Executive Director

New Today

ABOUT MOUNTAIN LION FOUNDATION:
The Mountain Lion Foundation exists to ensure that America’s lions survive and thrive. For over 35 years, the organization has been a fierce advocate for the protection and preservation of mountain lions, grounded in a powerful mission: to secure their future in the wild through science, education, and strategic advocacy. Driven by a bold vision of coexistence, the Foundation imagines a future where humans and lions live in harmony, where wildlands are protected, and where ecological communities are nurtured, not subdued. Their work centers around five core pillars: protecting mountain lions as a keystone species, promoting public understanding through education and outreach, advancing science-based conservation, defending critical wildlife corridors, and cultivating a culture of coexistence.
In an era of unprecedented climate challenges and biodiversity loss, the Mountain Lion Foundation is a powerful voice for ecological balance and a future where both lions and people can thrive. This is a unique opportunity to lead an organization at the forefront of wildlife conservation and advocacy, and to shape a legacy of meaningful environmental impact.
POSITION OVERVIEW:
The Mountain Lion Foundation seeks a visionary and mission-driven Executive Director who will revitalize and elevate the organization as a leading force in wildlife conservation. This is a rare opportunity to shape and lead an exciting new chapter, one that reintroduces bold, high-impact programming, cultivates strategic partnerships, and drives meaningful fundraising efforts to protect America’s lion.
This leader will be responsible for building public-facing initiatives, designing and executing fundraising strategies, and sparking innovative campaigns that deepen engagement, broaden awareness, and advance the mission in measurable ways. Ideal candidates bring demonstrated success in nonprofit or mission-aligned leadership, with a track record of growing visibility, impact, and funding. A background in conservation, wildlife advocacy, or adjacent sectors is preferred, but more critical is a proven ability to translate passion into action, build cross-sector relationships, and position an organization for sustainable growth.
This role calls for a builder, someone who thrives in possibility, leads with curiosity and integrity, and can create the operational, programmatic, and philanthropic foundation necessary to ensure long-term relevance and success. Key attributes include entrepreneurial energy, strategic clarity, fundraising acumen, and a collaborative, people-centered approach.
RESPONSIBILITIES: Provide clear, forward-thinking leadership that reenergizes the Mountain Lion Foundation’s mission, sets bold goals for conservation impact, and positions the organization as a respected voice in the wildlife protection space. Launch signature campaigns that inspire public action, expand legislative impact, and continue to highlight MLF’s leadership in mountain lion conservation. Assess the current staff structure and outsourced partnerships, and lead thoughtful restructuring to build an agile, mission-aligned team. Lead the development and execution of comprehensive fundraising strategies, including major gifts, foundation support, individual giving, and digital campaigns, to ensure financial sustainability and future growth. Serve as the chief spokesperson, elevating the Foundation’s visibility through compelling messaging, media engagement, and public advocacy that galvanizes supporters and stakeholders. Cultivate meaningful relationships with conservation partners, researchers, tribal nations, agencies, and other stakeholders to expand the Foundation’s reach and collaborative impact. Ensure efficient, values-aligned operations, including oversight of finances, compliance, and systems necessary for a high-functioning remote team. Manage and mentor a small but passionate team, fostering a culture of trust, accountability, and mission alignment while building organizational capacity over time. Collaborate closely with the Board of Directors, providing regular updates, strategic guidance, and thought partnership to steward organizational direction and governance. Reintroduce bold, original campaigns that mobilize supporters, drive action, and reflect the Foundation’s renewed leadership in mountain lion protection. Track and communicate the Foundation’s impact through data, stories, and reports that engage donors, energize supporters, and underscore the urgency of the mission.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Proven track record of progressive senior leadership, with the ability to guide mission-driven teams and organizations through growth, change, and increased impact. Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree a plus. Genuine passion for wildlife and animal conservation; a love for mountain lions and a deep appreciation for their role in the ecosystem is a big plus. Proven ability to lead through financial transition and implement sustainable budget strategies that stabilize and grow mission impact. Demonstrated success in developing and executing brand strategy and social media engagement that elevates organizational visibility, builds trust with diverse audiences, and amplifies conservation impact. Experience overseeing an organizational budget of over $1M. Proven experience creating and leading mission-aligned programs that inspire public engagement and cultivate a strong community of wildlife conservation stewards. Strong change management capabilities and ability to lead through organizational transition. Inspirational leadership style with an empowering and collaborative approach. Demonstrated success in securing major gifts, cultivating donor relationships, and expanding philanthropic capacity. Charismatic and skilled public speaker and organizational ambassador. Build productive relationships with the Board of Directors, contributing to the evolution of governance practices and helping expand and diversify board membership. Deep appreciation for the emotional complexity of animal conservation.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
In addition to a competitive salary of $150,000 (DOE), the Mountain Lion Foundation offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays. This leadership opportunity offers the chance to make a meaningful impact on Mountain Lion conservation.
APPLICATIONS AND NOMINATIONS:
Please address applications to:
Chelsea Zimmer, Senior Executive Search Principal
Scion Executive Search
Review of applications, nominations, and expressions of interest will begin immediately and continue on a confidential basis until an appointment is made.
ABOUT OUR FIRM: is an award-winning retained executive search firm. Our track record and recruitment process have made us one of the top recruitment firms in the United States. Through innovative team building and recruitment solutions, Scion Executive Search seamlessly bridges the gap in interim and executive searches. Our track record and recruitment process have made us one of the top recruitment firms in the nation.??
We are proud to be part of the Forbes lists of the Best Recruitment Firms and the Best Executive Search Firms in America. Additionally, Scion has been recognized as a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing firm as well as a top recruitment firm by The Business Times . Additional information about our firm and our practices can be found .
Scion Executive Search is an equal opportunity employer and service provider and does not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, political affiliation, or any other protected class. We are committed to the principles of Equal Opportunity Employment and are dedicated to making employment decisions based on merit and value, for ourselves, our client companies, and the candidates we represent. ??
For opportunities located in a region that has enacted fair chance, arrest, or conviction-based employment ordinances, Scion Executive Search proactively follows the enacted guidance and considers for employment all qualified applications with arrest and conviction records. We engage in socially conscious business practices and believe that diverse, equitable, inclusive, and non-biased talent and recruitment processes are foundational to the success of Scion as well as every client organization with whom we partner.
Apply
Location:
Sacramento

We found some similar jobs based on your search