Executive Director

About RMFI

The Rocky Mountain Field Institute (RMFI), founded in 1982, is a recognized leader in conserving and protecting public lands throughout Southern Colorado and the Pikes Peak Region. Through volunteer-powered trail and restoration projects, environmental education, and restoration research, RMFI connects people to the outdoors, nurtures a culture of stewardship, and safeguards the ecological health of some of Colorado’s most treasured landscapes. We envision a future where vibrant, healthy natural systems are both respected and actively cared for by the public.

The Opportunity

This is an exciting moment for RMFI. Building on over four decades of success, the organization is poised to strengthen its leadership in land stewardship, education, and restoration research. The Executive Director (ED) will work collaboratively with the Board, staff, and partners to advance RMFI’s mission while responding to emerging challenges such as climate change, wildfire recovery, and increasing recreational pressures on public lands. The ED will be the chief ambassador of RMFI, ensuring the organization is visible, trusted, and impactful throughout Southern Colorado and the Pikes Peak region. The Executive Director manages a current budget of approximately $1.8 million and a staff of 33 (8 full-time salaried staff and about 25 seasonal field staff).

Candidate Profile and Responsibilities

The ideal candidate is an inspirational leader with a deep commitment to public lands and volunteerism. This individual will provide vision and operational leadership, foster a collaborative culture, and mobilize diverse stakeholders in support of RMFI’s impact. The Executive Director must be a compelling communicator, strategic thinker, and skilled fundraiser who ensures the sustainability of the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Mission Advancement

• Provide visionary leadership aligned with RMFI’s mission of public lands stewardship and environmental education.
• Implement and adapt RMFI’s Strategic Plan, ensuring progress on all objectives:
  1. Protect and enhance ecological health of land and water resources.
  2. Ensure organizational sustainability (finances, facilities, staff, board).
  3. Build a regional reputation for excellence in trail completion and restoration projects, education, and research.
  4. Expand awareness of and support for RMFI’s mission.
• Uphold and cultivate an organizational commitment to RMFI's core values: stewardship, community, integrity, inclusivity, and excellence.

Fundraising & Financial Management

• Develop and sustain diverse funding sources, including grants, foundations, corporate partnerships, individual donors, and government contracts.
• Build long-term financial stability through endowment growth, general stewardship funds, and new revenue sources.
• Oversee budgeting, financial controls, and reporting to ensure fiscal responsibility and transparency. Establish clear metrics for success and monitor organizational performance.

Program Oversight

• Ensure high-quality delivery of trail and restoration projects, environmental education programs, and research initiatives.
• Support science-based, innovative approaches to land restoration and conservation.
• Expand volunteer, youth, and corporate programs to deepen community engagement and environmental stewardship.

External Relations & Advocacy

• Serve as RMFI’s chief spokesperson and ambassador to the public, funders, land management agencies, and community partners.
• Strengthen RMFI’s visibility through marketing, communications, and partnerships with schools, universities, conservation corps, and peer organizations.
• Advocate for stewardship and sustainable recreation across Southern Colorado.

Board & Staff Leadership

• Partner with the Board of Directors to ensure strong governance, clear policies, and effective organizational oversight.
• Recruit, retain, and mentor a talented and diverse staff; foster professional development, inclusion, work-life balance, and a healthy workplace culture.
• Ensure RMFI remains an employer of choice through competitive compensation and benefits consistent with nonprofit standards.
• Ensure RMFI's staffing, position descriptions, and organizational structure are consistent with current best practices and applicable employment law.

Qualifications

• Proven nonprofit leadership experience, preferably in conservation, environmental education, or related fields.
• Strong background in fundraising, partnership development, and external relations.
• Knowledge of land management, ecological restoration, outdoor recreation, or natural resource management preferred.
• Demonstrated skills in financial oversight, strategic planning, and organizational development.
• Ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders including volunteers, donors, public agencies, universities, and community partners.
• Excellent communication and public speaking skills.
• Commitment to RMFI’s values of volunteerism, inclusivity, science-based solutions, integrity, and stewardship.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary will be commensurate with experience.
• RMFI offers a competitive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plan, paid time off, and opportunities for professional development.
• Target salary range would be $115k-$125k per year.

Application Instructions

• Deadline: October 17th
• What to include: Resume & Cover Letter