Executive Director Jobs

The Finger Lakes Trail Conference, Inc. (FLTC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission“… to build, protect, enhance, and promote a continuous footpath across New York State for the enjoyment and health of residents and visitors. Forever!” Founded in 1962, The FLTC works in cooperation with its more than 1,400 members and various organizations to develop and maintain a premier hiking trail system in New York.

Position Overview

The FLTC seeks a full-time Executive Director to implement the organization’s strategic and operational plan. This multifaceted role, reporting to the Board of Directors, is the dynamic catalyst that connects and coordinates the organization’s volunteers and volunteer leaders, its paid staff, strategic partners and other key stakeholders who are critical to the long term preservation of the Finger Lakes Trail. The successful candidate will bring a mix of skills and capabilities including but not limited to: (1) senior-level leadership in a not-for-profit organization with a strong preference for environmental, land conservation or recreational missions; (2) strategic programmatic and revenue growth; and (3) proven track record with advancing strategic partnerships, advocacy agendas, fundraising or external relations.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensures the FLTC is in compliance with its own policies, internal controls, and other relevant regulations regarding trails maintenance, fundraising and donor privacy, data management, and financial and governance.
• Ensures, coordinates, and maintains strategic partnership relationships with a wide range of partners including but not limited to: the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, North Country Trail Association, US Forest Service, and US Army Corps of Engineers, regional trail and hiking clubs throughout New York State,, and local governments where appropriate.
• Proposes an annual advocacy plan to the Board and leads its implementation.
• Works with the volunteer operational leadership roles to ensure we are implementing appropriate trail management and maintenance activities; a diverse schedule of trail activities, events and programs; and conducting membership, marketing and outreach campaigns.
• Participates as an ex-officio member of the Board of Directors and several Board-level committees.
• And other duties as assigned by the Board of Directors.
• Cultivating relationships with private landowners, major donors and business members and sponsors.
• Leads the day to day implementation of the FLTC’s strategic and operational plan
• Responsible for applying for grants to fund FLTC programs.
• Creates an annual budget for board approval, and is accountable for managing and monitoring the budget to ensure the financial sustainability of the organization.
• Leads the organizational efforts to increase revenue and fundraising activities.
• Manages all part-time and full-time staff; contractors and consultants; and volunteer operational leadership roles.

Required Qualifications

• Proven track record with advancing strategic partnerships, advocacy agendas, fundraising or external relations
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; a persuasive and passionate communicator with excellent interpersonal and multidisciplinary project skills
• Strong marketing, public relations, and fundraising experience with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders and cultures
• Passion, idealism, integrity, positive attitude, mission-driven, and self-directed
• Action-oriented, entrepreneurial, adaptable, and innovative approach to business planning
• Proven and progressive senior-level leadership in a not-for-profit organization with a strong preference for environmental, land conservation, or recreational missions
• Past success working with a Board of Directors with the ability to cultivate existing board member relationships
• Demonstrated experience with growing an organization’s strategic impact and revenue that contributes to long-term financial sustainability
• Excellence in organizational management with the ability to coach staff, manage, and develop high-performance teams, set and achieve strategic objectives, and manage a budget
• Ability to work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people
• Proven ability to negotiate a wide range of partnerships, sponsorships and land and real estate transactions
• Unwavering enthusiasm and commitment to the mission of the FLTC including growing and diversifying its base of users, members, supporters, advocates, and donors

Job Related Information

This position is a remote, home-based position that works as part of a larger team based across New York State. You must possess both the ability and environment to work virtually: reliable connection to high-speed internet and appropriate environment for leading and participating in virtual meetings with enabled video. You must be able to travel frequently across New York State to conduct operational activities and engage with stakeholders, including but not limited to visiting the FLTC office in Mt. Morris, NY as needed to supervise staff.

The start date for this position is approximately January 1, 2024. The first two years of funding for this position is contingent on being awarded a Parks and Trails NY Grant in November 2023.

Salary Range

This is a full-time salaried position. Compensation will be between $75,000 and $89,000 annually plus the following benefits:

• A $400 per month healthcare allowance
• An annual reimbursable expense account of up to $5000 for mileage, technology, internet access, etc.
• Paid Time Off and paid holidays