Executive Director

The Position

Lindsay Wildlife Experience seeks a leader who understands that meaningful connections with wildlife inspire people to care for and protect the natural world.

Our next Executive Director will guide a beloved Bay Area institution into its next chapter, strengthening financial sustainability, growing community impact, and ensuring that thousands of injured wild animals continue to get a second chance.

This role is equal parts community ambassador, organizational leader, and fundraiser. The ED will work closely with an engaged Board, a passionate staff, and hundreds of volunteers to ensure that Lindsay remains one of the country’s most respected wildlife rehabilitation and education organizations. If you are a strong organizational leader who enjoys building relationships, telling a compelling story, and helping mission-driven teams do their best work, we would love to meet you.

Primary Responsibilities

The ED leads the organization’s strategy, finances, fundraising, and operations while serving as Lindsay’s primary ambassador in the community. Success in this role requires someone who can build relationships, inspire support, and lead a talented team with clarity and care. And occasionally explain why there is a desert tortoise in the lobby.

Leadership & Strategy

• Lead the organization’s strategy in partnership with the Board and leadership team

• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and mission-driven culture

• Innovate and evolve programs to deliver meaningful impact

Fundraising & Revenue Growth (Core Priority)

• Serve as Lindsay’s chief fundraiser and relationship builder

• Personally cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors and key partners

• Strengthen both contributed and earned revenue streams

Team & Operations

• Lead and develop a high-performing staff and volunteer organization

• Oversee financial management, budgeting, and operational effectiveness for all parts of the organization (hospital, programs, physical facility, etc).

• Ensure compliance with nonprofit best practices and regulatory requirements

Community Engagement

• Be Lindsay’s public ambassador with donors, partners, the press, and broader community

• Build partnerships that expand Lindsay’s reach and impact

In the first 6 months, the Executive Director will focus on:

• Building relationships and trust with staff, volunteers, Board members, donors, and community partners to understand Lindsay’s strengths and opportunities

• Strengthening fundraising momentum, including deepening relationships with existing donors and engaging new supporters with a clear, actionable development plan

• Aligning around strategic priorities, clarifying Lindsay’s mission/vision and translating into a focused set of initiatives with clear goals and accountability

• Drive alignment between hospital and program operations along with the facility they share, managing facility upgrades, and crafting modernization plan

• Elevating Lindsay’s visibility and story to broaden support and engagement

Qualifications

• Has significant leadership experience running a complex organization or division, including >$1M budgets and P&L responsibility

• Has proven success in fundraising, revenue generation, or sales/business development

• Has demonstrated passion for community engagement and mission-driven work

• Has a bachelor’s degree

• Is a thoughtful manager who develops strong teams and empowers others to succeed

• Can balance strategy and execution, seeing the big picture AND the details

• Brings curiosity, humility, and a sense of humor every day

A background in nonprofit leadership, wildlife, conservation, museums, or education is helpful but not required.

Hours, Benefits & Compensation

Salary range: $150,000 – $170,000, depending on experience, plus benefits

Lindsay Wildlife Experience is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

This is a full-time, on-site role based in Walnut Creek, CA. Relocation assistance is not provided. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship. A cover letter and resume (combined in a single document) are required for consideration.

Apply

Send cover letter, resume and three references to: jobs@lindsaywildlife.org Please put “Executive Director” in the subject line.

References will not be checked without permission.

*Submit all materials in PDF format with your first initial and last name in the document name

Example: JSmith_Resume.pdf

Position Availability

Open until filled.