Passionate about creeks and riparian ecosystems? Eager to foster community and create lasting impact? Lead our bold, visionary mission to build a watershed legacy as the next Executive Director. Our creeks are calling—answer the call and join us!

Executive Director | Overview

Organization: Seven Canyons Trust
Location: Salt Lake County, Utah
Reports To: Board of Trustees
Position Type: .75 FTE - 1.0 FTE (Full-Time)

PDF of Executive Director Job Overview

The Executive Director (ED) of the Seven Canyons Trust is responsible for the overall leadership, strategy, and management of its operations, programs, and partnerships. The ED works to advance the organization’s mission of uncovering and restoring the buried and impaired waterways of the Salt Lake Valley’s seven canyon creek systems through advocacy, environmental restoration, education, and collaboration. The ED builds resources and leads staff, activities, programs, and projects in the implementation of the Seven Canyons Trust’s mission and goals. The ED reports directly to the Board of Trustees.

The Seven Canyons Trust has been working for a decade to uncover and restore the creeks along the Wasatch Front, and has built a strong foundation and reputation. The right candidate will be someone who values this foundation, and is excited about and committed to furthering the impact and reach of the organization, including leading organizational growth and development. For more information about the organization and our past and ongoing work, visit sevencanyonstrust.org.

High-level position description

Provide vision, leadership, and sound management for the continued success of the organization in conjunction with the Board of Trustees

This will include coordinating the development of a physical space for the organization, in partnership with Salt Lake City, at a property adjacent to the Three Creeks Confluence (SCT’s major demonstration project);

Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy, including grants, individual giving, corporate sponsorships, and events in coordination with the Board of Trustees;
Lead activities, programs, and projects to implement organizational mission and goals, and develop and report on metrics of success to the Board of Trustees and public;
Update and implement the organizational communications & outreach strategy to develop a strong organizational brand;
Oversee financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, and reporting to the Board of Trustees, as well as accounting and tax-filing;
Cultivate and manage new and existing partnerships with organizations, businesses, community leaders, and governmental partners;
Communicate the organization’s vision and opportunities to engage through various social media outlets, a newsletter, etc.;
Hire, train, and manage staff in accordance with established organizational policies and with guidance from the Board of Trustees;

Note, the Seven Canyons Trust is a small organization, and historically has had one staff member, and at times two. There are currently no employees due to the executive director position vacancy;

Recruit and coordinate volunteers for fundraising, outreach, and programmatic events; and
Adhere to proper permitting, documentation, tax-filings, auditing, and to By-Laws of organization.

qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, environmental science/policy, nonprofit management, public administration, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
At least five years of experience related to nonprofit management, environmental/urban design advocacy, or a related area.
Demonstrated success in fundraising, including grant writing, donor cultivation, and corporate sponsorships
Self-starter, and comfortable and effective working in an independent role
Strong financial management skills
Experience in program development and project management
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with an ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders
Knowledge of urban planning, watershed management, and ecological restoration is a plus.

Time & Compensation

The Executive Director shall be a salaried, exempt position, and could be full or 75% time. Compensation is based on experience and qualifications, and will start at $50,000-$75,000/year with benefits, including health insurance, retirement, and phone/computer reimbursement. The Seven Canyons Trust is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace.

Each year, pay increases are available based on merit—subject to resources available. To be eligible, six months of continuous service must be met. Increases are based on annual performance review and comparison with equivalents in the field. Approval will come from the Board of Trustees.

Application process

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and a list of references to Meg Padjen (Townsend), megan@sevencanyonstrust.org. The position will remain open until filled.