Dream Job Alert! Access Fund is Looking for a New Leader

Editor’s note: 

There are an estimated eight million climbers in the United States, but less than one percent of them are actively engaged and contributing to access issues, despite the fact that those issues are real. As Access Fund’s Interim Executive Director Erik Murdock told Climbing last May, “People need to think about how they appreciate climbing, because it’s not necessarily going to be there in 20 years—at least not in the same way you want it to be.”

Not qualified for the job? Donate to Access Fund here—or become a member here.

—the editors

The Executive Director Role

In support of Access Fund’s mission and goals (see below), and in collaboration with an engaged Board of Directors, talented staff, and key partners, the Executive Director serves as a lead spokesperson on behalf of the organization, drives the vision and strategic plan, and provides the day-to-day management of the team and operations.

The Executive Director will be responsible for strategic priorities that include connecting with and activating more climbers nationally around issues of access, conservation, and stewardship; driving growth in membership; and strengthening Access Fund’s operations and administrative functions in support of continued, sustainable organizational growth.

This is an incredible opportunity to assume leadership of an established, growing nonprofit with a national reputation as a leader in conservation and access. The Executive Director will inherit a highly skilled team of staff who describe the workplace culture as supportive, passionate, and fun. Access Fund is committed to incorporating the principles of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) into its work to protect America’s climbing.

Reporting Relationships

The Executive Director reports to the Access Fund Board of Directors and will provide leadership to a nationally distributed team of 15 full-time staff members. The Executive Director has four direct reports, including the VP of People, Finance & Operations, VP of Marketing & Philanthropy, VP of Policy & Government Affairs, and VP of Programs & Acquisitions.

Accountabilities

Strategy & Planning

• Take a leadership role in driving a collaborative process with the Board and staff for ongoing development and execution of strategic and operational plans, to incorporate programs, policy work partnerships, communications, and fundraising.
• Work collaboratively with Board, staff, political leaders, members, and partner organizations to develop long-range strategies that will address and advance the mission.
• Communicate key financial and programmatic performance indicators, serve as the voice of the organization, and provide counsel as needed for important board level decision-making.

Fundraising & Membership

• Review and support long- and short-term development strategies to identify, cultivate, and secure funding sources.
• Generate and execute strategies to increase awareness of Access Fund and their mission in the climbing community and motivate an increasing share of climbers to join and support the organization.
• Provide leadership to the development team and Board to secure financial resources necessary to ensure financial health and achievement of objectives.
• Seek innovative ways to increase fundraising and participate in fundraising activities and events as the face of the organization.
• Personally build loyal relationships with key donor segments based on mission, cultivation and stewardship, program outcomes, and sound financial management.

Communications & Public Relations

• Serve as the organization’s chief communications officer and as the motivating force for staff, Board, partners, media, political leaders, and members.
• Represent the organization and its mission in public speaking opportunities, inspiring potential partners, donors, and members to support the mission.
• Speak for the organization in legislative efforts at the local, state, and federal level.

Board Development & Management

• Work in partnership with the Board Chair and Board of Directors to align the vision, strategy, and programs. Actively engage and enlist board participation and support for key initiatives, including fundraising.
• Work with the Board to effectively expand, diversify, and develop board membership in support of organizational goals.

Team Leadership & Development

• Foster a collaborative, mission-driven environment that engages, challenges, and supports team members in meeting organizational and personal goals.
• Lead staff in developing strategic objectives, implementation plans, and appropriate policies and procedures which align with the organization’s mission and vision.
• Build a dedicated team that is integrated and aligned with Access Fund’s mission and strengthen organizational culture through clarity of roles and responsibilities.
• Direct changes to the organizational structure as needed to address changing environment.

Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

• Provide leadership and vision that advances Access Fund’s commitment to incorporate the principles of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) into its work to protect America’s climbing.
• Embrace and actively advance a vision for the climbing community where everyone feels safe, welcome, and included in the work to protect America’s climbing and in the places they climb.
• Create an internal and external culture that strives to dismantle structures that facilitate systemic racism, sexism, homophobia, and other forms of bigotry and discrimination, and replace them with ones that create healing and justice. 

The Ideal Candidate

With a deep passion for climbing and protecting the environment, the ideal Executive Director candidate brings executive-level leadership experience or relevant transferable skills and aptitude. A bachelor’s degree is required and an advanced degree in business or nonprofit or public administration is a plus.

While no one candidate will possess all of the criteria below, the ideal candidate demonstrates many of the following professional and personal abilities, attributes, and experiences:

Proven experience as:

• A successful leader and manager, preferably with experience directing and collaborating with nationally distributed staff, board, and partners.
• An exceptional public speaker and relationship builder with the ability to effectively communicate complex issues with a wide variety of stakeholders.
• A fundraiser with demonstrated success identifying, securing, and cultivating revenue from an array of sources, including major donors, corporate partners, and foundations; experience with grassroots fundraising and/or fee-for-service programs is a plus.
• A strategic leader with an ability to drive alignment with stakeholders around big picture visions, values, goals, and outcomes.
• An expert in building a brand and engaging with new audiences.
• A financially responsible leader skilled in developing and managing sustainable budgets and business models.

A leader who is:

• A passionate climber with a deep personal connection to outdoor climbing, conservation, and access.
• Committed to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, with an understanding of the important role JEDI plays in protecting climbing areas.
• Collaborative with the ability to bring stakeholders together.
• Action oriented with a track record of success driving sustainable and scalable organizational growth.
• Knowledgeable about land conservation, acquisition, stewardship, and/or policy and advocacy.

Compensation, Location & Travel

The expected salary for this role is in the $150,000 – 180,000 range, dependent on location and commensurate with experience and qualifications. Access Fund offers a robust employee benefits package that includes healthcare, a 403(b) retirement plan with 3% match upon one year of service, generous paid time off, and a paid sabbatical after seven years of employment.

Access Fund is headquartered in the Louisville, CO area with a nationally distributed staff. The Executive Director does not need to reside in the Boulder area but will be expected to frequently spend significant time at headquarters. Anticipated travel time outside of headquarters is estimated at 25%.

To Apply

Access Fund has exclusively retained CohenTaylor Executive Search Services to help conduct this search. For more information, or to submit your resume in application, please email: accessfund@cohentaylor.com. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. All inquiries will remain confidential.

About Access Fund

Access Fund is the national advocacy organization that leads and inspires the climbing community toward sustainable access and conservation of the climbing environment. Access Fund represents more than 8 million climbers nationwide in its work to protect and conserve the land, fight for sustainable access, and build a community of inspired advocates.

Access Fund was founded in 1991 to fight for legal and physical access to climbing. Today, Access Fund also works to tackle the broader challenges facing the sport to protect sustainable access for all. They work to manage climber impacts, instill a conservation ethic within the climbing community, and collaborate with land managers, Tribes, communities, and lawmakers to ensure people are able to enjoy these incredible places for generations to come.

For more information, visit: www.accessfund.org

Mission
To lead and inspire the climbing community toward sustainable access and conservation of the climbing environment.

Vision
For climbers of today and tomorrow to have the opportunity to share in the joys of climbing and get inspired to protect and care for the places we climb.

Access Fund’s Work

Protect and Conserve Land: Job number one is to protect and conserve the amazing lands that give so much to climbers. That means driving legislation and regulations forward, buying threatened climbing areas, and building sustainable trails and climbing areas.

Fight for Sustainable Access: Access to climbing is not a given. It’s thousands of hours collaborating with lawmakers, land owners, and Tribal governments to protect climbing as well as the plants, animals, and traditional values that share these landscapes.

Build a Community of Climbing Advocates: A powerful movement of climbing advocacy is gaining momentum across the nation, and it’s driven by everyday climbers. Access Fund’s job is to make sure they’re the most effective advocates they can be.