Executive Director

The Sawtooth National Recreation Area (SNRA) is one of America's most spectacular landscapes - nearly 800,000 acres of granite peaks, alpine lakes, wild rivers, working ranches, and recreational opportunity in the heart of Central Idaho. For nearly 30 years, the Sawtooth Society has been its dedicated private‑sector champion: partnering with the U.S. Forest Service and other nonprofits with similar missions, mobilizing volunteers, funding stewardship projects, and ensuring this irreplaceable gem is protected for generations. This is a rare chance to lead a well‑established, financially stable conservation nonprofit at a pivotal moment. The Society's mission is to preserve, protect, and enhance the SNRA — through trail stewardship and USFS collaboration, a License Plate Fund Program that has helped direct $1.2 million into 190+ stewardship projects, wild salmon advocacy, and engagement with a growing donor community. The Executive Director is the public face and principal advocate of the organization — equally comfortable testifying on public lands policy, cultivating major donors, leading a volunteer workday on a mountain trail, and managing a small, dedicated staff.

You don't need to have grown up in Idaho — but you need to understand why people who love wild places fight hard to protect them.

What You'll Do

• Build and steward an annual budget and operating plan, including goals and program/project priorities aligned with the Society's mission
• With the Director of Operations, manage day‑to‑day operations within the approved budget to achieve priority goals
• Advance fundraising goals which include building the annual fund, soliciting and cultivating major donors, and managing the annual Sagebrush Soiree event
• Represent the Society with the USFS, state agencies, elected officials, and partner organizations
• Engage media and the public as a credible, passionate voice for the SNRA
• Work closely with a 24‑member Board of Directors and a 7‑member Executive Committee, reporting to the Board Chair
• Oversee 4–6 seasonal trail crew staff and stewardship programming

What We're Looking For

• Demonstrated leadership in conservation, public lands, or environmental fields
• Experience representing an organization with federal/state agencies, elected officials, and partner organizations
• Track record in fundraising, donor development, and event management
• Solid knowledge of budgeting, financial management, and marketing
• Experience navigating public policy and building coalitions across diverse stakeholders
• Extensive experience leading ongoing strategic planning processes
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and media relations
• Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Bachelor's degree or higher

The role requires a physical presence in Stanley or the Wood River Valley.

Why This Role

• Lead a respected organization with a strong financial foundation and an approaching 30‑year track record
• Work in one of the most beautiful places in North America
• Meaningful, lasting impact on a landscape that matters
• Collaborative, mission‑aligned Board and staff
• Competitive compensation for a nonprofit of this scale

To Learn More or Apply

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Priority consideration by April 30, 2026.

The Sawtooth Society is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates of all backgrounds who share a commitment to our mission.

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