community-based non-formal education settings with preference for environmental programming.
• History of effective grant writing.
• Enthusiasm for community-based environmental education.
• Familiarity with local environmental policies and planning.
• Strong skills in developing policies and maintaining detailed records.
• Living in or willingness to relocate to Anacortes or Skagit County at personal expense.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT
This position requires a blend of indoor (office, meetings, events) and outdoor (fieldwork, community engagement) duties. The role involves year-round outdoor work in varying weather conditions and terrains. While some remote work flexibility exists, a significant portion of the role requires in-person presence in Anacortes including some regular evening and weekend
commitments.

To apply, send a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references to hiring@friendsoftheacfl.org.