Wilderness Science Education

Position Title: Executive Director
Location: Remote

Type: Part time
Reports To: Board of Directors
Wage: $25-30/hour DOE
Job Type: Part-time, Exempt (no benefits)

Time requirements: This position is busiest May-early August (20-30 hours/month excluding time guiding).  Other months require anywhere from 6-15 hours/month.  Additional hours are available for development/fundraising.

About Us:

Wilderness Science Education (Wild Science Explorers) is a youth focused non-profit that integrates whitewater rafting with science and stewardship education. Through our rafting adventures, we foster a deeper understanding of our natural world, promote conservation efforts, and empower the next generation of environmental leaders. We are committed to creating lasting, positive impacts through hands-on, engaging learning experiences.

WSE is a small organization made up mostly of volunteers, never numbering more than twenty total, that has provided outdoor educational experiences to youth since 2005. There is room to grow the organization. 

Position Summary:

The Executive Director (ED) will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations, program development, fundraising, and strategic direction of WSE. The ED coordinates with youth groups to arrange trips and staffing for those trips. This role requires a passion for conservation education, strong leadership, resourcefulness, and organizational management skills. The ED works closely with the Board of Directors to ensure the success of the nonprofit’s mission.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Strategy:

• Provide vision and strategic leadership for the organization, ensuring alignment with mission and values.
• Inspire and engage staff, volunteers, and board members to support the organization’s goals.
• Oversee the execution of programs that integrate rafting, science, and stewardship education.
• Foster partnerships to enhance programmatic reach and effectiveness.

Fundraising & Development:

• Lead the development and implementation of a fundraising strategy to secure grants, individual donations, and sponsorships.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with key donors, funding organizations, and stakeholders.
• Oversee fundraising events, campaigns, and community outreach efforts.

Program Management:

• Ensure effective program operation and growth.
• Schedule and staff trips (2-6 three to five day trips/season)
• Oversee risk management strategies, ensuring safety protocols and insurance are in place for rafting activities.

Financial & Operational Oversight:

• Oversee management of the nonprofit’s budget, ensuring financial health and sustainability.
• Manage payroll, taxes, insurance and all bills

What else does the ED have to do?

• Communicate with youth groups to organize up to six trips per year
• Arrange for trailer maintenance