Executive Director, Blue Ridge Conservancy

Executive Director

Blue Ridge Conservancy

ORGANIZATION:
Blue Ridge Conservancy (BRC) is a nationally accredited nonprofit land trust dedicated to preserving the natural beauty and resources of northwest North Carolina. With offices at the BRC Conservation Campus between Boone and Blowing Rock, BRC has protected over 25,000 acres across Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey counties.

BRC works to safeguard scenic landscapes, vital farmland, and ecologically significant habitats while expanding recreational opportunities that connect people to nature. Through strategic conservation efforts, BRC has helped protect clean water sources, preserve working farmland, and expand the boundaries of cherished public lands, including the Blue Ridge Parkway, Grandfather Mountain State Park, and Elk Knob State Park.

BRC also leads transformative projects like the Middle Fork Greenway, linking Blowing Rock to Boone, and the Northern Peaks State Trail, which will connect Boone to Mount Jefferson. By protecting land and creating access to nature, BRC ensures a thriving environment for future generations.

BRC operates in northwest North Carolina, a region defined by high mountain peaks, rolling foothills, small towns, and rural communities. The area boasts a strong tourism economy, a rich agricultural heritage, and is home to Appalachian State University (ASU), a thriving cultural hub. Surrounded by the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains, the area offers abundant recreational opportunities, including hiking scenic trails, canoeing pristine rivers, and biking or driving along the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway.

More information can be found at www.blueridgeconservancy.org.

REPORTS/RELATIONSHIPS:
This position will report to the Board Chair, who serves as the spokesperson for the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees, and lead a high performing and dedicated team of 11.

THE OPPORTUNITY:
If you are a strong, people-centered leader ready to shape the future of a thriving conservation organization, we want to hear from you. BRC is seeking a visionary and strategic Executive Director who is passionate about land conservation and skilled at inspiring people to action. This collaborative leader will bring the ability to motivate and empower a dedicated team, engage donors and stakeholders, and drive the organization’s continued success. The ideal candidate will harness BRC’s momentum and take it to the next level. They will be a dynamic communicator, a collaborative relationship-builder, and a results-driven decision-maker who thrives on transforming vision into impact.

BASIC FUNCTIONS:
The Executive Director is responsible for all operations of BRC, including the implementation of BRC’s Strategic Plan. Responsibilities include administration and coordination of all programs and activities of the organization including fundraising and development, community outreach, land conservation and stewardship, and organizational administration.

Specific duties will include, but not necessarily be limited to:

Fundraising/Development

Oversee BRC’s fundraising efforts to sustain and grow diversified funding for operations and conservation initiatives.
Collaborate with the Board of Trustees and Development Committee to secure annual operating budget revenue.
Work with BRC staff to expand individual and corporate giving programs and expand the small donor base through grassroots efforts.
Develop and manage a major gifts program, including private grants.
Secure public grants and funding.

Community Outreach

Lead BRC’s community outreach and public relations efforts.
Build relationships with community officials, business leaders, landowners, and the public to strengthen support for BRC’s mission.
Serve as BRC’s primary spokesperson and liaison with local, regional, and state conservation agencies and organizations.
Oversee the production of the annual report, e-newsletter, news releases, and other informational materials.
Oversee the development and expansion of BRC’s volunteer program.

Land Conservation and Stewardship

Oversee BRC’s land conservation efforts, including voluntary land preservation, acquisition, conservation easements, stewardship, and monitoring.
Work with BRC’s Land Protection staff to engage landowners, negotiate conservation transactions, draft easements, and implement effective land stewardship programs.
Oversee staff who ensure all land protection initiatives comply with Land Trust Alliance (LTA) Standards and Practices and BRC policies.
Foster collaborative relationships with local, regional, and state conservation agencies and organizations.
Ensure proper management and stewardship of BRC-owned lands.

Administration

Oversee organizational management, including financial operations, record keeping, budgeting, reporting, legal compliance, financial policies, work plans, and LTA accreditation preparations.
Lead, mentor, motivate, and develop staff to attain their full potential.
Support and collaborate with the Board of Trustees, its officers, and committees.
Advise the Board on organizational goals, policies, programs, and priorities.
Develop the annual budget in coordination with staff, the Director of Finance, and the Board Treasurer.
Collaborate with the Director of Finance and Board Treasurer to manage BRC’s financial activities and monitor expenses throughout the year.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

An undeniable passion for conservation and the mission of BRC.
Visionary leadership style that fosters innovation and strategic risk-taking that leads to transformative impact.
Relevant experience leading a team, with preference for experience in land trust work or closely related conservation activity, real estate, nonprofit management, or conservation law.
Financially savvy with the ability to build and manage to a budget.
Proven experience in executive-level financial reporting and analysis, with the ability to interpret complex data and communicate insights clearly to drive strategic decisions.
Proven experience in fundraising and building strategic partnerships with donors, community partners, and local leaders.
Excellent public speaking skills with the ability to passionately convey BRC’s mission to diverse audiences as the face of the organization.
Willingness and ability to travel for meetings, speaking engagements, workshops, and events, including evenings and weekends.
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required.

COMPENSATION:
Compensation will be commensurate with experience including a competitive base salary and benefits package.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Chris Shade, Consultant
[email protected]
704.377.0362