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Executive Director

Four Corners Office for Resource Efficiency (4CORE), Durango, CO, United States


Four Corners Office for Resource Efficiency (4CORE)

Location: Durango, Colorado (Hybrid; typically 3 days in-office with flexibility for partial remote work)

Compensation: $78,000 - $104,000

Reports to: Board of Directors

About 4CORE The Four Corners Office for Resource Efficiency (4CORE) is a regional nonprofit organization advancing energy efficiency, renewable energy, and climate resilience across Southwest Colorado.

For more than 15 years, 4CORE has bridged the gap between high‑level climate policy and local “boots‑on‑the‑ground” implementation. Our work strengthens the local economy while supporting a healthy and sustainable environment in rural mountain communities.

4CORE’s mission is to promote resource conservation, energy efficiency, and renewable energy through education and programs that support both environmental stewardship and economic resilience.

Key Initiatives

Energy Smart Colorado: residential and commercial energy efficiency assessments

Regional Energy Coach: personalized support for electrification and weatherization

Regional Clean Transportation Coach: EV infrastructure and adoption programs

Project SunShare: expanding access to affordable rooftop solar

Organizational Values

Collaboration: We work closely with local governments, utilities, nonprofits, and community partners to advance shared climate and energy goals.

Practical Solutions: We focus on real‑world implementation that helps households, businesses, and communities reduce energy costs and emissions.

Regional Impact: We are deeply rooted in Southwest Colorado and committed to strengthening the economic and environmental resilience of rural communities.

Transparency & Accountability: We value clear communication, responsible stewardship of public and philanthropic resources, and measurable program outcomes.

Leadership Approach The ideal candidate will be a collaborative leader who values partnership, transparency, and shared accountability. This role requires both strategic thinking and operational discipline within a small, mission‑driven organization.

Leadership Structure 4CORE operates under a leadership structure consisting of an Executive Director and Deputy Director. The Executive Director is responsible for organizational operations, financial stewardship, governance, and fundraising leadership. The Deputy Director leads program implementation, regional partnerships, and collaborates with 4CORE’s program staff to ensure successful program delivery.

The Executive Director maintains responsibility for personnel management, including hiring decisions, compensation, performance evaluations, and human resources policies.

Position Overview The Executive Director serves as the organization’s primary operational and financial leader, responsible for strengthening 4CORE’s administrative systems, financial management, and governance practices. Working in coordination with the Deputy Director, the Executive Director ensures that organizational infrastructure supports effective program delivery, regional partnerships, and long‑term financial sustainability.

This position requires a minimum of 30 hours per week, with flexibility up to 40 hours based on organizational needs, sustainable leadership practices, and mutual agreement.

Why This Role Is Unique 4CORE’s leadership model intentionally distributes executive responsibilities across a leadership team rather than concentrating them within a single role. By pairing operational and financial leadership with dedicated program leadership, the organization is able to maintain strong regional programs while building the systems and financial sustainability needed for long‑term impact.

This model reflects 4CORE’s commitment to clear leadership roles, shared accountability, and sustainable organizational growth.

Organizational Leadership Objectives

Strengthen 4CORE’s operational and financial infrastructure

Expand and diversify the organization’s funding base

Support continued growth of regional energy programs

Strengthen collaboration between the Board, staff, and regional partners

Ensure long‑term financial sustainability for the organization

Key Responsibilities

Lead development and management of the annual operating budget

Maintain budget‑to‑actual oversight and financial forecasting

Work in partnership with the Board Treasurer and Finance Committee to ensure sound financial management, reporting, and oversight

Coordinate with the organization’s part‑time bookkeeping support to maintain accurate financial records and reporting

Ensure compliance with nonprofit financial and regulatory requirements

Lead development and execution of a diversified revenue strategy

Cultivate relationships with foundation funders and major donors

Meet annual budget goals through successful grant development and funding partnerships

Engage the Board Fundraising Committee to strengthen fundraising engagement

Strengthen grassroots individual donor cultivation and stewardship by tracking engagement, managing donor relationships, and utilizing data‑driven fundraising strategies

Organizational Operations

Maintain core administrative systems and operational practices appropriate for a small nonprofit organization, evaluation structures, and HR compliance

Support development of operational systems that strengthen long‑term organizational sustainability and enable effective program delivery

Work in close partnership with the Deputy Director and ensure alignment between organizational leadership, staff management practices, and program delivery priorities

Board Governance

Serve as primary staff liaison to the Board of Directors

Support Board meetings, committees, and governance practices

Collaborate with Board leadership on strategic planning and organizational priorities

Work in partnership with an engaged Board committed to supporting clear governance practices and long‑term organizational sustainability

External Leadership & Communications

Represent 4CORE in public forums, community meetings, and regional partnerships

Strengthen relationships with local governments, utilities, and community partners

Support communications and storytelling that highlight program impact

Desired Qualifications

Nonprofit leadership or senior management experience

Bachelor’s degree in a related field (equivalent professional experience will be considered in lieu of formal education requirements)

Demonstrated success in nonprofit financial management and budgeting

Proven fundraising and grant development experience

Experience working with nonprofit boards and governance structures

Strong communication and relationship‑building skills and a commitment to a collaborative leadership process

Experience with energy, climate, or sustainability programs

Candidates with strong nonprofit fundraising and operational leadership experience are encouraged to apply, even if their background is not specifically in the energy sector

How to Apply Please submit:

Cover letter describing your leadership approach and interest in the role

Names and contact information of three professional references (these will not be contacted without applicant approval during the hiring process)

Applications should be sent to: apply@fourcore.org

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position closes on April 22, 2026.

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