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Executive Director

Trout Lake Nature Center

Eustis, Florida

Job Type Permanent
Salary $65,000 - $80,000 per year
Benefits To be negotiated along with salary based on experience and skills
Deadline Sep 01, 2026
Min. Experience 5+ years

The Trout Lake Nature Center is seeking an executive director to manage its 230-acre property, nature center and education programs. Eileen Tramontana, the current executive director, will be retiring in 2027 and the TLNC Board is looking for an individual to continue the improvements and expansions that have taken place in the past few years and are still ongoing.

This position has the opportunity to complete Phase 3 of our education complex expansion, incorporate exhibits into the new museum space, continue habitat improvements and so much more as TLNC moves into the future. The outlook is bright for TLNC and a dynamic leader is needed to lead the way and to provide inspiration and direction to meet the future needs of the area and to accomplish TLNC’s mission to connect people with nature through education and conservation.

Leadership & Strategic Direction

  • In conjunction with the Board of Directors, develop and implement the center’s mission-aligned strategic
  • Guide organizational growth while maintaining the intimate, community-centered
  • Work closely with the Board of Directors, providing updates, recommendations, and long-term Manage progress toward rolling one-, three-and 10-year goals.
  • Foster a positive, inclusive, and mission-driven organizational
  • Establish and maintain clear patterns and channels of authority, responsibility, supervision and communication.
  • Provide regular, effective, and timely communications with the President, Board of Directors and committees
  • Participate in committees as needed or delegate appropriate staff.
  • Support employees as needs

Community Engagement & Partnerships

  • Serve as the public face of the
  • Build partnerships with schools, governments, nonprofits, businesses and environmental groups and other
  • Strengthen relationships with donors, members, volunteers, businesses and neighbors through visits and regular communication.
  • Represent TLNC through community, regional, and national engagement and speaking opportunities, professional organization and board participation, and other promotional
  • Support website, marketing, communication and social media efforts.
  • Maintain a current understanding of the forces affecting TLNC and its constituents and engage in activities that positively position TLNC as a leader in the field.

Fundraising & Financial Management

  • Lead fundraising efforts including donor cultivation, membership drives, and events. Focus on major foundation and corporate
  • Write or oversee grant proposals and manage reporting
  • In conjunction with the Board of Directors, develop and manage the annual budget; ensure financial transparency and
  • Work with the board on long-term financial planning and capital
  • Work with the Board to maintain appropriate financial

Education & Program Oversight

  • Oversee staff managing environmental education programs, camps, workshops, and community
  • Collaborate with staff to design engaging, age-appropriate, science-based curriculum that meets state standards and reflects best practices in environmental
  • Evaluate program effectiveness and adjust offerings based on community needs and

Operations & Facility Management

  • Oversee the management of the daily operations of the nature center, trails, exhibits, and
  • Ensure visitor safety, ADA accessibility, and compliance with environmental
  • Coordinate maintenance, repairs, and improvements—often hands-on in a small

Staff & Management

  • Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate staff.
  • Ensure all staff represent TLNC’s core values and maintain the highest customer service, safety and program quality
  • Create a supportive environment that encourages professional growth and
  • Manage scheduling, payroll oversight, and HR compliance (scaled to a small nonprofit).
  • Oversee work with contracted labor services (or delegate to appropriate staff).

Administration & Compliance

  • Oversee the maintenance of accurate records, permits, insurance, and organizational
  • Ensure compliance with nonprofit regulations and environmental
  • Ensure TLNC operates in accordance with IRS and State of Florida regulations and reports financial performance in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting
  • Oversee and work with the Board on all legal matters, including all written contracts and formal agreements.
  • Prepare reports for the board, funders, and community
  • Serve as an emergency contact for facilities and operations needs whenever they

Advocacy & Mission Stewardship

  • Champion environmental education, conservation, and community connection to
  • Stay informed on environmental issues and represent the center in relevant
  • Model sustainable practices in all aspects of operations and
How To Apply

Go to https://troutlakenaturecenter.com/who-we-are/staff-and-board.html to learn more about the job position and the Center. Send a resume to TLNC.director@gmail.com for consideration for this position.

When you apply, please indicate that you are responding to the posting on Conservation Job Board.

Category Admin & Leadership , Environmental Education
Tags Nature Center , Outreach