Chief Executive Officer, Ijams Nature Center

Ijams Nature Center seeks an accomplished, mission-driven executive to serve as its next Chief Executive Officer. This is a rare opportunity to lead a beloved, thriving, highly visible, community-anchored institution. The CEO reports to the Board of Directors and holds overall responsibility for the strategy, operations, and external leadership of the organization.

The incoming leader will inherit an organization that is stable, respected, and ambitious, actively shaping the future of urban conservation and environmental education in the region. The CEO will be charged with sustaining organizational excellence, stewarding key relationships, and guiding Ijams on its path of strategic growth while honoring its culture, values, and public trust. The role will appeal to a leader who thrives in complex environments, values collaboration, and is energized by the opportunity to balance continuity with thoughtful evolution.

KEY STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

Execute and Evolve Organizational Strategy

• Execute Ijams’ Master Plan, advancing long-term strategic priorities, stewarding organizational direction, and ensuring continued alignment between mission, strategy, and outcomes.

• Guide the organization through leadership transition while sustaining operational stability, staff morale, and donor confidence.

• Ensure that systems, documentation, and leadership practices support continuity and long-term sustainability.

Ensure Sustained Financial Health and Growth 

• Steward Ijams’ forthcoming $32M capital campaign and guide long-term planning to ensure future resource needs are identified and met.

• Champion a comprehensive, diversified fundraising and revenue strategy, including membership growth, that reflects Ijams' current strength and supports its future growth, in alignment with its mission and priorities. 

• Build genuine, lasting donor relationships marked by warmth, energy, and authenticity, across the political and demographic spectrum.

• Collaborate with the Board of Directors and development staff to advance major gifts, campaign giving, planned giving, and grants.

• Sustain financial health through disciplined financial management, budgeting, and strong fiscal oversight.

Sustain Organizational Momentum 

• Oversee operational excellence and risk mitigation across the organization.

• Guide facilities improvements and capital expenditures to accommodate increased visitation, expanded programming, and long-term site needs.

• Champion land stewardship goals that reflect Ijams' conservation values and long-term ecological commitments. 

Cultivate a High-Functioning Board 

• Partner with the Board of Directors on governance, strategy, fiscal oversight, and organizational succession planning.

• Nurture a strong board-CEO partnership grounded in transparency, trust, and shared accountability.

• Keep the board transparently and proactively informed, engaged, and supported, enabling effective, well-aligned decision-making.

Support a Healthy, Inclusive Workplace 

• Lead and support a strong executive and management team.

• Foster a workplace that attracts, develops, and retains talented, mission-aligned staff.

• Champion an inclusive culture of collaboration, professional growth, and shared accountability.

Build Community Connections 

• Strengthen Ijams' role as a civic asset, regional leader, and role model in conservation, education, recreation, and public access to nature.

• Serve as a visible, trusted ambassador to donors, partners, and the broader community.

• Sustain and deepen relationships with the City of Knoxville, Knox County, and regional and national conservation networks.

• Represent Ijams publicly through media appearances, conferences, and speaking engagements.

---

Expirationdate

2026-11-25 00:00:00

Url

https://impactopportunity.org/job/9298/chief-executive-officer-ijams-nature-center/

Salaryfrom

120000

Salaryto

150000

Companydescription

Potrero Group supports innovative leaders and organizations making a difference in the world with strategic planning, facilitation, organizational development, and board and executive search services. We are committed to equitable and inclusive practices in all of our work.

Companywebsite

https://potrerogroup.com

Companylocation

Santa Rosa, CA, USA