Bay Area Ridge Trail Council Executive Director

The Bay Area Ridge Trail Council seeks an inspiring, strategic, and deeply collaborative Executive Director to lead the organization through its next chapter of growth, trail completion, and popularity and public use. The Executive Director will serve as the primary advocate for the Ridge Trail Council’s regional vision, building partnerships across public agencies, private landowners, elected officials, community organizations, land trusts, and tribes to close critical gaps and sustain the trail for future generations.

The Executive Director must be a skilled relationship builder who can cultivate trust and forge meaningful connections with diverse constituents—from agency partners managing trail segments to landowners holding key parcels, from elected officials who can champion funding to community organizations working to expand access. The Executive Director translates the Ridge Trail’s regional importance into compelling narratives that resonate with local communities and demonstrate how individual trail segments connect to the larger vision of a world‑class regional recreation, economic, and community resource.

The Executive Director will lead with collaborative energy and authentic partnership, recognizing that the Ridge Trail’s success depends on engaging agency partners and connecting organizations and communities. The Executive Director will serve as a convener of regional trail discussions, a catalyst for funding opportunities, a coordinator of technical work, and a promoter for community connections. They will navigate complex partnerships, direct a skilled and motivated staff, enhance Ridge Trail growth and funding, balance natural resource protection with public engagement, and champion the Ridge Trail throughout the communities it serves.

Compensation

This is a full-time, exempt, benefit‑eligible position. The anticipated annual salary range for this position is $160,000–$200,000. The range provided is an estimate and will be evaluated on an individual basis, taking into consideration the candidate’s knowledge, skills, abilities, experience, and education.
The Bay Area Ridge Trail Council offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees
• 401(k) plan with annual contributions when annual organizational finances
• permit
• 12 days of paid time off starting in year one, increasing with tenure
• Rest week time off around the July 4 or end of the year holidays

Location and Requirements

The Bay Area Ridge Trail Council office is located in Berkeley, CA. The Executive Director will be based in the San Francisco Bay Area with a hybrid work arrangement. The position requires regular in‑person presence for meetings with agency partners, elected officials, landowners, donors, and community constituents throughout the nine‑county Bay Area region. The Executive Director will need to travel regularly throughout the Bay Area. The position requires flexibility to attend evening and weekend events and activities as needed. The Bay Area offers an exceptional quality of life with vibrant urban centers, beautiful natural landscapes, world‑class cultural institutions, and strong communities committed to environmental stewardship and outdoor recreation.

To Apply

Please visit potrerogroup.com/ridge and select “Apply Here.” Applications should include a resume and a cover letter describing your qualifications that match the position criteria and what you will bring to the role. Interested and qualified candidates should apply by April 17, 2026, for priority consideration. The position is open until filled.

Start Date Summer 2026

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