Executive Director

Laguna Canyon Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation created to reach beyond the usual grassroots level for regional open space preservation.  Our mission - to preserve, protect and enhance the 20,000-acre South Coast Wilderness - brings together state, county and city landowners and managers to work in partnership on behalf of open space in our increasingly urban county.  To this end, we solicit funds to increase public awareness of wilderness, acquire new land for the park system and assist land managers with interpretation, habitat restoration and education. 

Laguna Canyon Foundation reflects a unique partnership among community and environmental activists and corporate, civic and municipal leaders. The Foundation has enjoyed substantial success during its seventeen-year history. 

Our accomplishments include:

o Raising $4.4 million from more than 8,000 private donors and assisting in the procurement of $9.3 million in state grants.
o Assisting in the $45 million Laguna Laurel land acquisitions and the transformation of that land into Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.
o Partnering with Trust for Public Land, Conservation Fund and the state Coastal Conservancy to use $12.5 million in 2000 State Park funds to purchase an additional 238 acres for the South Coast Wilderness system of parks and preserves.
o Establishing an educational program for underserved schools that focuses on the natural resources of the three parks and aligns with California curriculum standards for third and fourth grades in science and social sciences.
o Partnering with the County of Orange to build the James and Rosemary Nix Nature Center in Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.
o Funding and development of the interpretive exhibit program and interpretive trail for the James and Rosemary Nix Nature Center.
o Leading a successful volunteer program of more than 125 volunteers and a volunteer-run native plant nursery.

Our lean and efficient organization is run by three full time staff, including an Executive Director, an Education Director and an Administrative Director, as well as a part time Communications Director.  Fully 95% of each dollar donated to the Foundation goes to fund mission programs and activities.

Position Description:

We are currently seeking a qualified individual for the position of Executive Director.  The successful candidate will be responsible for management of 2 full-time and one part-time staff, consultants and volunteers.   The primary responsibilities of the Executive Director include fundraising, outreach, program management, and organizational governance. 

Objective: Support the goal to preserve, protect and enhance the 20,000-acre South Coast Wilderness.  Responsible for all Laguna Canyon Foundation activities.

Reports To: LCF Executive Committee and Board of Directors   

Manages and evaluates the following staff:

Administrative Assistant - Full Time - Primary responsibilities: clerical, telephone, processing revenue, window display.

Communications Director - Part Time (80 hrs/mo) - Primary responsibilities: public relations, marketing and communication.

Education Director - Full Time - Primary Responsibilities: education programs for grade school children, recruiting and training docents, management of volunteer program.

Key Responsibilities                                     

1. Program Management      

Develops and implements guidelines for LCF programs.  Oversees management through regularly scheduled meetings.

o       Fundraising
o       Education and Interpretation
o       Restoration and Stewardship
o       Volunteer Program
o       Land acquisitions and negotiations

2. Fund Raising: Direct the Foundation's fundraising activities, including:

o       Donor database maintenance
o       South Coast Wilderness Legacy Campaign and recognition
o       Endowments - new and existing
o       Planned Giving - new and existing
o       Major Donor campaign and Recognition
o       Grants
o       Events   

3. Operations: Manage all operations, including:          

o       Develop annual budget
o       Provide tax return information to CPA and review returns
o       Prepare monthly, quarterly and yearly reports for payroll, sales tax, and personal property tax.
o       Review and process all bills
o       Maintain checkbook-- write checks and initiate fund transfers o       Monitor investment accounts
o       Prepare monthly reports for bookkeeper
o       Maintain Fund accounting for restricted gifts

4. Board and Committees: Manage all Board and Committee meetings, including:

o       Board meetings, cultivation and recognition of Directors
o       Executive Committee meetings
o       Estate Planning and Gifts Committee meetings
o       Stewardship Committee
o       Fund Raising and Finance Committees
o       Park Supporters Committee

5. Publications

Work with the Communications Director to develop the yearly publication schedule and topics.  Review and approve each publication.  Maintain address lists.

o       Quarterly Canyon Views newsletter
o       Acorn Society newsletter
o       Monthly e-letter
o       Updating LCF and media websites
o       Message Center - telephone number 949-855-PARK
o       South Coast Wilderness brochure
o       Press Releases, radio/television

6. Outreach

Represent Laguna Canyon Foundation to the public at large, including: 

o       Orange County Parks -- open communications with upper management
o       Coastal Greenbelt Authority -- Bi-monthly meeting, LCF Report is a standing agenda item
o       State Parks -- maintaining working relationship with staff and management
o       City of Laguna Beach and other cities adjacent to the parkland -- maintain relationship.
o       Other nonprofits in South Coast Wilderness -- maintain working relationship
o       South Coast Wilderness Park Supporters
o       Green Vision Working Group
o       O.C. Great Park Environmental Coalition - LCF is a member
o       Speakers Bureau -- organizations, community clubs   

7. Administration: Directly responsible for:

o       LCF Corporate filings
o       Mail Permits -- box, standard and postage paid mail
o       Communication Sources: telephone, email, website arrangements
o       Insurance Policies -- coverage, additional insured certificates
o       Occupancy related items from cleaning to computer equipment

Qualifications: 

Candidates should have a Bachelors degree from an accredited university (advanced degree preferred) and a minimum of 5 years experience in the non-profit sector. 

The following qualifications are essential:

o       Strong small business management
o       Excellent communication skills
o       Strong organizational skills
o       Proven fundraising track record
o       Appreciation and understanding of local and state politics
o       Good accounting and finance skills
o       Ability to work with outside accountant and C.P.A.
o       High level of proficiency with MS Office Suite.

Salary/Benefits:

Salary range is 50,000-65,000 dependent on successful candidate's particular experience and qualifications.  Nine paid holidays, three weeks vacation, flexible medical and retirement considerations.

To Apply:

Interested candidates please email a cover letter and resume.