Southern California Director

NatureBridge seeks a Director to join NatureBridge in Southern California. This is a full-time position based in the Los Angeles metropolitan area.  

NatureBridge is committed to educating the next generation of leaders to respect the natural world, understand the scientific principles that govern it, and preserve it for future generations. NatureBridge is the largest residential educational partner of the National Park Service, currently operating four environmental education campuses at the following locations: Olympic National Park in Washington state, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Yosemite National Park, and in Southern California in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and Channel Islands National Park.  Each year, NatureBridge helps more than 40,000 people from ethnically and economically diverse backgrounds find a personal connection to nature through field science, youth leadership, and teacher training programs. We have led the way in residential field science and environmental education for nearly 40 years. During that time we have introduced almost one million students to the wonders of our national parks and inspired them to engage in conservation and service.

See www.naturebridge.org for more information.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

The Director is responsible for the overall leadership and management of NatureBridge’s Southern California initiatives. S/he will work in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, overseeing education programs in the breathtaking Santa Monica Mountains and Channel Islands. NatureBridge has the potential to serve over 10,000 students per year in Southern California.  The Director’s primary responsibilities will include strategic planning, partnership and constituent development, fundraising, and serving as the public face of NatureBridge in Southern California as we build a committed community of partners, local Advisory Board members, funders, and program participants. The Director is responsible for ensuring all aspects of the operation run smoothly and efficiently.  The Director supervises a management team of Sales and Marketing, Education, and Operations.  Fundraising and building of the Southern California Advisory Board are key responsibilities for this Director. As such, the Director must have in- depth experience in fundraising, budgeting, and financial administration.  NatureBridge opened its Southern California location in 2009 and is still in the early stages of its development.  The position requires the Director grow all aspects of the program, staff, and financial resources.

This is a full-time exempt position reporting to NatureBridge’s Vice President of Operations.  The Director will serve as a member of NatureBridge’s senior leadership team, and will be the external representative for NatureBridge in Southern California.

Strategy Formulation and Development

The Director will serve as the key player in Southern California.  Specific responsibilities include:

• Provide strong, creative, diplomatic, and energetic leadership for programs as we continue to build toward our potential. 
• Work with public and private sector partner organizations to establish and build strong working relationships with our primary partner, the National Park Service, as well as customers, potential supporters, and donors in Southern California.
• Engage and support the local Advisory Board chair and Advisory Board members to ensure their active participation in NatureBridge.
• Lead development of annual budget and operating plan with assistance from national office staff.
• Coordinate ramp-up and logistics of programs in Southern California by building on our existing relationships in the Southern California region.
• Ensure the Southern California region meets the commitments of the plan and budget.
• Support diversity in the work place, client base, and local Advisory Board.
• Provide leadership for the Southern California Advisory Board and staff for the planning, development, and operation of potential new program sites.
• Work closely with all current and potential partners in Southern California to complete and implement planning and compliance processes for the development of education programs.
• Explore options, formulate plans, and implement weekend and summer programming.
• Lead initiatives with the National Park Service (NPS) and the Southern California and NatureBridge fundraising teams to raise necessary funds to complete the transition from start-up phase to fully-funded operations.

Fundraising, Marketing, and Public Relations

Fundraising, marketing, and public relations will be critical to the success of this position.  Key components will be: 

• Develop and implement a sales and marketing plan for the education programs consistent with overall NatureBridge plans.
• Manage the sales and marketing staff and ensure annual goals are met/exceeded for marketing programs to teachers, schools, and school districts.
• Develop and build ongoing relationships with potential donors, foundations, NPS, and government agencies.
• Work in partnership with the NatureBridge national office development staff and lead the Southern California staff and Advisory Board in conducting ongoing fundraising activities to ensure annual operating needs are met.
• Conduct specific fundraising activities in concert with the national office.
• Provide leadership for public relations activities, including media outreach and participation in public events, in concert with the NatureBridge Communications Director.

General Administration

The Director is fully responsible for the management and administration of Southern California operations.  The Director will be expected to:

• Partner with NatureBridge senior staff, as well as the local staff and Advisory Board, to engage in business planning to ensure efficient operations and successful outcomes for the future.
• Provide leadership in sound finance administration, including development and implementation of program policies and procedures, sound budgeting and forecasting, and ensure strong communication with other program Directors and National Finance staff.
• Provide leadership on information technology to ensure  regional implementation of and participation in the NatureBridge-wide IT road map.
• Participate in developing organization-wide policy as part of the Senior Leadership Team and support NatureBridge-wide initiatives.
• Participate in developing organization-wide operational efficiencies and effectiveness as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.
• Execute and implement policies developed by the NatureBridge senior staff and NatureBridge Board.
• Hire, support, and develop the core competencies of southern California personnel and implement strategies and systems that ensure operations (educational programs, customer service, facilities, and food service) meet the highest standards of quality and safety.
• Lead development of annual operating plans with assistance from the local Advisory Board and national office staff.
• Any other duties as assigned.

Experiences and Qualities We Seek

The ideal candidate will be a strong leader and builder of partnerships, with at least eight to ten years of related experience.  S/he should also have the following qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required, master’s degree preferred, in a related field such as education, business, or public administration 
• Expertise in building coalitions across multiple and diverse constituencies
• Proven leadership ability
• A passion for teaching children and adults about the natural environment
• Demonstrated ability to market and close sales
• Demonstrated ability to fundraise
• Be an independent, self-directed individual with a can-do attitude; experience with successful start-up programs a plus
• Ability to focus on the needs of all constituencies to create especially strong partnerships
• Ability to engage an external audience to promote the role of NatureBridge
• Bi-lingual capability a plus
• Demonstrated expertise in managing people, budgets, and operations
• Working knowledge of educational institutions, including K-12 schools and environmental or outdoor education
• Connections to Southern California constituents desired
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Experience with board recruitment, board building, and development
• A strong commitment to the mission of NatureBridge 

Compensation

Commensurate with experience.  NatureBridge provides a comprehensive compensation package, including competitive salary, medical and dental benefits, generous vacation, and the opportunity to work in a National Park with its spectacular location.

Recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce is a high priority at NatureBridge

NatureBridge values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We strive to diversify our workforce and seek applications by individuals from all backgrounds. 

Application Process

Tell us why you are interested in the Southern California Director position along with your salary requirements and a current resume - as Word Documents or PDF attachments only - to: 

socaldirector@NatureBridge.org  

No calls or faxes please.  No staffing or recruiting agencies please.   Application process open until May 5, 2011.