Chief Executive Officer

The West Region Wildfire Council promotes wildfire preparedness, prevention and mitigation education throughout Delta, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Montrose, Ouray and San Miguel counties. Our mission is to mitigate loss due to wildfire in wildland urban interface communities while fostering interagency regional partnerships to help prepare counties, fire protection districts, communities and agencies to plan for and mitigate potential threats from wildfire.

Position Overview

The West Region Wildfire Council seeks a dynamic chief executive officer to lead our nonprofit organization. This leadership role requires a strong background in fundraising and grants, financial management and organizational strategy. The CEO is responsible for overseeing programs, ensuring financial stability, leading fundraising and promoting a strong culture of collaboration and teamwork. The CEO’s responsibilities are carried out in close partnership with the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer.

• Location: Ridgway, Colorado
• Office/remote: The minimum expectation for in office work is three days per week. Staff work in the office but are afforded the flexibility to work some days remotely as job duties and schedules allow.
• Reports to: Board of directors
• Direct reports: Chief operating officer and chief financial officer

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and lead fundraising strategies: Create and implement comprehensive fundraising plans to diversify funding sources including individual donations, corporate sponsorships, and major gifts. Lead fundraising initiatives and campaigns, engaging staff, volunteers, board members, and the community to meet or exceed fundraising goals.
• Donor cultivation and stewardship: Cultivate a culture of philanthropy. Build and nurture strong relationships ensuring key donors feel valued, connected, and informed, and actively inspire long-term financial commitment to our cause.
• Grant vetting: Lead efforts to vet potential grant opportunities that are in alignment with organizational goals, strategies and mission. Ensure decisions regarding the selection of grants to pursue and proposed outcomes/deliverables are achievable from both a financial and programmatic standpoint.
• Grant writing and management: Write grants for the organization. Work with the CFO to manage grant award budgets, deliverables tracking and reporting.
• Budgeting and resource allocation: Work in partnership with the CFO and board treasurer to oversee the organization’s financial health, managing budgets, cash flow and ensuring responsible allocation of resources to support organizational priorities.
• Sound financial decision making: Make informed financial decisions that align with the mission, ensuring long-term financial sustainability while optimizing resources.
• Ensure that the organization meets nonprofit financial compliance requirements and adheres to relevant regulations and standards.
• Visionary leadership: Develop and communicate a compelling, clear vision for the organization’s future, ensuring that it remains aligned with the mission, and is responsive to evolving needs.
• Leadership team: Work closely with the COO and CFO to provide executive oversight for operational, programmatic, financial and strategic planning duties.
• Prioritization and problem-solving: Demonstrate the ability to quickly prioritize initiatives, make tough decisions, and tackle complex challenges with thoughtful, effective solutions.
• Stakeholder relationship development: Foster genuine, trust-based relationships with board members, staff, donors, contractors, partners, landowners, and constituents to strengthen community and stakeholder engagement.
• Networking and alliance building: Cultivate a broad network of allies, building strong partnerships and alliances across diverse stakeholder groups within the region, state and beyond.
• Community action: Demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity and mutual respect, empowering people at all levels to contribute to the organization’s success.
• Dynamic communication: Use exceptional communication skills to be a persuasive spokesperson for the organization, engaging in public speaking, writing, and active listening to represent WRWC effectively.
• Brand development: Lead efforts to enhance the organization’s external relations and strengthen its brand to increase awareness and involvement.
• Inspire investment: As a fundraiser and relationship builder, use enthusiasm and clear messaging to influence potential donors to support the mission and work of the organization.

Qualifications and Keys to Success

• Experience: Experience in executive leadership role(s), preferably in a nonprofit or mission-driven
  organization, with a demonstrated history in fundraising, financial management, and organizational
  strategy.
• Fundraising Exper1se: Experience and proven success in developing and executing comprehensive
  strategies that diversify revenue streams including individual donations, grants, and corporate
  sponsorships.
• Financial Acumen: Strong financial management skills, including experience in budgeting, financial
  planning, and managing organizational finances in compliance with nonprofit standards.
• Strategic Vision: Demonstrated ability to think strategically, create compelling short and long-term plans,
  and balance competing priorities effectively.
• Rela1onship Building: Proven ability to develop and deepen relationships and build trust and confidence
  among a wide range of stakeholders including partners, community members and donors.
• Communica1on Skills: Exceptional verbal and writes communication skills with experience as an
  enthusiastic promoter and presenter.
• Leadership and Management Style: Collaborative, caring, transparent, directive, and flexible leadership
  style that values diversity and encourages a positive and productive organizational culture