Executive Director

Woodlands Conservancy

Greater New Orleans area

Preferred Start Date: January 01, 2026

About Woodlands Conservancy Woodlands Conservancy (WC) is a nonprofit land trust, organized in 2001 to preserve and restore forested wetlands and other ecologically or historically significant lands. Preservation tools include protecting lands of high conservation value through fee title acquisition or the acceptance of a donated conservation servitude. The organization currently owns 840-acres of forested wetlands in the Greater New Orleans area. Woodlands Conservancy involves students and community volunteers in forest restoration and bird banding activities. The 650-acre Woodlands Preserve site provides interpretive nature trails that are free and open to the public and a setting in which community programming can foster an understanding and appreciation for the wildlife and migratory birds that depend on this dwindling habitat. 

Position Overview 
The Executive Director (ED) provides decisive visionary leadership and strategic oversight for Woodlands Conservancy for today’s pressing needs and future greater potential. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the ED is responsible for realizing the mission, vision, and strategy of the conservancy. Day to day responsibilities include overseeing Woodlands Conservancy’s properties, staff management, securing significant capital and operating philanthropic support, and serving as the principal public representative of WC.

The ED will cultivate and steward partnerships with donors, volunteers, corporate sponsors, and community partners while ensuring WC remains a vibrant and sustainable nonprofit organization. This role is ideal for an energetic, strategic, and community-oriented leader with a passion for conservation. 

Key Responsibilities 

·         Provide strategic and operational leadership to ensure organizational success 

·         Manage and support staff, contractors, and volunteers 

·         Partner with the Board to implement the vision and mission of the organization 

·         Lead fundraising efforts including donor outreach, grant writing, and member development 

·         Represent WC with partners, donors, public agencies, and the community 

·         Ensure effective internal and external communication 

·         Oversee the organization’s budget, financial management, and compliance 

·         Cultivate and engage a strong and diverse board to advance fundraising and strategic priorities. 

·         Steward WC development strategy and help drive all aspects of fundraising, including annual campaigns, major gifts, grants, corporate sponsorships, membership, and special events

·         Analyze business and operational models to ensure future revenue stream(s) and organizational longevity

·         Implement awareness campaigns to grow a portfolio of conserved lands

·         Implement best management practices to secure and maintain Land Trust Alliance accreditation

Qualifications

·         Advanced Degree preferred, in programs of study such as nonprofit management or ecological sciences

·         5+ years of experience working in or with nonprofit organizations in executive leadership, operations, partnerships, communications, or development positions

·         Proven experience in nonprofit leadership and people management

·         Demonstrated success in grant management and fundraising 

·         Excellent communication skills—written, verbal, and interpersonal—with a professional and approachable style 

·         Experienced in managing budgets and organizational development 

·         Comfortable using technology and navigating change 

·         Land trust experience is strongly preferred; however, we value adaptable leaders who can learn conservation-specific skills with support from training resources 

·         Lifelong learner with a growth mindset 

Compensation and Benefits 

• Salary $45,000 - $60,000 commensurate with work experience 
• Benefits package includes QSERHA, paid time off, and professional development opportunities. 
• A unique opportunity to grow the impact of an organization in preserving land for future generations via acquisition of fee title land or conservation servitudes.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume with salary history to apply@woodlandsconservancy.org  with the subject line: Executive Director Application – [Your Name]. Applications will be reviewed as received until the position is filled. 

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