Job Description

National Parks Conservation Association (NPC A) is being assisted in this important recruitment by Spencer Stuart. If you wish to confidentially submit application materials or nominate someone for this role, please email NPCACEO@SpencerStuart.com

POSITION SUMMARY

The President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NPCA is responsible for leading Americas foremost voice for national parks and championing their protection, enhancement, and relevance for present and future generations. This leader will set and execute a bold vision that centers NPCAs mission, values, and strategic priorities, ensuring parks thrive.

The President & CEO will galvanize staff, board, and volunteers around a focused set of priorities, fostering a culture in line with NPCAs values of commitment, inclusion, integrity, and respect. They will cultivate authentic partnerships with diverse communities, Tribal Nations, government agencies, donors, and grassroots advocates, expanding NPCAs reach and impact. Upon the culmination of NPCAs strategic plan in 2026, the President & CEO will develop and implement the next strategic plan, which will build on NPCAs legacy and respond to emerging challenges with nonpartisan, advocacy driven solutions.

The President & CEO will operate out of NPCAs Washington D.C. headquarters.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to: Board of Trustees

Direct Reports:

• Chief Operating Officer
• Senior Vice President of Communications
• Vice President of Development
• Vice President of Human Resources
• Senior Director of Board Relations
• Senior Director to the President and CEO

These senior leadership positions currently report to the Chief Operating Officer:

• General Counsel
• Senior Vice President of Governmental Affairs
• Senior Vice President of Membership
• Vice President of Conservation Programs
• Vice President of Regional Programs

Other key relationships

• 11 Regional Directors
• All staff of the NPCA, including field staff
• Program and policy experts
• Past members of the Board of Trustees
• Current and potential donors
• Advocates, organizations, and governments

DESIRED OUTCOMES

• Achieve measurable progress in protecting and enhancing national park ecosystems, including successful advocacy for stronger laws, protection and restoration projects, strengthened park management, and climate resilience initiatives.
• Elevate NPCAs visibility and influence as the leading voice for national parks, strengthening its nonpartisan reputation among policymakers, partners, and the public. Position NPCA as a collaborative leader in the conservation movement.
• Champion inclusive storytelling, education, and advocacy, ensuring parks reflect and welcome all Americans, in alignment with NPCAs core values.
• Secure sustainable and diversified funding streams, including increased philanthropic support, foundation grants, and innovative partnerships, to ensure NPCAs long-term financial health and capacity for impact.
• Foster a thriving, diverse, and inclusive people-centered workplace, marked by high retention, professional growth, and a deep sense of belonging and purpose.
• Strengthen NPCAs internal accountability and transparency, with clear communication of priorities, progress, and decision-making across all levels of the organization.

IDEAL EXPERIENCE

Mission Alignment

An authentic and deep love of our national parks and personal commitment to the mission of conservation and restoration. Able to advocate effectively at the personal and legislative level on behalf of the NPCA, across partisan lines, in the best interest of protecting and enhancing Americas National Park System.

Significant Leadership Experience

Executive-level experience with a demonstrated ability to communicate transparently, collaborate, and ultimately make decisions and move an organization forward. Tested and superb financial and operational skills, preferably in a setting of comparable complexity and scale.

External Presence and Public Voice

Comfort serving as the external spokesperson, advocate, and ambassador for NPCA, with the ability to communicate inspirationally and effectively across an array of stakeholders: staff, lawmakers, external partners, funders.

Demonstrated Commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Champions and proactively advances NPCAs core values while engaging in a manner respectful of all people. Recognizes that different parks and regions have different conservational needs, but all deserve preservation and protection.

Proven Fundraising Experience

A strategic thinker and relationship-builder with demonstrated experience raising money from individuals, foundations, corporations, and government.

CRITICAL LEADERSHIP CAPABILITIES

Strategic Leadership

• Focus on long-term vision and mission-driven priorities, ensuring NPCA remains a trusted, nonpartisan voice for parks and communities.
• Anticipate and respond to complex challenges, developing forward-thinking plans that address evolving threats to parks, funding, and staff.
• Align organizational resources and staff around a clearly defined set of core priorities to maximize impact.
• Integrate data, science, and stakeholder input into decision-making, keeping NPCA at the forefront of conservation and advocacy.
• Demonstrate authentic, strategic and compassionate leadership in advancing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) across all aspects of NPCA\'s work.

Advocacy, Brand Building, and Resource Development

• Raise NPCAs profile as the leading voice for national parks, attracting supporters while deepening relationships with regional communities and grassroots partners.
• Inspire and steward major advocacy campaigns and initiatives that reinforce NPCAs prominence, drive public engagement, and shape the organizations identity as a trusted, nonpartisan champion for parks.
• Leverage NPCAs reputation to create partnerships with other top conservation, cultural, and community organizations to amplify impact and advance shared goals.
• Represent NPCA to external stakeholders, including government, Tribal Nations, donors, and conservation leaders, and leverage existing and new networks to attract funds, partnerships, and collaborative opportunities.
• Strengthen relationships with key donors and funders; identify new supporters and cultivate relationships to ensure NPCAs financial sustainability and growth.

Leading People

• Build trust and unity across NPCAs national and regional staff, continuing a culture where individuals feel valued, supported, and accountable to shared goals.
• Lead with transparency and inclusivity, regularly communicating decisions and inviting input from staff, board, and partners.
• Invest in professional growth, mentorship, and clear pathways for advancement, ensuring NPCA retains and nurtures top talent from all backgrounds.
• Set clear expectations, provides constructive feedback, and reinforces NPCAs core values and JEDI commitments in all aspects of leadership.
• Delegate effectively and manage performance with accountability; be widely viewed as an accessible leader who develops others and trusts and leverages the expertise of national and regional staff.

OTHER PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Diplomatic
• Collaborative yet decisive
• Emotionally intelligent
• Passionate

TARGET COMPENSATION

The base salary for this position is anticipated to be in the range of $400,000 to $500,000. The selected candidates salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget, internal equity, and the final candidates qualifications, experience, education, and other job-related credentials. NPCA also offers a generous benefits package to all employees.

APPLICATIONS AND NOMINATIONS

The National Parks Conservation Association is being assisted in this important recruitment by Spencer Stuart. If you wish to confidentially submit application materials or nominate someone for this role, please email NPCACEO@SpencerStuart.com

National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) is an equal opportunity employer. NPCA does not discriminate in its hiring practices, promotion practices, separation or any other employment action or term or condition of employment on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, ancestry, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital or civil union status, political affiliation, veteran status or any other legally protected characteristics under applicable federal, state, or local law.

In carrying out its commitment to equal employment opportunity, NPCA will make reasonable accommodations for candidates and employees with disabilities who can perform the essential functions of the job. Candidates and employees requiring reasonable accommodations are to consult with HR.

Job Tags

Similar Jobs