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.

About Lindsay Wildlife Experience

Founded in 1955, Lindsay Wildlife Experience connects people with wildlife to inspire responsibility and
respect for the natural world.
Each year:

  • 5,500+ injured and orphaned wild animals receive care in Lindsay’s wildlife hospita
  • 60,000+ visitors experience our exhibits and programs
  • 20,000 students participate in educational programs
  • 300+ volunteers contribute their time and expertise

Visitors might hear a red-tailed hawk call overhead, watch a great horned owl eat lunch, or meet one of our
animal ambassadors up close, experiences that often spark a lifelong appreciation for wildlife. Lindsay is both
a wildlife rehabilitation hospital and a wildlife education center, a rare and powerful combination.

Financial Overview:

  • Monthly Operations: $310,000
  • Revenue Split: 70% contributed revenue / 30% earned revenue
  • Fundraising Targets: $217,000 per month ($2.6M per year)
  • FY26 Budgeted Revenue: $2.9M
  • Funding Sources: Individuals, foundations, corporations, government grants, and
    in-kind gifts (e.g., vehicles).

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

First 6 Months Focus Areas

  • Relationship Building: Build trust with staff, volunteers, Board members, donors,
    and community partners to understand Lindsay’s strengths and opportunities.
  • Fundraising Momentum: Deepen relationships with existing donors and engage
    new supporters with a clear, actionable development plan.
  • Strategic Alignment: Clarify Lindsay’s mission/vision and translate it into a
    focused set of initiatives with clear goals and accountability.
  • Operational Drive: Align hospital and program operations, manage facility
    upgrades, and craft a modernization plan for the shared facility.
  • Visibility: Elevate Lindsay’s visibility and storytelling to broaden public support
    and engagement.

Qualifications

We are looking for someone who meets the following criteria:

  • Experience: Significant leadership experience running a complex organization or
    division, including budgets >$1M and P&L responsibility.
  • Fundraising: Proven success in fundraising, revenue generation, or
    sales/business development.
  • Mission Alignment: Demonstrated passion for community engagement and
    mission-driven work.
  • Education: Bachelor’s degree required.
  • Management Style: Thoughtful manager who develops strong teams and
    empowers others to succeed.
  • Approach: Ability to balance strategy and execution, seeing both the big picture
    and the details.
  • Traits: Brings curiosity, humility, and a sense of humor every day.
  • Preferred Background: Experience in nonprofit leadership, wildlife, conservation,
    museums, or education is helpful but not required.

Hours, Benefits & Compensation

  • Salary range: $190,000 – $210,000 (depending on experience) plus benefits
  • Type: Full-time, on-site role based in Walnut Creek, CA.
  • Note: Relocation assistance is not provided. Candidates must be legally
    authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

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

Apply

To explore this opportunity or submit your application, please direct your cover letter and
resume via email to:
Murray Ross
murray.ross@comcast.net

Position Availability

Open until filled.