Executive Director

This is an opportunity for someone with demonstrated success in non-profit leadership, a passion for forests, a commitment to climate change mitigation and a vision for active community engagement. The Redwood Forest Foundation, Inc. (RFFI) Executive Director is supported by an experienced forestry team, program and development staff, and a board that has demonstrated a long-term commitment to RFFI and the opportunity it represents.

RFFI is not a traditional forest owner and manager. It was conceived by community members in California’s redwood region committed to restoring local control of overcut forests. In 2007, RFFI purchased the Usal Redwood Forest, 50,000 acres of working timberland, and since then has worked to improve long-term forest health, restore aquatic and wildlife habitat, and develop a community governance structure that focuses on long-term benefits to the planet and the people. In 2023, RFFI completed the acquisition of a second holding, Reist Ranch, and sees opportunity to expand the model to other north coast properties in the future.

We are looking for a person with…

• Passion for the idea of working community forests and belief in their capacity to transform communities
• An energetic, entrepreneurial mindset that combines vision and analytical skills
• Clear competency in motivating internal and external stakeholders toward common goals
• An inclusive, transparent, and consensus-building leadership style

Executive Background

• Demonstrated success in planning and executing a fundraising strategy
• Significant leadership experience and achievement in the private, public or non-profit sector
• Demonstrated competency in budget development and management
• A record of accomplishment building partnerships, coalitions, and alliances across sectors, communities, and fields of practice
• A background in forest management is relevant, but not mandatory

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Organizational Leadership

• Lead the development of strong and effective working relationships with the Board of Directors, staff, and the Redwood Forest Council
• Build and manage staff
• Develop and execute strategic plans

External Relations

• Liaise with the Redwood Forest Council, RFFI’s community advisory group
• Facilitate Native American collaboration in RFFI’s forestland management
• Communicate the mission and vision of RFFI effectively to the public

Fundraising

• Increase overall fundraising outcomes by working with staff and Board on planned giving, recruitment of high-net-worth donors, securing government grants and corporate funding
• Engage Board participation in fundraising activities

Finance and Operations

• Oversee the development, management and integration of RFFI and Usal Redwood Forest Company (URFC is a wholly owned subsidiary.) annual budgets
• With RFFI’s carbon consultant, RFFI Board, and staff, coordinate the URFC carbon credit sales program
• Assure compliance with loan covenants and reporting

Program Management

• With RFFI staff, implement programs that strengthen relationships with local and regional communities
• Support and expand partnerships that address regional priorities
• Develop programs related to current and future land acquisitions
• Develop, maintain, and present performance metrics to measure program impact and ensure the confidence of stakeholders

Supervision Received

The Board of Directors provides guidance with direct supervision by the Chairperson of the Board.

Supervision Exercised

URFC Forest Manager, RFFI Business Manager, RFFI Program Director, RFFI Development/Admin. Coordinator, RFFI contract staff (as necessary).