Job Title: Executive Director (ED)
The deadline for applications is June 30, 2026 but may remain open until a suitable candidate is found. Please send a CV and cover letter to: jobs@parklandsfoundation.org
Parklands foundation
Normal, IL
The Foundation will consider requests or exceptions based on legally protected religious observances, as reasonable accommodations to an employee’s disability, or as otherwise required by law.
Reports to: Board President
Compensation: Salary $85,000 - $95,000 (Based on experience and qualifications)
Schedule: Full-time, flexible hours, requires some evening and weekend work
Mission and Vision: Founded in 1967, the ParkLands Foundation is the fourth-oldest conservation land trust in Illinois. Our mission is to protect, restore, and manage the natural habitat of the Mackinaw River basin for current and future generations. We aim to expand a permanent corridor of protected natural lands that foster ecological resilience for native plants and wildlife and improve the health of the river, while strengthening our community’s connection to the wild.
Job Summary: The new role of Executive Director (ED) is a comprehensive “hands-on” leadership position responsible for both high-level mission advancement and the day-to-day management of the Foundation. The ED provides the primary leadership in executing the vision and strategic direction for the ParkLands Foundation while overseeing and ensuring the excellence of its day-to-day operations.
Roles & Responsibilities:
- Strategic Leadership & Governance:
• Visionary Planning: Monitor and drive progress against the active strategic plan and provide the Board with insight and priorities to further fulfill the mission.
• Board Relations: Support the Board of Directors and committees by providing necessary information for governance and oversight. Coordinate the Board and Executive Committee meetings and agendas.
• Conservation Strategy: Coordinate with the Board to identify and pursue land acquisition opportunities in line with guiding principles.
• Accreditation & Compliance: Ensure ethical and legal operation of the Foundation with the long-term goal of achieving Land Trust Alliance (LTA) accreditation.
• Future Planning: Develop a roadmap for the Foundation’s future staffing needs and organizational resilience.
• Team Building: Inspire and motivate a highly skilled and committed team, including staff, volunteers, and Board members. - Fundraising and Development:
• Growth Strategy: Develop and implement an aggressive fundraising strategy to increase individual giving, memberships, grants, and corporate sponsorships.
• Donor Development and Major Gift Stewardship: Manage a portfolio of top major gift prospects, ensuring a cycle of personal contact with key donors every two years.
• Grant Lifecycle: Identify, write, and secure grants for land acquisition and stewardship while managing all reporting and documentation.
• Data Optimization: Oversee the CRM platform (Neon CRM) to ensure high-quality donor data and develop targeted giving programs. - Operations and Financial Management:
• Financial Planning and Oversight: Work with the Treasurer and contract bookkeeper in preparing annual budgets, supervising finances, participating in yearly audits, and reporting status to the Board.
• Office and Business Functions: Manage and organize all office and business functions with staff, vendor, and Board assistance. This includes general accounting, insurance matters, vendor management, records management, human resources, information technology use, and legal and regulatory compliance.
• Contract Management: Administer grant agreements, vendor agreements, farm contracts, leases, and federal conservation payment programs, among others. - Personnel Management:
• Recruiting and Staffing: Responsible for recruiting, hiring, and supervising staff based on the Board-approved organizational staffing plan and budget. Conduct annual staff performance evaluations with measurable goals.
• Human Capital Requirements: Advise the Board regarding staffing needs, compensation, personnel policies, practices, and performance.
• Volunteers: Recruit, train, and manage volunteers. - Land Stewardship and Facilities Management:
• Property and Land Stewardship Management: Oversee effective management, plans, and maintenance of all Foundation facilities and properties.
• Habitat Restoration and Maintenance: Collaborate with the Stewardship Committee to enhance conservation values on ParkLands preserves through habitat restoration, trail construction, maintenance, and stewardship projects.
• Easement Management: Ensure appropriate oversight, inspection, and reporting for Conservation Easements held by the Foundation.
• Facility Management: Ensure the Foundation’s office, field facilities, and equipment are appropriately maintained and managed in accordance with approved budgets and priorities. - Community Outreach:
• Public Face: Serve as the articulate and persuasive lead spokesperson for the Foundation in the media and community.
• Marketing & Communications: Oversee the production of newsletters, press releases, social media content, and website updates.
• Partnership Development: Pursue innovative partnerships with government bodies, educational institutions, conservation groups, and other nonprofit and commercial entities that support and advance the Foundation’s mission and vision.
Qualifications and Skills:
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (Master’s degree preferred)
• Proven leadership in nonprofit management, including financial oversight, staff development, and budgeting
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently
• Demonstrated success in executing fundraising strategies and donor cultivation
• Knowledge of land trust efforts and environmental conservation activities
• Experience in marketing, web design, or social media management
• Experience using emerging technologies to improve land management or organizational effectiveness
• Proficiency in Neon CRM, QuickBooks, and MS Office Suite or similar platforms and the ability to operate independently with technology
• Excellent interpersonal, relationship-building, and public speaking abilities
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and local residence
Work Environment & Physical Requirements:
This position periodically requires work to be performed within a nature preserve setting. Employees in this position should be comfortable working in varying weather conditions and navigating the physical demands associated with a natural environment.
Currently, the primary office workspace is located on the upper level of a building, and access to the workspace requires the use of stairs.
Physical requirements include:
• Lift, carry, push, and/or pull up to 25 pounds on a periodic basis
• Climb a full flight of stairs multiple times per day
• Walk, stand, move, maintain balance and stability for extended periods of time, including on uneven natural terrain such as trails, grass, gravel, and wooded areas
• Perform duties in a range of environmental conditions, including exposure to weather and temperature variances
The Company will consider requests or exceptions based on legally protected religious observances, as reasonable accommodations to an employee’s disability, or as otherwise required by law.
Please send cover letter and résumé to the ParkLands email address, jobs@parklandsfoundation.org.
The deadline for accepting applications is June 30, 2026.
We will review all cover letters and resumes and be in contact. The next step after successfully passing through this initial screening will be asking you to respond to four initial job interview questions.
Thank you for your interest!