Executive Director

Bob Marshall was best known as a passionate advocate for the protection of wilderness, but he was also a champion for the social justice issues of his day. Bob fought for the integration of Forest Service facilities and equal access to public lands in the 1930s. He was a tireless campaigner for the rights of workers as well. Bob fought for programs that would create tangible connections to wild nature for all Americans.

As an organization who bears his name, we aim to follow in Bob’s footsteps. As a committed group of public land stewards, we also stand with those that demand an American experience that is equitable, fair and just.

Through intentional actions we will seek connections with nature for all Montanans and Americans – connections that come from time spent on the lands we all share. We will work to remove barriers for those that have not seen themselves as part of the American public lands story, including Black, Indigenous, People of Color and LGBTQ+ communities. We will explore our own actions, examine our own policies, and facilitate partnerships to help remove the vestiges of exclusion

Job Overview

Title: Executive Director (ED) for the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation (BMWF)

Classification: Full-time, Exempt

Reports to: Executive Committee, BMWF Board of Directors

Salary: $75,000-$85,000 depending on experience; generous benefits (listed below)

Location: The BMWF office is in the U.S. Forest Service Hungry Horse Ranger Station, Hungry Horse, Montana. The ED is expected to maintain a presence at the Hungry Horse office and regularly engage with staff and key partners. A telework agreement from a location within a day’s drive of BMWF headquarters is negotiable.

Position Summary: The Executive Director is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation’s work, ensuring effective operations to meet organizational goals. As the face of BMWF, the Executive Director works closely with the Board of Directors, U.S. Forest Service officials, funders, and the public. They represent the foundation at community events, in the media and other promotional opportunities. The Executive Director ensures that staff members are aligned with the organization’s mission and vision and are working together to successfully achieve strategic objectives. BMWF’s culture places a high priority on positive leadership, communication, recognition, and collaboration. 

About the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation

For over 25 years, the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation has connected Americans with their wilderness heritage by providing access to and stewardship of Montana’s Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, the crown jewel of the Wilderness System. BMWF works on the traditional homelands of the Amskapi Piikani, the Niitsítapi, the Séliš, Ql̓ispé and Ktunaxa, and we’re inspired by their knowledge and ongoing commitment as the original and longest-serving stewards of the lands we now call, “The Bob”.

Each summer, BMWF helps hundreds of hard-working volunteers of all ages develop a land ethic and give back to wilderness by opening trails, restoring heavily used areas and addressing invasive plants. Active wilderness stewardship is our mission.

BMWF works closely with a range of partners, including the US Forest Service, other non-profits, outdoor organizations, affinity groups and Tribal entities. Our programs include volunteer adventures, wilderness internships, packer apprenticeships, artist residencies and educational opportunities. We believe our wilderness community benefits from a wealth of perspectives and are dedicated to engaging a new and more diverse generation in wilderness stewardship.

The Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Visit bmwf.org for additional detail and information.

Our Commitment to an Inclusive Outdoors

Bob Marshall was best known as a passionate advocate for the protection of wilderness, but he was also a champion for the social justice issues of his day. Bob fought for the integration of Forest Service facilities and equal access to public lands in the 1930s. He was a tireless campaigner for the rights of workers as well. Bob fought for programs that would create tangible connections to wild nature for all Americans. As an organization who bears his name, we aim to follow in Bob’s footsteps. As a committed group of public land stewards, we also stand with those that demand an American experience that is equitable, fair and just. 

Through intentional actions we will seek connections with nature for all Montanans and Americans – connections that come from time spent on the lands we all share. We will work to remove barriers for those that have not seen themselves as part of the American public lands story, including Black, Indigenous, People of Color and LGBTQ+ communities. We will explore our own actions, examine our own policies, and facilitate partnerships to help remove the vestiges of exclusion. Read our full commitment and specific actions at bmwf.org/dei

Position Description:

Desired Skills, Experience and Background

Qualifications may be met by any combination of education and experience that provide the knowledge, skills and abilities listed in the job description. Typically, the Executive Director will hold a college degree with a major in wilderness management, recreation, natural resource management, outdoor education, nonprofit management or closely related field, and have five years of experience in a supervisory or administrative capacity.

The ideal Executive Director candidate will possess the following skills and experience:

• Knowledge and experience with programs related or similar to the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation’s mission, vision, goals, and objectives
• Experience working closely with or within a government agency, outdoor program, or non-profit organization
• Fundraising experience, grant writing, and financial management skills 
• Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office, Google Drive, QuickBooks, website and database applications
• Partnership/donor relationship development and stewardship 

Additional skills and experience desirable for this position:

• Experience in volunteer management 
• Knowledge of trail maintenance and construction
• Knowledge of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex and its management
• Wilderness skills including Leave No Trace, extended trips in the backcountry, etc.

Key Job Functions

Leadership and Management

• Actively engage and energize BMWF volunteers, board members, partnering organizations, and donors
• Work with board and staff to ensure that the mission is fulfilled through programs, strategic planning and community outreach
• Use external presence and relationships to garner new opportunities and mentor similar organizations
• Manage and motivate a high-performing staff and oversee day-to-day operations
• Supervise six permanent staff and oversee a seasonal workforce

Fundraising

• Develop and implement a strategic fundraising plan while playing a leading role in building annual, major and planned giving programs
• Build partnerships in new markets, establishing relationships with new donors and political and community leaders
• Serve as the face of the foundation at community events, in the media and other promotional opportunities

Finance

• Develop an annual budget that includes operational funds, grants and expenditures exceeding $1million for board review, and update as needed throughout the year based on fundraising and grant income
• Collaborate with staff to plan annual budget needs
• Oversee monthly bookkeeping duties
• Create annual and quarterly financial reports 

Grant Management

• Seek out grants to secure funding for program and administrative costs
• Prepare or supervise preparation of grant applications, and oversee processes to monitor expenditures and accomplishments
• Work with the Forest Service to update and approve operating agreements on a periodic basis

Project Management

• Work with the Program and Operations Directors to ensure projects are funded  
• Participate in annual meetings with Forest Service and Bob Marshall Complex managers to plan future partnerships 
• Participate on volunteer projects when possible

Board Governance

• Attend BMWF Board Meetings and develop the agenda with the Chair  
• Collaborate with the board on the development of policies
• Assist in training new board members
• Manage and help develop board strategic planning   

To Apply

Please send a resume and cover letter as well as professional references to [email protected]. The hiring process will begin on February 21st, 2022 and the position will be open until filled.

It is the goal of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation to recruit, hire, and maintain a diverse workforce. BMWF does not discriminate in employment based upon race, color, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, creed, sex, gender, or other legally protected class.  

Special Benefits

Benefits

• Relocation benefit negotiable upon offer
• Paid vacation leave of 15 days/year for the first year; 20 days/year thereafter
• Paid sick leave of 12 days/year and opportunity to utilize the employee sick leave sharing program
• 15 paid holidays per year
• 3 paid Health & Wellness hours per week
• 5 paid Wilderness days per year to be used for personal time in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex
• 100% employer paid health insurance
• Employer matched SIMPLE IRA plan
• Monthly cell phone stipend
• Combination of in-office and telework flexibility

Minimum Requirements

Position Requirements

Some travel and weekend availability is required. Use of your personal vehicle will be necessary with mileage reimbursement at the BMWF annual rate.