About Pease Park Conservancy:
Pease Park Conservancy celebrates the diverse ecology, community, and history that make Austin’s first public park valuable and unique. The Conservancy works to restore, enhance, and maintain 84-acres of public green space for the sustainable use and enjoyment of all, pursuing initiatives and investments that support historically underserved Austinites, revealing the wonders of the natural world and the intersections and tensions of our evolving place within it.
After successfully implementing the first phase of the Pease Park Vision Plan two years ago, Pease Park Conservancy has seen the visitors to the park grow to 200,000 people annually in the Kingsbury Commons area alone. The Conservancy intends to implement future phases of the Vision Plan, collaborating with donors, stakeholders, partners, consultants, and the City of Austin on plans for renovations, improvements, and enhancements. Pease Park Conservancy works in partnership with the City of Austin to set the standard for world-class park management - emphasizing environmental excellence - to improve and care for this treasured green space for the enjoyment of all.
Job Description: Chief Executive Officer
Location: Austin, TX
Reports to: PPC Board of Directors
Pease Park Conservancy (PPC) seeks a confident, thoughtful, dynamic, and committed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) with passion for the mission of Pease Park Conservancy, conservation, restoration, connection, and community centric programming. The successful candidate will have executive level experience and be a vital member of the team leading PPC through sustainability and growth, furthering the organization’s leadership in Austin’s nonprofit community.
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO will serve as the organization’s key spokesperson, organizational leader, and direct manager to the Conservancy senior leadership team. The ideal candidate will be a strong listener, inclusive, team oriented, inspiring, empowering, motivating, and dedicated to developing staff. The CEO will bring a fresh eye to implementing the strategic plan of the organization and guided by the Vision Plan, will be instrumental in shaping and envisioning its future.
Key Executive Objectives and Responsibilities:
Provide visionary leadership to all areas of operations, providing oversight of the brand, culture, values, talent, and financial performance;
Lead the strategic vision, direction, and activities of the Conservancy, ensuring PPC is a welcoming, accessible space;
Focus on visitor experience, employee safety, and positive organizational culture;
Lead staff and operations ensuring equity and community engagement programs are prioritized in park activities;
Serve as high-level strategic partner to the Board of Directors and support their work and committee activities;
Lead the Conservancy’s efforts to implement the Pease Park Vision Plan;
Develop opportunities for expanded community engagement and programs;
Manage staff across park operations, fundraising, community engagement and communications, programming, finance and administration, and design and construction;
Serve as the park’s primary ambassador to the community, elected and appointed officials, funders, and stakeholders;
Collaborate with the City of Austin;
Partner as the main fundraiser with the Board and development staff to sufficiently support the short- and long-term financial sustainability;
Manage operating and capital budgeting, forecasting, innovative funding strategies, and financial operations, and report monthly to the Board Treasurer;
Together with Board and staff, improve organizational processes to better meet goals and growth objectives;
Foster a culture of transparency and communication with staff, Board, and the community;
Represent PPC locally and nationally establishing the Conservancy as a community leader and resource.
Key Executive Skills & Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree from a four-year university; master’s degree preferred
At least five years of leadership experience, preferably in a conservancy/parks/nature-related organization, or campus/facilities management position with an understanding of the transformational role parks play in community wellness
A track record of strong organizational management, visionary leadership, and successful follow-through
Forward thinking and creative in approach to problem solving, using compassion and collaboration to manage
Experience working with volunteer boards and multiple stakeholders
Respect for all and a proven ability to collaborate with diverse groups, with experience centering diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in all aspects of the organization
Demonstrated history of successful major gift and annual fundraising; capital campaign experience preferred
Excellence in written and verbal communication, listening, presentation, and public speaking
Superb interpersonal skills and the ability to cultivate and sustain relationships, emphasizing partnerships
A positive attitude, concern for people and the community, confidence, and common sense
The Chief Executive Officer also leads by example and assists Pease Park Conservancy staff with general office duties and special projects as needed in a small nonprofit environment.
The Conservancy’s offices overlook Kingsbury Commons located at 1609 Shoal Creek Blvd. Ste. 305, Austin, TX 78701.
This is a full-time position with flexible scheduling and the ability to work from the office, home, or other locations.
To apply, please send a resume, letter of interest, and references to Rachel Elder at Beacon Nonprofit Consulting at rachel@beaconaustin.com.
The deadline to apply is August 7. Applications will be reviewed as received.
Salary Range:
The hiring range for this position is $135,000 to $160,000 commensurate with skills and experience. Benefits include health insurance, 401k savings, paid time off for vacation, sick, and holidays.
Pease Park Conservancy is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.