Executive Director

Louisiana Outdoor Outreach Program (LOOP NOLA)

New Orleans, Louisiana

Organization Mission 

LOOP NOLA's mission is to provide positive, life-changing outdoor experiences to children and youth in Greater New Orleans. 

Position Summary 

The Executive Director (ED) of LOOP NOLA provides strategic, operational, and financial leadership for the organization. The ED works closely with the Board of Directors and program staff to ensure LOOP’s mission is advanced through high-quality outdoor education programming, strong financial stewardship, and sustainable growth.

The ED serves as LOOP’s primary spokesperson and relationship builder, representing the organization to donors, funders, partners, schools, media, and the broader community. The ideal candidate is a strategic leader with demonstrated experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, and outdoor or youth-serving programs, and brings a strong commitment to equity, safety, and youth development.

The Executive Director reports to the LOOP NOLA Board of Directors.

Employment Details

• Status: Full-time (40+ hours per week)
• Compensation: $70,000–$80,000, commensurate with experience
• Benefits: Health, vision, dental, and life insurance; four weeks (20 days) of paid time off

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Program Oversight

• Provide strategic leadership and vision for LOOP NOLA in partnership with the Board
• Ensure high-quality, mission-aligned outdoor education programs for children and youth
• Monitor program effectiveness, safety, and impact
• Strengthen and maintain relationships with public land partners, including New Orleans City Park and the Louisiana Office of State Parks
• Cultivate partnerships with schools, nonprofits, businesses, and community stakeholders.

Fundraising, Revenue & Development

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy that includes contributed and earned revenue
• Cultivate and steward relationships with individual donors, foundations, corporations, and public funders
• Write and manage grants for general operating and program support
• Oversee fundraising events in collaboration with staff, board members, and volunteers
• Expand earned revenue through school partnerships, program fees, professional development offerings, and special initiatives
• Ensure timely reporting to all funders and partners

Talent Management & Organizational Capacity

• Supervise and support the Program Director
• Recruit, manage, and retain staff in alignment with LOOP’s values and mission
• Assess organizational structure and make recommendations to support program growth and sustainability
• Foster a positive, mission-driven workplace culture that supports professional development and staff retention

Administration, Finance & Operations

• Develop and oversee the annual organizational budget in collaboration with the Board and financial support staff
• Ensure sound financial management, including review of budget-to-actual reports and cash flow
• Oversee HR, purchasing, payroll, and data systems, with support from a part-time business manager and external accounting professionals
• Strengthen internal systems, policies, and procedures to support organizational effectiveness

External Relations & Communications

• Serve as LOOP’s primary spokesperson to external audiences
• Promote LOOP’s mission and programs through media, public relations, and community engagement
• Support consistent communication with board members, partners, and stakeholders

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Proven experience leading a nonprofit organization or team
• Minimum of three (3) years of fundraising experience
• Bachelor’s degree required
• Advanced degree in education, business, nonprofit management, marketing, or a related field preferred

Skills & Competencies

• Strong alignment with LOOP NOLA’s mission and values
• Demonstrated leadership and people-management skills
• Proven grant writing and grant management experience
• Financial literacy, including budgeting and nonprofit financial reporting
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed

Physical & Safety Requirements

• Ability to work outdoors year-round in varying weather conditions
• Ability to hike long distances, paddle a canoe or kayak, and stand for extended periods
• Ability to lift equipment weighing up to 40 pounds
• Ability to assess LOOP activities, facilities, and infrastructure for risk and ensure appropriate safety protocols and mitigation measures are in place
• Ability to observe participant behavior, enforce safety standards, and respond to environmental or program-related hazards
• Reliable transportation within Orleans Parish and within a one-hour drive of New Orleans

How to Apply

Please email a resume and cover letter to board@loopnola.org.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Health, vision, dental, and life insurance; four weeks (20 days) of paid time off