Overview
Executive Director Jobs in Colorado Springs, USA at Rocky Mountain Field Institute, Inc.
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 is a hands-on leadership role requiring strong operational oversight, staff performance management, and strategic fundraising leadership. Working in close collaboration with the Board of Directors, the ED ensures that RMFI remains a sustainable, healthy, and innovative nonprofit conservation leader.
Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Mission Advancement
Provide visionary yet execution-focused leadership aligned with RMFI’s mission of public lands stewardship and environmental education.
Translate RMFI’s Strategic Plan into measurable annual operating plans with clear staff accountability.
Ensure high-quality delivery of trail, restoration, education, and research programs.
Operational Leadership & Staff Development
Directly supervise senior staff and establish clear goals, KPIs, and performance expectations.
Strengthen internal systems, workflows, and organizational processes.
Foster a culture of excellence, accountability, inclusion, and professional growth.
Ensure staff workload balance and operational clarity across departments.
Fundraising Strategy & Financial Stewardship
Lead overall fundraising strategy in partnership with the Marketing & Development Director.
Personally cultivate and steward major donors, sponsors, foundations, and government partners.
Work with the Finance & Operations Director and Board Finance Committee to oversee budgeting, financial controls, and reporting to ensure fiscal responsibility and transparency. Establish clear metrics for success and monitor organizational performance.
Program Oversight
Support the Program Director and Marketing & Development Director to:
Ensure high-quality delivery of trail and restoration projects, environmental education programs, and research initiatives.
Champion 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.
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…
Title: Executive Director
Company: Rocky Mountain Field Institute, Inc.
Location: Colorado Springs, USA
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