Executive Director
The Sawtooth Society
Hailey, Idaho
This is a rare chance to lead a well-established, financially stable conservation nonprofit at a pivotal moment. The Sawtooth Society's mission is to preserve, protect, and enhance the Sawtooth National Recreation Area (SNRA) — through trail stewardship and USFS collaboration, a License Plate Fund Program that has helped direct $1.2 million into 190+ stewardship projects, wild salmon advocacy, and engagement with a growing donor community.
The Executive Director is the public face and principal advocate of the organization — equally comfortable testifying on public lands policy, cultivating major donors, leading a volunteer workday on a mountain trail, and managing a small, dedicated staff.
What You'll Do:
- Build and steward an annual budget and operating plan, including goals and program/project priorities aligned with the Society's mission
- With the Director of Operations, manage day-to-day operations within the approved budget to achieve priority goals
- Advance fundraising goals which include building the annual fund, major donor cultivation/solicitation, and managing the annual Sagebrush Soiree event
- Represent the Society with the USFS, state agencies, elected officials, and partner organizations
- Engage media and the public as a credible, passionate voice for the SNRA
- Oversee 4–6 seasonal trail crew staff and stewardship programming
- Work closely with a 24-member Board of Directors and a 7-member Executive Committee, reporting to the Board Chair
- Oversee 4–6 seasonal trail crew staff and stewardship programming
What We're Looking For:
- Demonstrated leadership in conservation, public lands, or environmental fields
- Experience representing an organization with federal/state agencies, elected officials, and partner organizations
- Track record in fundraising, donor development, and event management
- Solid knowledge of budgeting, financial management, and marketing
- Experience navigating public policy and building coalitions across diverse stakeholders
- Extensive experience leading ongoing strategic planning processes
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and media relations
- Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities
- Bachelor's degree or higher
The role requires a physical presence in Stanley, Idaho or the Wood River Valley
Why This Role:
- Lead a respected organization with a strong financial foundation and an approaching 30-year track record
- Work in one of the most beautiful places in North America
- Meaningful, lasting impact on a landscape that matters
- Collaborative, mission-aligned Board and staff
- Competitive compensation for a nonprofit of this scale
To Learn More or Apply:
Send a cover letter and résumé to: sawtoothsocietysearch@gmail.com
Applications reviewed on a rolling basis. Priority consideration by April 30, 2026.
The Sawtooth Society is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates of all backgrounds who share a commitment to our mission.
When you apply, please indicate that you are responding to the posting on Conservation Job Board.
| Category | Admin & Leadership , Outdoor Recreation |
| Tags | Trail Maintenance |