Title: Executive Director

Hours: Part-time salaried (30 hours per week)

Reports to: Board of Directors

Location: Flexible, Arizona (Headquarters Phoenix, AZ)

Application Deadline: Open until filled 

Founded in 2015, Friends of the Tonto National Forest (FOTNF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization made up of dedicated volunteers who assist the Tonto National Forest in its critical mission of natural and cultural resource management. FOTNF promotes resource activities related to Forest management, including invasive species management, saguaro monitoring, trail maintenance, riparian photo documentation of resource conditions, creating and maintaining monarch habitat, maintaining and protecting archaeological sites, and water source inventory.

This is an exciting time for FOTNF. We are a small, growing nonprofit, and we are seeking an individual who demonstrates an understanding of and passion for the organization’s mission of natural and cultural resource management.

Role Summary

The Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief executive officer of FOTNF. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, you will provide strategic leadership, operational oversight, and community engagement to ensure the sustainability and impact of our programs. You will be the primary public face of the nonprofit, responsible for advancing our mission, strengthening organizational capacity, and serving as a key liaison with Tonto National Forest specialists.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Board Governance

•          Develop and execute long-range strategies to achieve the organization's mission.
•          Provide continuous guidance, advice, and continuity for FOTNF operation
•          Meet with the Board, prepare, and present a comprehensive Executive Director Report for all Board meetings.
•          Coordinate project planning, organizational goals, and financial plans alongside the Board.

Operations & Financial Management

•          Maintain official records, documents, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
•          Oversee sound financial practices, work with the Finance Committee to prepare budgets, and ensure operations remain within guidelines.
•          Ensure timely submission of legally required paperwork (e.g., IRS reporting, System for Award Management, ACC annual reports, Conflict of Inter forms).
•          Review invoices, handle official correspondence, and manage the organization's physical and electronic info@ inbox.
•          Oversee FOTNF filing and CRM software systems.
•          Assist the Membership Committee with meeting logistics (venues, food, awards) and coordinate logistics for Board elections.

Fundraising & Program Oversight

•          Establish and cultivate meaningful, long-term relationships with individual, corporate, and foundation donors.
•          Collaborate with the Fundraising Committee to identify grant opportunities and assist in grant writing.
•          Help coordinate FOTNF volunteer projects.
•          Monitor volunteer signups, enforce required safety and liability protocols, and ensure volunteer hours are accurately tracked.

Community Engagement & Advocacy 

• Serve as an authorized spokesperson to the media, outside community groups, and Tonto National Forest Supervisor and Points of Contact, as directed by the Board
• Establish cooperative arrangements with community organizations.
• Partner with the Communications Committee to publicize organization events, programs, and conservation goals.

Requirements

•          Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
•          Leadership: Proven leadership experience in nonprofit, conservation, or community-based organizations.
•          Fundraising: Strong fundraising capabilities and demonstrated donor relations skills.
•          Financial Acumen: Hands-on financial experience, including an understanding of budgeting and financial oversight.
•          Communication: Excellent verbal, written, and relationship-building abilities.

Preferred

•          Knowledge of ecological restoration, public lands management, or environmental education.
•          Previous grant writing experience.

Compensation and Review

•          Salary: $45,000 - $55,000 annually, depending on experience
•          Classification: Part-Time Salaried (30 hours/week). Potential to transition to Full-Time.
•          Employment Status: At-will employment.
•          Performance Review: Subject to an initial three month performance review, and annual performance reviews thereafter by the Board of Directors.

How to Apply

Please visit our website at www.friendsofthetonto.org to learn more about our work. Interested candidates should submit the following materials to the Board of Directors:

1.      Cover Letter: Detailing your relevant leadership experience and interest in our mission on the Tonto National Forest.

2.      Current Resume: Highlighting your nonprofit management, fundraising, and financial experience.

3.      Professional References: Contact information for three professional references.

Please email your application package to the Board at kemosabe@friendsofthetonto.org with the subject line "Executive Director Application – [Your Name]".

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.