Executive Director

Executive Director Search: Conservation Northwest

Conservation Northwest seeks an experienced, committed and visionary Executive Director who will build on our organizational success as the conservation leader in the Pacific Northwest.

Since 1989, Conservation Northwest has been a trusted, collaborative voice for conservation. Our mission is to protect, connect and restore wildlands and wildlife from the Washington Coast to the British Columbia Rockies. We’ve successfully protected over 400,000 acres of essential habitat and played a pivotal role in recovering threatened species like wolves, fishers, and lynx.

After more than 30 years under its founding Executive Director, Conservation Northwest is positioned for its next chapter—financially strong, strategically focused, and ready to scale impact. The incoming leader will inherit a thriving organization with a dedicated 30-person team, engaged 15-member Board, $5.1M annual budget, and 4,000 committed supporters.

Position Overview

• Location: Seattle, WA
• Application Deadline: February 4, 2026 (for full consideration)
• Salary Range: $140,000 – $180,000

About Conservation Northwest

Our bold, innovative, and science-driven approach has set new standards for effective, collaborative conservation in the Northwestern U.S. and British Columbia. We’re guided by our values: boldness in tackling complex challenges, pragmatism in finding solutions that work, collaboration across diverse constituencies, and integrity in our science and relationships.

Our Strategic Outlook: Building on our proven approach, the next leader will guide an organization positioned for significant and lasting impact across the Cascadia region, focused on opportunities that:

• Shape the next generation of conservation strategy for the Cascades, the Pacific Northwest, and British Columbia.
• Strengthen collaborative partnerships with tribes, agencies, and other conservation allies.
• Foster organizational impact and staff excellence.

Our Programs

Protecting Core Habitat

• Forest Field Program: Conducts on-the-ground surveys and advocates for science-based restoration in national forests.
• State Forests: Works to secure long-term protections for legacy and older state forests in Washington.
• Wildlife Recreation Coexistence (WREC): Reduces recreation impacts through education and policy advocacy that respects Treaty rights.

Connecting Habitat

• Coordinating for Connectivity: Partners with transportation agencies for wildlife crossings and supports Indigenous stewardship of corridors.
• Central Cascades Watersheds Restoration: Restores floodplains and forest health through youth crews and volunteer work.
• Sagelands Heritage Program: Conserves shrub-steppe habitat through rancher partnerships and renewable energy siting.

Restoring Native Wildlife

• Grizzly Bear Initiative: Supports Indigenous-led efforts to recover grizzly bears in southwest BC.
• Wolf Recovery / Wolf-Cattle Collaborative: Reduces wolf–livestock conflicts to keep both wolves and cattle safe.
• Community Wildlife Monitoring: One of North America’s largest community-science efforts using remote cameras and snow tracking.

Key Responsibilities

The Executive Director serves as the strategic leader of Conservation Northwest, advancing our mission through science-based programs and diverse partnerships. Key duties include:

• Set organizational strategy: Chart bold new directions for conservation impact.
• Cultivate major donors: Secure gifts up to seven-figures and lead fundraising campaigns.
• Advance excellence in governance: Support board recruitment and fiduciary stewardship.
• Ensure financial performance: Oversee budget creation and fiscal transparency.
• Steward internal culture: Model collaboration, growth, and respect for staff autonomy.
• Advance policy influence: Engage elected leaders in Washington and BC.

About You (Ideal Candidate)

• Visionary Leader: Proven senior nonprofit management experience.
• Conservation Fluent: Deep knowledge of ecological principles and land management.
• Regional Expert: Meaningful experience with PNW stakeholder dynamics; committed to residing in Washington State.
• Coalition Builder: Success building partnerships with tribes, agencies, and private landowners.
• Expert Communicator: Ability to articulate complex concepts to diverse audiences.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary: $140,000 to $180,000, depending on background.

Benefits include:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Employer-matched retirement savings plan.
• Generous paid time off and professional development funding.
• Sabbatical leave program eligibility after extended tenure.

How to Apply

Apply online at: [https://cloversearchworks.hire.trakstar.com/jobs/fk0zfg5]

Please upload a cover letter and resume. In your cover letter, describe your interest in the mission and how your experience relates to our vision for the future.

Applications received by February 4, 2026 will be given full consideration. Interviewing is anticipated to begin in late March/early April.

Questions? Contact Sumi Bhat-Kincaid at [email protected].