The Opportunity
The Executive Director (ED) is the chief executive of NWALT, reporting to the Board of Directors and serving as the primary steward of the organization’s mission, culture, and resources. The ED leads all aspects of organizational operations — from land conservation strategy and fundraising to staff leadership and community advocacy — and serves as NWALT’s most visible public representative. This is a rare opportunity to lead a respected conservation organization at a pivotal moment in the region’s growth and in the broader national conversation about land protection.
Key Responsibilities
Conservation Leadership
• Lead NWALT’s land protection strategy, including conservation easement programs, land acquisition, and long-term stewardship of protected lands.
• Build and sustain relationships with landowners, government agencies, conservation partners, and community stakeholders.
• Ensure NWALT’s conservation activities meet the standards of the Land Trust Accreditation Commission and align with Land Trust Alliance best practices.
• Identify and pursue new conservation opportunities that advance NWALT’s mission and respond to regional growth pressures.
Strategy & Planning
• In partnership with the Board of Directors, drive the development and execution of NWALT’s strategic plan, setting annual goals and operational priorities.
• Monitor organizational performance against strategic goals and report progress to the Board.
• Identify emerging trends in land conservation, philanthropy, and regional development and adapt organizational strategy accordingly.
Fundraising & Development
• Lead NWALT’s fundraising program, cultivating and stewarding major donors, foundations, and government funders to ensure a sustainable and growing asset base.
• Personally engage in major gift solicitation and donor relationship management alongside development staff.
• Oversee grant acquisition, compliance, and reporting; ensure grant activities align with NWALT’s strategic goals.
• Ensure the ongoing integrity of donor intent and stewardship obligations.
Financial & Administrative Management
• Ensure NWALT has the financial resources and discipline to achieve its mission, overseeing budget preparation, expense management, and income targets.
• Work with the Board Treasurer and Executive Committee to manage and invest NWALT’s assets in accordance with policies and nonprofit regulatory requirements.
• Oversee preparation of financial reports, the annual Form 990, and the annual audit.
• Maintain legal and regulatory compliance across all operations, including contracts, insurance, HR policies, and technology systems.
Staff Leadership
• Recruit, hire, lead, and develop a talented, mission-driven staff team; foster a culture of collaboration, learning, and mutual accountability.
• Provide regular performance feedback and professional development opportunities.
• Ensure employment practices comply with all applicable state and federal laws and NWALT policies.
Board Relations
• Build a strong, collaborative partnership with the Board of Directors; support Board recruitment, onboarding, and development.
• Serve on the Executive Committee and ex officio on all committees; prepare and distribute timely Board and committee materials.
• Keep the Board informed of significant organizational developments, risks, and opportunities.
Community Relations & Advocacy
• Serve as NWALT’s primary public spokesperson, representing the organization to media, community groups, civic organizations, and the general public.
• Advocate to local, state, and federal legislators and decision-makers on issues that align with NWALT’s land protection mission.
• Oversee the development and execution of a strategic marketing and community engagement plan that clearly communicates NWALT’s mission and impact.
Qualifications
Required:
• Minimum of 5 years of senior-level nonprofit management experience with direct budget and P&L responsibility.
• Demonstrated passion for and knowledge of land conservation, conservation easements, or closely related environmental work.
• Proven track record in nonprofit fundraising, including major gift cultivation and donor stewardship.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking and executive presence.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, inspire, and develop staff as a cohesive, high-performing team.
• Visionary and strategic thinking skills with the ability to translate vision into executable plans.
• Experience working effectively with a volunteer Board of Directors.
Preferred:
• Direct experience in land trust operations, including conservation easement management and land acquisition.
• Familiarity with Land Trust Alliance standards and the Land Trust Accreditation Commission process.
• Experience managing a nonprofit with an annual budget of $1M or more.
• Knowledge of the Northwest Arkansas philanthropic and conservation community.
• Advanced degree in conservation, environmental science, nonprofit management, law, or a related field.
Compensation & Location
NWALT offers a competitive compensation package, with a salary range of $90,000–$110,000 per year, commensurate with qualifications and executive experience. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health insurance, generous paid time off (PTO), a cell phone allowance, mileage reimbursement, and support for continuing professional development. This is an in-person role based at our headquarters in beautiful Northwest Arkansas.
Our Commitment to Equity & Inclusion
NWALT is committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable organization. We believe that conservation is strengthened when it reflects and serves all members of our community. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status.
How to Apply
Please submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to Grady Spann, at gspann@nwalandtrust.org, with the subject line “Executive Director Application — [Your Name].” Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis; priority consideration will be given to applications received by June 24th, 2026.
Questions about the position may be directed to Grady Spann, at gspann@nwalandtrust.org.
Northwest Arkansas Land Trust
