TNFW Executive Director

Position Description 

The Nature Foundation at Wintergreen (TNFW) is seeking an Executive Director passionate about environmental stewardship and community engagement to lead the organization. The ideal candidate will have a background in natural history or science and be a skilled administrator and collaborative leader who can foster relationships, communicate effectively, and realize TNFW’s vision to exemplify environmental stewardship.

Founded in 1993, TNFW is a nationally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering an understanding and appreciation of the natural and cultural heritage of Wintergreen, the Central Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and our community through conservation, education, and research. TNFW is located about an hour southwest of Charlottesville, Virginia. 

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will direct the organization's strategic priorities and have overall operational responsibility for TNFW’s staff, programs, growth, and mission execution. 

• Conservation: TNFW conserves 6,000 acres of a natural forested landscape within Wintergreen’s 11,000 acres, encompassing two watersheds and contiguous with the famous Blue Ridge Parkway and Appalachian Trail.  Within this conservation area, TNFW owns 1,422 acres that it holds in a conservation easement, providing perpetual protection of unique habitats and rare species and exceptional opportunities for research.  In addition to diverse plants and animals, TNFW helps protect ancient geologic formations and more than 30 archaeological sites containing thousands of artifacts left by Native Americans.
• Education: TNFW provides life-long learners with a variety of educational opportunities including naturalist-led hikes, environmentally themed lectures, field trips, and workshops that promote enjoyment and understanding of the Blue Ridge’s unique ecosystem. Since 2018, TNFW has provided more than 210 environmentally oriented STEAM-based programs (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) to more than 6,500 central Virginia students, collaborating closely with teachers to enrich students’ classroom experiences.
• Research: TNFW staff members work with scientists from regional, national, and international organizations including Christopher Newport University, The College of William and Mary, James Madison University, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia Tech, and The Smithsonian Institution, to conduct monitoring and research that informs best practices for managing Wintergreen’s ecosystem while contributing to knowledge of climate science, biodiversity, and invasive species management.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership and Community Engagement 
  • Responsible for directing and overseeing all fundraising, programs, staff, community relations, and board relations to successfully operate TNFW and ensure the ongoing success of its mission and vision.
  • Lead the implementation of TNFW’s strategic plan.
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy to enhance TNFW’s affiliation with members, Wintergreen and surrounding communities and their organizations, and that promotes TNFW within Central Virginia and beyond.   
  • Personally serve as a key spokesperson and champion for TNFW; supported by staff as appropriate. 

• Fundraising and Financial Management 
  • Oversee the organization’s financial management in partnership with the Board’s Finance Committee, ensuring fiscal responsibility and financial soundness. 
  • Engage with current members of TNFW to steward and build relationships with them and with potential new members, donors, and partners, ensuring that TNFW has adequate funds available to sustain its operations.  
  • Identify and secure grants and institutional donations to increase revenue and promote long-term sustainability of TNFW.
  • Develop the organization’s annual budget, collaborating with the Finance Committee, staff, and committees, that align it with priorities and program needs.
  • Review expenditures, oversee bookkeeper, and manage financial reporting. 
  • Monitor financial performance, tracking revenue and expenses to ensure that TNFW operates within budget guidelines.

• Organizational Management
  • Collaborate with the Board of Directors to recruit new board members with relevant experience who share the vision and mission of TNFW.
  • Serve as ex-officio member of TNFW Board and its committees.
  • Establish and lead an annual staff performance review process with clear goals, measurable success metrics, and professional development opportunities.
  • Provide leadership that attracts, retains, and motivates a diverse staff through fostering a collaborative and supportive working environment.
  • Continue to build the TNFW volunteer base by recruiting, training, and offering learning opportunities.
  • Ensure the protection of Wintergreen’s natural environment from human and ecological threats by implementing research and monitoring-based conservation initiatives.
  • Oversee the safe and efficient operation and maintenance of TNFW’s Trillium House and the native plant propagation program facilities.

• Program Development 
  • Coordinate with the Board, staff, volunteers, and other stakeholders to develop, implement, and evaluate programs that align with TNFW’s mission and the diverse communities it serves.
  • In collaboration with staff and volunteers, expand environmentally focused education and outreach programs for surrounding county school students and homeschoolers. 
  • Collaborate with universities, colleges, agencies, and organizations to identify and advance TNFW’s relevant education and research activities.

Key Skills, Qualifications, and Experience

• Proven experience in strategic planning, financial management, fundraising, membership growth, community partnerships, environmental conservation, and program development. 
  • Senior management experience in a nonprofit organization or its equivalent.
  • Proven experience and effective communication in the environmental conservation field is highly desirable.
  • Strong financial acumen with ability to oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning for an annual operating budget of comparable size to ensure fiscal responsibility, sustainability, and effectiveness.
  • Exceptional ability that demonstrates creative thinking, adaptability, and a culture of commitment and excellence.
  • Proven ability to communicate in a consistent and meaningful way with stakeholders and diverse constituents through outstanding networking and relationship-building skills, and a genuine passion for fostering partnerships with diverse constituents. 
  • Competency leveraging social media and technology to engage, inform, fundraise, and manage TNFW operations. 

Salary and compensation 

$100,000 – $125,000 starting salary with an opportunity for a bonus based on performance.  

TNFW offers competitive benefits including health insurance, retirement savings, generous holiday and paid time off benefits, and professional development opportunities.

For additional information about TNFW please visit www.tnfw.org

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter outlining your experience and interest in this role to applytoTNFW@protonmail.com  Priority will be given to applications received by September 26, 2025. Following zoom interviews with selected candidates, we expect to conduct in-person interviews over the first two weeks in October.