Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officer

American Conservation Experience (ACE)

 

Location: Flexible | Continental United States

 

About American Conservation Experience

 

American Conservation Experience (ACE) is a national nonprofit conservation corps dedicated to providing rewarding environmental service opportunities for young adults and emerging professionals while improving America's public lands.

 

Founded in 2004, ACE is one of the nation's largest conservation corps, operating with:

 

• Approximately $48 million annual budget

• 180 staff across hub locations and a nationwide remote workforce

• Partnerships with federal, state, and nonprofit conservation organizations

 

In 2025, ACE members:

 

• Contributed more than 835,000 service hours

• Worked at 270+ project sites in 45+ states and territories

• Built 296 miles of trails

• Planted nearly 26,000 trees

• Managed more than 2,500 acres of invasive species

 

Programs

 

ACE's work is carried out through four signature programs:

• Conservation Crew Program

• Emerging Professionals in Conservation (EPIC)

• Disaster Response

• Alumni Engagement

 

Members receive professional experience, living allowances, housing support (where applicable), training, and career development opportunities.

 

Mission

 

Provide rewarding environmental service opportunities while preparing the next generation of conservation professionals.

 

Core Values

 

• Quality

• Inclusion

• Professional Development

• Stewardship

• Partner Immersed

 

The Opportunity

 

The next CEO will build upon a strong organizational foundation while guiding ACE through its next chapter of growth.

 

The Board seeks a leader who will:

 

• Protect ACE's culture and mission

• Diversify revenue and partnerships

• Strengthen financial sustainability

• Expand ACE's national presence

• Build trust with staff, members, partners, funders, and the Board

 

Responsibilities

 

Organizational Leadership

 

• Serve as the organization's chief executive.

• Lead ACE's continued organizational growth by:

 

1. Building trust across the organization

2. Strengthening collaboration

3. Supporting a people-centered culture

4. Promoting accountability and communication

 

Strategic Leadership

 

• Translate ACE's 2030 Goals into measurable priorities by:

 

1. Leading strategic planning

2. Identifying growth opportunities

3. Balancing innovation with organizational stability

 

Financial Leadership

 

• Oversee approximately $48 million in annual operations.

• Strengthen financial sustainability by:

 

1. Diversifying revenue sources

2. Expanding philanthropic partnerships

3. Growing state, tribal, and private-sector relationships

4. Maintaining strong financial controls and clean audits

 

Program Leadership

 

• Oversee ACE's four program areas.

• Ensure:

 

1. High-quality member experiences

2. Strong safety and risk management

3. Professional development opportunities

4. Operational excellence

 

People Leadership

 

• Develop and support the executive leadership team.

• Foster an inclusive culture by:

 

1. Investing in staff development

2. Supporting career growth

3. Promoting collaboration and belonging

 

External Leadership

 

Serve as ACE's primary ambassador by building relationships with:

 

• Federal agencies

• Congressional offices

• Tribal nations

• Conservation organizations

• Funders

• Strategic partners

 

Responsibilities include:

 

1. Representing ACE nationally

2. Strengthening partnerships

3. Expanding funding opportunities

4. Positioning ACE as a conservation leader

 

Board Partnership

 

• Partner closely with the Board of Directors by:

 

1. Supporting governance

2. Advancing organizational strategy

3. Maintaining strong Board relationships

 

Candidate Profile

 

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

 

• Strategic leadership

• Mission alignment with conservation

• People-centered leadership

• Financial management expertise

• Relationship-building skills

• Strong governance and Board partnership experience

 

Preferred Qualifications

 

• 10+ years of nonprofit leadership experience

• 5+ years as a senior executive

• Experience leading organizational change

• Multi-million-dollar budget oversight

• Revenue diversification experience

• Government funding experience

• Board partnership experience

• Experience managing distributed or remote teams

• Excellent communication skills

• Demonstrated commitment to conservation and environmental stewardship

• AmeriCorps, conservation corps, or workforce development experience preferred

 

Compensation & Benefits

 

Salary: $300,000–$350,000

Benefits include:

 

• Medical

• Dental

• Vision

• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions

• Life and disability insurance

• Flexible Spending Accounts

• Employee Assistance Program

• Cell phone reimbursement

• Outdoor gear discounts

• Paid time off and holidays

• Professional development opportunities

 

Location & Travel

 

The CEO may live anywhere within the contiguous United States.

Travel includes:

 

• 20–25% during the first year

• Approximately 15% annually thereafter

 

Travel will include:

 

1. Board meetings

2. Staff and hub visits

3. Washington, D.C. conferences

4. Program site visits

 

Easy access to a major airport is required.

 

How to Express Interest

 

Calibrated Search is conducting this confidential search.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

 

Questions and nominations may be directed to:

inquiry@calibrated-search.com

Please reference "ACE CEO Search."

 

Equal Employment Opportunity

 

American Conservation Experience is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, ability, and job-related factors without regard to any protected status. Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified applicants.