Connecticut Forest and Park Association - Executive Director

THE OPPORTUNITY

Connecticut is home to a rich tapestry of diverse and stunning landscapes. From miles of coastline on the Long Island Sound to historic city parks to serene inland hills and valleys, Connecticut is a state rich in natural resources that provide respite to residents and visitors alike.       

Yet there is an increasing number of threats to the future of these treasured lands.

Connecticut is a highly urbanized state with large areas of development and metropolitan sprawl leaving few areas for the conservation of valuable forest and trail resources. The adverse effects of climate change and invasive species exacerbate these already challenging circumstances.

The Connecticut Forest & Park Association (CFPA) has enhanced and protected the state’s forests, parks, trails, and natural resources for over 130 years. CFPA is an authority on forestry and conservation issues and is a trusted thought partner to lawmakers, community partners, and advocates.

Through trail management, education programs, and advocacy, CFPA is building a vibrant and diverse conservation community and ensuring natural resources are protected for future generations.

CFPA seeks a visionary, dynamic, and collaborative Executive Director who will set the course for the organization’s next chapter. This is an incredible opportunity to build on the success of a legacy organization, grapple with today’s conservation and environmental challenges, and provide visionary leadership for the future.


ABOUT THE CONNECTICUT FOREST & PARK ASSOCIATION

Founded in 1895, CFPA is the state’s first nonprofit conservation organization and is credited as an early pioneer of the national land conservation movement. CFPA is recognized nationally and statewide as Connecticut’s leading conservation organization.
CFPA’s mission is to connect people to Connecticut’s forests, parks, and trails and to ensure these special places are protected and well-managed for future generations. CFPA inspires active, lifelong engagement with the state’s abundant and well-managed forests, parks, and trails by building a vibrant and diverse conservation community.

Over the past century, CFPA has been instrumental in the acquisition of more than 100 state parks and forests for public use and enjoyment.

In 1929, CFPA's visionary leaders established the Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail System which is enjoyed by thousands of people each year. Over 825 miles of trails are maintained by hundreds of CFPA volunteers working in cooperation with many public and private landowners.

In 2009, CFPA was integral in helping to establish the nation’s newest National Scenic Trail, The New England Trail.

Today, CFPA advocates for the resources needed to protect and maintain Connecticut’s forests, parks, and trails and provides education programs to teach people how to connect with and care for these natural resources.

You can read more about CFPA’s values, commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI), and strategic three-year plan for 2023-2025 here.


THE ROLE

The Executive Director will continue CFPA’s legacy as a statewide leader in forestry and conservation, inspiring lawmakers, community partners, landowners, funders, and supporters to act.

The Executive Director will be a dynamic leader who brings aspiration and vision to the organization, enhancing CFPA’s visibility and profile, increasing membership and donors, and bringing in the next generation of conservation activists.

Collaborating with an engaged Board of Directors and an outstanding staff, the Executive Director will hold overall responsibility for CFPA’s achievement of its mission, programmatic excellence, and financial stability.

The Executive Director will set the strategic priorities of the organization and oversee the alignment of CFPA’s mission and goals to the three major programmatic areas: trail management, advocacy, and education.

A passionate advocate, the Executive Director will have an unwavering commitment to conservation and will lead CFPA’s public policy efforts, including seizing strategic policy opportunities and championing the annual conservation agenda.

The next leader will be a proven fundraiser who can support a comprehensive development strategy that results in financial sustainability and growth. The Executive Director will bring significant experience in nurturing existing donor relationships, identifying funding opportunities, and cultivating new funding sources.

The Executive Director will have exceptional interpersonal skills and a proven track record of forging authentic relationships with both internal and external stakeholders. This leader is a thought partner and collaborator who accepts feedback and can manage differences of opinion.

The Executive Director will oversee a talented, mission-driven team of nine full-time staff along with seasonal team members and ensure everyone has the support and resources to achieve the organization’s goals.

The Executive Director will ensure CFPA’s commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) is demonstrated in the organization and its work and have an unwavering commitment to protecting Connecticut’s forests, parks, trails, and open spaces for future generations.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on, dynamic leader who is an exceptional relationship builder and collaborator. The Executive Director will bring a command of fundraising and advocacy, have a passion for conservation and environmental issues, and take their work – but not themselves – seriously.


KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership and Strategy

• Provide visionary and aspirational leadership to advance the mission of CFPA
• Build and communicate a compelling vision for the organization and develop strategies to enhance and protect forests, parks, trails, and open spaces in Connecticut
• Leverage knowledge of conservation and environmental issues to drive impactful programs and identify strategic opportunities to advance CFPA’s mission
• Guide the organization with confidence, clarity, and collective decision-making

• Serve as a leading voice on forestry and conservation in Connecticut
• Raise the profile of CFPA and its mission through thought leadership, partnerships, and coalition building
• Develop and sustain long-term relationships with elected officials, policymakers, and cross-sector organizational leaders
• Value and strengthen partnerships between CFPA and public and private landowners who are essential to the organization’s mission and land acquisition
• Develop and lead CFPA’s advocacy and public policy objectives at both the state and federal levels, including championing CFPA’s annual Conservation Agenda
• Manage and collaborate with lobbying consultant to monitor legislative activity and identify key engagement opportunities (e.g., testify at legislative hearings)
• Collaborate with staff and consultants to create and drive effective messaging strategies for media and public engagement

• Support the Development Director in building and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy and identify fundraising priorities and growth opportunities
• Inspire confidence in CFPA’s work to sustain a network of supporters including government entities, philanthropic support, corporate sponsors, and individual donors
• Cultivate relationships with new funding sources; develop and expand relationships with existing donors and identify opportunities for increased giving

• Oversee the financial management of a $2 million organization, ensuring CFPA is financially sound and operating with financial prudence for long-term sustainability
• Lead the development of the annual budget with the Deputy Executive Director to ensure that it aligns with the organization’s goals and priorities
• Monitor financial performance and internal controls on an ongoing basis; provide reports and regular updates to the Board of Directors on the health of the organization
• Oversee the organization’s $6+ million endowment 

• Develop a positive work environment and culture of transparency, trust, inclusivity, and fun
• Empower, support, and inspire a dynamic group of passionate and mission-driven staff
• Promote collaboration amongst all staff and foster open communications
• Collaborate with and support a strong Board of Directors; seek board engagement with strategy, governance, financial oversight, and resource development
• Embody CFPA’s values and commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion

• A passion for CFPA’s mission
• At least 15 years of progressively responsible work experience in environmental or conservation-focused nonprofit organizations, including serving in senior leadership
• A proven track record of successfully leading programs or organizations, including setting, prioritizing, and achieving impactful strategies and goals
• Proven, enthusiastic fundraiser who has developed and led strategy to diversify fundraising while maintaining relationships with current funders and cultivating relationships with new prospective donors
• Demonstrated experience developing and leading advocacy strategies to advance policy goals and promote an organization’s mission at the state and/or federal levels
• Fluency in science-based conservation programs and the ability to collaborate with conservation scientists to manage and protect natural resources
• Outstanding communications skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to inspire and motivate
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with an impressive history of forging authentic relationships with a diverse set of internal and external stakeholders and experience working in coalitions
• Ability to navigate high-level politics and complex relationships with levels of nuance
• Excellent manager who supports and empowers staff, builds trust and transparency within the team, and demonstrates empathy, warmth, and inclusivity
• Financial management experience, including managing multiple funding streams, and a familiarity with fiscal sponsorship of nonprofit organizations and endowment management
• Self-sufficient and resourceful leader who understands the opportunities and challenges of working in a nonprofit
• Ability to work with and support an engaged Board of Directors

• 100%-employer premium paid medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 403(b) Plan including a discretionary 4% employer contribution.
• 12 paid holidays and 2 weeks paid vacation (w/ increase after 4th year of employment).
• Professional development opportunities.
• Flexible savings account (FSA).
• Opportunity to lead a legacy organization with a vital mission and passionate community support.
• Discretionary bonus program.

This full-time position is based in CT, with the expectation the Executive Director will be in the Rockfall, CT office several days a week. The Executive Director should expect to travel throughout the state as necessary.

The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors.


TO APPLY

CFPA is conducting this search in partnership with Grossman Solutions. Please submit a resume and cover letter online at https://grossmansolutions.applytojob.com/apply/.

Only applications submitted through this website will be considered. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

Commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI)
CFPA does not discriminate in any employment practice, education program, or educational activity on the basis of race, color, religious creed, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability (including, but not limited to, intellectual disability, past or present history of mental disorder, physical disability, or learning disability), genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by Connecticut state and/or federal nondiscrimination laws.

We have a responsibility to take actions to break down barriers that historically have excluded and impacted populations because of their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, language, religion, disability, socio-economic backgrounds, or other reasons. Visit CFPA’s Commitment to JEDI webpage for additional information.