Executive Director – Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center (Goshen College)

Goshen College seeks an Executive Director to lead the vision, operations, and growth of Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center in alignment with the college’s Christian, Anabaptist-Mennonite values and commitment to justice, peace, sustainability, and inclusion.

The Executive Director provides overall leadership for educational programming, strategic planning, budgeting, staffing, and long-term financial sustainability. This role oversees all personnel, manages the annual budget, works closely with the Merry Lea Board of Trustees, and represents Merry Lea to the campus, community, faith-based, and national audiences.

Key responsibilities include advancing fundraising and grant efforts in coordination with Goshen College, cultivating donor relationships, leading capital campaigns, and promoting Merry Lea through communications and public engagement. The Executive Director also collaborates with academic departments—especially Biology—to support teaching, research, enrollment goals, and partnerships with other institutions. Depending on qualifications, the role may include a faculty appointment.

Qualifications: A master’s degree in a related environmental field and at least five years of nonprofit executive leadership are required; a doctoral degree, teaching experience, and a strong fundraising record are preferred. The position requires strong communication, financial, and leadership skills, regular on-site presence, some evening/weekend work, and the ability to work both indoors and outdoors in a natural setting.

Link to full job posting