Executive Director

Otsego County Conservation Association

The opportunity

Help shape the future of conservation in Otsego County. Otsego County Conservation Association (OCCA) seeks an Executive Director who can lead a team, build community relationships and secure support for practical community engagement, citizen science, environmental, and conservation work.

The Executive Director connects OCCA’s mission to its daily work: setting priorities, supporting staff, managing resources and developing the donors and partnerships that sustain the organization. Fundraising, particularly individual giving and major donor relationships, is a central responsibility.

About OCCA

Since 1968, OCCA has worked to promote the appreciation and sustainable use of Otsego County’s natural resources. Our work brings together environmental education, resource protection and community science. Programs and partnerships address issues including water quality, invasive species, waste reduction, energy and community resilience.

What you will do

Lead the organization

• Work with the board and staff to translate OCCA’s mission and strategic direction into achievable annual priorities and work plans.
• Oversee daily operations, recommend improvements to policies and procedures, and keep the board informed about progress, finances and emerging needs.
• Report to the Board President and serve as the staff liaison to the board and its committees.
  Build financial support
• Develop and carry out an annual fundraising plan with the board and Fundraising Committee.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit and steward individual donors, including major gift prospects, and help board members participate effectively in fundraising.
• Prepare grant proposals, pursue new funding opportunities and oversee fulfillment of funding commitments.

Manage finances and operations

• Prepare and manage the annual budget, monitor financial performance and steward available OCCA’s resources.
• Oversee personnel and office administration and ensure that organizational practices support effective program delivery.
  Support staff and programs
• Supervise and support staff, establish clear expectations and measurable goals, and help staff coordinate work across programs.
• Oversee conservation, education and community science initiatives, working with staff to develop strategies and assess results.
• Stay informed about environmental issues and policy developments affecting the region and guide OCCA’s response in consultation with staff and the board.

Represent OCCA

• Build and sustain relationships with community members, partner organizations, volunteers, public officials, members and donors.
• Serve as a public representative of OCCA and oversee communications that explain its work and invite participation.

What you will bring

• At least two years of executive director or comparable management experience, including responsibility for staff, programs or organizational operations.
• Demonstrated fundraising success through individual giving, major gifts, foundation support, grants or a combination, with the ability to lead donor relationship development.
• Experience preparing or managing budgets, setting priorities and meeting overlapping deadlines.
• Strong writing, speaking and relationship-building skills, including the ability to explain complex issues clearly and work with people whose perspectives differ.
• Experience supporting staff and engaging volunteers, community leaders and partners in shared work.
• A commitment to environmental conservation and an understanding of how environmental issues intersect with the region’s cultural and economic diversity.
• A relevant bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.

Pexperience includes nonprofit management, environmental education, community science, conservation or natural resource protection, and work with a nonprofit board. Familiarity with Otsego County is helpful, as is a demonstrated ability to build local relationships.

We encourage candidates with transferable leadership and fundraising experience to apply, even if their background does not include every preferred area.