The Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Foundation is seeking an Executive Director to join its nonprofit organization that works exclusively alongside, and provides support for, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (“ODWC”). The Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Foundation provides citizens with an outlet to show their passion for the outdoors by investing their time and money in projects that will make a difference for generations to come. Founded in 2018, the vision of the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Foundation is to enable all outdoor enthusiasts to actively enjoy Oklahoma’s wildlife and wild spaces. The Executive Director position is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic nonprofit professional to use their skills to advance community outreach and charitable support of Oklahoma’s vast wildlife.

Job Title: Executive Director

Location: Remote

Classification: Full-Time, Exempt

Reports to: Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Foundation Board of Directors

Annual Salary Range: $60,000 to $75,000 (based on prior professional experience)

Executive Director Job Duties:

The Executive Director will serve as the executive officer of the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Foundation (hereinafter “OWCF”) and lead all organizational activities under the guidance of the Board of Directors (hereinafter “Board”). The Executive Director will be responsible for refining and achieving OWCF’s mission, implementing Board approved policies, and managing the daily operations of OWCF.

Key duties include:

• • Executive Leadership
• • Fundraising
• • External communications & community outreach
• • Overseeing staff/administration

The general responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Board Relations/Governance

• Responsible for leading OWCF in a manner that supports and guides the organization’s mission as defined by the Board.
• Fosters a productive and mutually supportive relationship with the Board, keeping Board members informed of progress while stewarding their support and contributions.
• Supports the Board Governance Committee in identifying, cultivating, and recruiting prospective board members.
• Establishes goals, objectives, and operational plans in collaboration with the Board, staff, and key stakeholders.
• Works in partnership with the Board to develop and promote OWCF’s strategic plan, mission, goals, and objectives.
• Implements Board approved policies and procedures and builds support for Board decisions among staff.
• Attends Board and committee meetings and collaborates with committee chairs to coordinate foundation activities.

2. Development/Fundraising

• Actively leads in the solicitation of major gifts from individuals, businesses, foundations, groups, and others, including, but not limited to, face-to-face solicitation of such potential or active donors.
• Leads development and fundraising efforts in collaboration with the Board.
• Prepares donor, grant, and foundation solicitations to sustain and grow OWCF support.
• Develops a robust solicitation calendar to plan annual development efforts inclusive of special events.
• Initiates, cultivates, and extends relationships with OWCF’s portfolio of individual, foundation, and corporate donors.
• Ensures OWCF’s financial stability and sustainability by maintaining a healthy cash flow and adequate reserves.
• Organizes and executes major fundraising efforts that will increase, strengthen, and diversify OWCF’s funding sources.
• Creates and sustains effective donor communication channels and methods.
• Prepares and manages the expense budgets associated with each event and ensures targeted revenue goals are met through sponsorships, donations, ticket sales, raffles, and other approved revenue-generating activities.
• Organizes planning meetings for staff and committee members involved in events.
• Works with event committees and provides leadership and direction to the event committees on all aspects related to fundraising events.
• Coordinates rentals, decor, entertainment, catering and all other services for events.
• Provides onsite event organization on “day of event” and coordination of staff, committee members, volunteers, and vendors, including set-up and tear-down.
• Works collaboratively with staff on the promotion of fundraising events.
• Maintains event webpages on OWCF’s website.

3. Executive Leadership & Communications

• Provides strategic direction and visionary leadership to OWCF.
• Oversees the day-to-day operations of OWCF to ensure its long-term success in meeting strategic goals.
• Organizes, motivates, and mentors staff to strategically grow OWCF’s impact, programs, fundraising, and mission fulfillment.
• Applies innovative thinking and performance measurement to analyze and support strategic decision-making.
• Continually fosters a culture that encourages collaboration between OWCF and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and recognizes positive contributions.
• Contributes to the strategic plan and drives its implementation.
• Inspires a business-oriented, professional, results-driven environment across OWCF.
• Develops a plan for ongoing team feedback, communication about needs, and opportunities for professional development with staff.
• Develops strategies and tactics for achieving OWCF’s short-term and long-term strategic fundraising and business goals.
• Seizes strategic opportunities and establishes partnerships to increase the impact and reach of OWCF while maintaining the identity and brand of OWCF.
• Represents OWCF and serves as chief spokesperson publicly at events, conferences, and with all media sources.
• Presents and promotes OWCF and its mission, programs, and partners in a consistently positive manner.
• Ensures high visibility to prospects and the public and builds community engagement in OWCF.
• Manages all aspects of OWCF’s marketing and public relations.
• Demonstrates initiative by problem solving and finding solutions for OWCF stakeholders, volunteers, and partners.
• Represents OWCF as a leader in the wildlife conservation philanthropic community.
• Represents OWCF externally in the community to raise awareness about the mission of OWCF and wildlife conservation issues.
• Leads the production of publications, press releases, social media posts, advertisements, e-blasts, newsletters, community engagement, and donor events in compliance with OWCF policies and procedures.

4. Administration/Finance/Human Resources

• Prudently directs the resources of OWCF and manages all financials within budget guidelines and according to current laws and regulations.
• Assumes responsibility for the fiscal integrity of OWCF.
• Monitors the Board-approved budget and manages daily financial operations to ensure maximum utilization of resources and optimum financial positioning of OWCF.
• Prepares and administers the annual budget, with Board approval.
• Reviews and presents all financial reports to the finance committee and Board, at least quarterly.
• Assists in the preparation of the company’s annual tax return.
• Manages and motivates staff, overseeing processes such as hiring, separation, ongoing staff development, performance management, and compensation and benefits.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• • Demonstrated experience in fundraising, grant writing, program development, financial management, and human resources.
  • Must possess a reliable personal vehicle and valid Oklahoma Driver’s License.
  • Must be able to work evenings and weekends, as needed, to complete projects on deadline, attend board and committee meetings, and attend performances and special events.
  • Must be willing to travel and represent OWCF at in state and out-of-state conferences and other professional development opportunities.
  • Bachelor’s or master’s degree required in a relevant field such as Non-Profit Management, Public Administration, or Business Administration.
  • Five to ten years of experience in soliciting and managing grants and contracts, preferred.
  • Familiarity with wildlife issues and conservation in Oklahoma, preferred.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills, including the ability to receive direction from the Board and provide clear direction to staff.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.