We’re Hiring a New Executive Director!
Kentucky Heartwood is seeking applicants for a new Director to lead the organization's work in public lands protection and wildlands advocacy in the state. The Director will work in close collaboration with other staff, volunteers, and the Kentucky Heartwood Council (Board of Directors). A background in ecology, natural resources, or public lands work is preferred. Passion for the environment is essential. The Director must be self-motivated and be able to work with a broad range of people from federal and state agencies, non-profits, and other public lands user groups. Self-identifying as an activist is a plus. Critical thinking, good organizational skills, and an ability to meet deadlines are essential.
Job Description:
Formed in 1992, Kentucky Heartwood is 501 c(3) organization whose mission is to protect and restore the integrity, stability, and beauty of Kentucky’s native forests and biotic communities through research, education, advocacy, and community engagement.
The position of Director of Kentucky Heartwood is challenging and multi-faceted, requiring a creative, dedicated individual with a commitment to forest advocacy as well as demonstrated organizational and leadership abilities.
The Director is responsible for managing all aspects of the organization in coordination with the Staff and Council, including:
Public Lands Advocacy: The Director will monitor, review, and engage in public lands management proposals affecting the Daniel Boone National Forest and Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. This includes working with staff to identify issues and concerns and develop strategies for improving management outcomes. The Director will work to educate and inform our members, partners, the general public, media, and decision makers regarding various national forest issues and facilitate public engagement in the public lands management process.
Outreach and Communications: The Director is responsible for managing staff, maintaining and producing content for the Kentucky Heartwood website, email list, printed newsletter, and Facebook, Instagram, and other social media channels. Outreach also includes attending regional and national gatherings, public speaking engagements, and press conferences. The Director will maintain and develop relationships with allied regional and national environmental organizations, outdoor recreation groups, members of the media, and federal and state agencies.
Financial Operations: The Council Treasurer and volunteer Bookkeeper will manage most of the internal financial duties. The Director will work with the Council (Board of Directors) to monitor and grow Kentucky Heartwood’s membership and financial health, including regular fundraising efforts, grant writing and reporting, and maintaining and growing relationships with foundations and major donors.
Desired Skills and Knowledge:
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The Director will ideally be an experienced outdoor lover, highly knowledgeable about Kentucky’s forests, able to identify many tree species, native plants and invasive species. The Director should be competent and comfortable hiking in various conditions and terrains and navigating safely in the woods. The ideal candidate will have some familiarity with federal laws and regulations such as National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act, National Forest Management Act. Competency using Microsoft Word, Google Drive, Excel, PowerPoint and Adobe Acrobat is required. The Director also is the administrator for electronic records, backup and document retention per legal requirements and Council Policy. The ideal candidate will have familiarity with ArcGIS/ESRI software (or similar GIS and mapping systems). The Director should have several years of experience in non-profit staff management or leadership. Grant writing, fundraising and event management experience is a plus.
Executive Director Support:
Kentucky Heartwood staff consists of a part time Forest Ecologist, Communication and Membership Director and Staff Attorney. The Executive Director is responsible for supervising staff and reports to the Council. The Kentucky Heartwood Council is deeply committed to the organization and its mission, and Council members will ensure that the new Director will have the support and training needed to fulfill their duties.
Compensation and Benefits:
The Director position is a full-time position (35 to 40 hours per week, negotiable). Compensation is $45K to $52K based on experience. Work schedule is flexible. Benefits include 20 days paid time off (PTO) annually. Kentucky Heartwood provides stipends for phone and home internet access, healthcare, and travel reimbursement.
Location and Travel:
Kentucky Heartwood maintains an office space in Berea, Kentucky. While the Director does not need to live in Berea, proximity to Berea is preferred. The Director may work from home but must be available to travel to the Berea office for regular staff meetings, Council meetings (usually near Lexington), attend Forest Service and partner meetings around the state, and travel to all parts of the Daniel Boone National Forest on a regular basis. Kentucky Heartwood reimburses staff for mileage at the IRS rate.
How to Apply:
We will begin reviewing applications as they are received and continue to accept applications until the position is filled. Applicants should submit the following to Kentucky Heartwood via email to director@kyheartwood.org with “Application for Director position” in the subject line:
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A detailed resume, including educational and work experience
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A cover letter introducing yourself and describing your interest in public lands and forest protection
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Two references
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1-3 writing examples