The Executive Director serves as chief administrative officer, responsible for managing and directing internal business operations and public Board hearings of the District that are consistent with the strategic plan, goals and objectives, and policies and procedures established by the Board of Directors. The Executive Director is an at-will position that serves as the face of the District in its dealings with agricultural, regulatory and environmental communities, and the public at large. The position requires strong agricultural knowledge, fund development and grant writing skills, self- direction, collaborative leadership, and problem-solving abilities in order to effectively carry out the District’s Mission.

The Executive Director is expected to assume and maintain a leadership role to direct activities related to the planning and implementation of management practices that address working lands and natural resource concerns, conducting all District business on behalf of the Board of Directors, including all required reporting, recordkeeping, preparation for and attendance at Board of Directors meetings, coordination with bookkeeping, accounting, and legal counsel professionals who act as independent contractor consultants to the CRCD, and preparing and managing the annual budget. The position requires the ability to seek, implement, and manage grant opportunities addressing natural resources.  The Executive Director will be responsible for contract administration, selecting and supervising staff and consultants, coordinating with grant funders, and general District business.  The Executive Director is also responsible for securing funding for his/her position.

Key Responsibilities

• Organizational and Strategic Leadership
  • Develop and execute a visionary strategic plan aligned with the organization’s mission
  • Serve as the primary advocate and spokesperson, representing the organization among stakeholders, funders, regulatory agencies, resource partners, board of supervisors, non-governmental organizations, and broader community
  • Keep informed of local, state, and federal laws/regulations, ordinances, general plans and policies that affect conservation work within the District’s service area
• Fiscal and Administrative
  • Identify and pursue funding opportunities to secure financial resources that are consistent with the District’s mission
  • Oversee financial operations to ensure they conform to accounting policies and grantor requirements
  • Build and maintain relationships with funders, ensuring the organizations meets or exceeds revenue goals to support programs and operations
• Operational Management and Compliance
  • Oversee day-to-day operations, including program adherence, staff, budgets, hiring, terminations, disciplinary actions, and training
  • Interpret, make decisions, and ensure compliance the Brown Act, Division 9 of the Public Resources Codes, Conflict of Interest requirements, Form 700s, annual audits, and other laws, regulations, policies, and procedures that pertain to the operations of the District
• Board Engagement
  • Collaborate closely with the Board of Directors on staff needs, policies, and programs, providing updates, reports, and recommendations
  • Assist in board development, recruitment, and governance