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Executive Director

The Sawtooth Society

Hailey, Idaho

Job Type Permanent
Salary $75,000 - $85,000 per year
Min. Experience 5+ years

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
How To Apply

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