Friends of Rose Canyon is a community-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a 20+ year history of success in pursuing our mission to protect, preserve, and restore one of San Diego's most valuable open space parks, Rose Canyon and the Rose Creek watershed. https://rosecanyon.org/. 

Position Summary

The Executive Director is responsible for advocacy, fundraising, leadership, and organizational management for Friends of Rose Canyon. This position requires a collaborative leader who is passionate about environmental stewardship, community engagement, and nonprofit sustainability. The full job description can be found at https://rosecanyon.org/.

Role Specifications

• Part-time, non-exempt (approximately 20 – 25 hours per week)
• Compensation: $32–$34/hour, depending on qualifications and experience
• Health insurance stipend; eligibility for CalSavers retirement program (no employer contribution)
• Remote and in-person work required, flexible hours, with some evening and weekend events
• Requires a regular presence in Rose Canyon to observe habitat conditions, oversee and participate in events, and represent Friends of Rose Canyon during meetings with City staff, contractors, donors, and volunteers
• Reports to the Board of Directors
• Supervises two part-time employees: a seasonal Education Coordinator and a Restoration Coordinator

Key Responsibilities

Advocacy and Outreach

• Coordinate and conduct community outreach and education events in Rose Canyon and surrounding neighborhoods
• Collaborate with other San Diego environmental leaders
• Advocate to protect Rose Canyon and the Rose Creek watershed at community meetings, in hearings before public agencies, and in written comments on City, County, and developer proposals, work with outside legal counsel as needed

Fundraising and Grant Writing

• Research and write grant proposals and ensure grant compliance
• Plan and implement annual fundraising campaign and cultivate relationships with existing and potential donors
• Maintain donor and volunteer databases

Organizational Leadership and Management

• Work closely with the Board of Directors to manage the organization and advance the organization's mission through environmental advocacy, community outreach, outdoor education, and habitat restoration efforts
• Implement Board-approved strategic priorities and annual work plans
• Oversee planning and implementation of the organization’s work and special projects with our Habitat Restoration Coordinator and our Education Coordinator
• Manage budget, payroll and financial reporting and ensure compliance with all nonprofit and regulatory requirements, in coordination with outside contractors
• Maintain and upgrade data systems and website

Qualifications

Demonstrated Experience

• Demonstrated experience showing passion for nature, conservation, and community engagement
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in nonprofit leadership or management
• Demonstrated experience in fundraising, grant writing, donor cultivation, or related resource development activities
• Strong writing and public speaking communications skills

Preferred Experience and Knowledge

• Experience in advocacy and collaborative work on successful environmental protection efforts
• Familiarity with San Diego’s environmental community and relevant public agencies
• Experience with habitat restoration, outdoor nature education, or related environmental work
• Proven organizational skills and experience managing multiple responsibilities independently
• Ability to leverage digital tools and applications

Physical Demands / Work Environment

Duties include traveling to and attending public meetings throughout San Diego County and traversing open space, canyons, ungroomed and rough trails, uneven ground, steep slopes, loose gravel, encounters with wildlife, and other outdoor conditions commonly found in San Diego’s open space areas. The position requires the ability to perform these functions, plus additional duties listed above, with or without reasonable accommodation.

The selected candidate must successfully complete a background check and meet organizational eligibility requirements applicable to this position.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Friends of Rose Canyon is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives who share our commitment to conservation, community engagement, and environmental stewardship.