Careers

About the National Forest Foundation

The National Forest Foundation (NFF) is the only 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization chartered by Congress dedicated to the restoration and enhancement of our 193 million acres of national forests and grasslands, the centerpiece of America’s public lands.

US National Forests host 170 million visits every year with visitor spending pumping $13.5 billion into our economy annually, sustaining nearly 223,000 jobs in gateway communities.

The NFF has an on-the-ground presence across all nine US Forest Service regions and leads many community funds, projects, and initiatives at the state and local levels. As the largest partner of the US Forest Service, we believe these lands, and all they provide, are an American Treasure vital to the health of our communities.

• More than 9,000 miles of scenic byways to drive
• Almost 150,000 miles of trails to hike
• More than 4,400 miles of wild and scenic rivers to float
• At least 5,100 campgrounds in which to pitch our tents
• And 328 natural pools to swim in

Location

Flexible through the US, with frequent travel to project areas and Washington, DC.

Reports To

Board of Directors

Direct Reports

Chief Conservation Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Marketing Officer, Chief People Officer, Senior Director of Philanthropy, and Executive Assistant

Position Summary

The National Forest Foundation seeks its next CEO, a bold, visionary, and strategic leader to lead and galvanize the NFF into its next era.

The organization has undergone significant growth and transformation in recent years. With unprecedented investments in the nation’s forests by the Forest Service and state and local governments, and increased attention from funders, media, and the public at large, the NFF has reached a pivotal moment.

This is occurring against the backdrop of the historic inflection point for forests – increasing wildfires, new demands on recreational facilities and the rush to help individuals and businesses understand how they can be a positive force for change regarding these issues.

The next CEO will seize the moment and drive greater impact through the expansive network of on-the-ground and funding partners. Above all else, the incoming CEO must serve as the organization’s chief ambassador, raising the public profile of the NFF to achieve transformative, lasting impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide the vision and strategy necessary to enhance the Nation Forest Foundation’s long-term impact.
• Collaborate with the Board and staff to leverage their expertise and passion to expand and deepen the organization’s mission and influence.
• Serve as the NFF’s leading ambassador to advance organizational relationships with the Forest Service, indigenous and tribal communities, industry, and governments and policymakers.
• Engage current NFF leaders, staff, and board in open and honest dialogue around creating the NFF of the future, driving toward greater diversity of funding sources.
• Work collaboratively with existing private and public funding to drive greater investment in forests and grasslands.
• Provide inspiration, support, and guidance to the organization.
• Promote an organizational culture that stimulates open communication, supports collaboration, and celebrates entrepreneurship.
• Build accountability standards and systems that track the organization’s effectiveness and impact.

The National Forest Foundation has retained Heidrick & Struggles as our partner for the CEO search. Expressions of interest or nominations can be sent to [email protected]