Executive Director

Executive Director
Washington Native Plant Society (WNPS)

Seattle, WA (hybrid) | Full-time | $110,000 to $125,000 annually

Priority deadline: October 18, 2026

 

Lead the Future of Native Plant Conservation and Education in Washington

 

The Washington Native Plant Society (WNPS) seeks a dynamic, mission-driven Executive Director to lead one of the Pacific Northwest's most respected conservation and education organizations.

 

For more than 50 years, WNPS has inspired appreciation, conservation, and stewardship of Washington's native plants and ecosystems through education, advocacy, scientific understanding, and community engagement. Through a statewide network of engaged board members, chapter leaders, volunteers, members, and partner organizations, WNPS advances the conservation, appreciation, and stewardship of Washington's native plants and ecosystems.

 

The Executive Director is responsible for advancing WNPS's mission, strategic priorities, financial sustainability, organizational effectiveness, and public impact. Working closely with the Board of Directors, staff, chapters, volunteers, donors, and community partners, the Executive Director will lead the organization through its next phase of growth and impact.

 

This is an exciting opportunity for a collaborative leader who combines strategic vision with operational excellence and who thrives in a mission-centered, volunteer-powered environment.

 

About the Role

 

The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors, manages an annual budget of $1.1 million (FY2026), and manages a team of three employees and multiple contractors. This is a hands-on executive leadership role that requires both strategic vision and a willingness to actively support implementation, partnering with staff, volunteers, chapters, and the Board to advance the Society's mission.

 

As Executive Director, you will:

 

Provide Strategic and Organizational Leadership

 

• Lead implementation of the Society's Strategic Plan in partnership with the Board of Directors.

• Translate long-term priorities into annual organizational goals, work plans, budgets, and measurable outcomes.

• Promote a positive culture of accountability, collaboration, transparency, inclusion, innovation, and continuous improvement.

• Ensure organizational systems, policies, and procedures support effective and sustainable operations.

• Partner with the Board to identify and pursue opportunities that expand the organization's impact and visibility.

 

Lead and Develop a High-Performing Team

 

• Supervise and support staff effectively and joyfully.

• Partner and collaborate effectively with the Board and Chapter and Committee chairs.

• Monitor progress and compliance with contractors.

• Establish clear roles, responsibilities, goals, and performance expectations.

• Foster a healthy, supportive workplace culture where employees understand how their work advances the mission.

• Provide ongoing coaching, feedback, professional development, and accountability.

 

Ensure Strong Financial Management and Sustainability

 

• Collaborate with the Board Treasurer to create the annual budget.

• Ensure sound financial management, effective internal controls, accurate reporting, regulatory compliance, insurance management, and proactive risk management.

• Work closely with the Board Treasurer and Financial Advisory Committee, bookkeeper, auditor, and Board to maintain financial health and transparency.

• Align organizational resources and investments with strategic priorities.

 

Serve as the Organization's Lead Fundraiser

 

• Build and sustain strong relationships with donors, foundations, sponsors, and funding partners.

• Lead fundraising efforts in partnership with the Board and Fundraising Committee.

• Identify, pursue, and steward grant opportunities (in partnership with the Program Team).

• Strengthen and diversify revenue streams to support long-term organizational sustainability.

 

Strengthen Membership, Communications, and Public Engagement

 

• Ensure responsive, professional, and high-quality service to members, volunteers, donors, partners, and the public.

• Oversee organizational communications, marketing, and outreach efforts.

• Promote awareness of WNPS programs, events, and advocacy initiatives.

• Serve as a visible ambassador and spokesperson for the organization.

 

Build Partnerships and Advance Advocacy

 

• Cultivate productive relationships with conservation organizations, public agencies, community leaders, and funders.

• Represent WNPS in statewide conversations related to native plant conservation and ecosystem stewardship.

• Support development and promotion of mission-based public policy positions approved by the Board.

 

Partner Effectively with the Board of Directors

 

• Maintain a collaborative and productive working relationship with the Board.

• Support effective governance, planning, compliance, and decision-making.

• Work closely with the Board President on meeting agendas, strategic priorities, and organizational reporting.

• Provide regular updates regarding organizational performance, opportunities, and challenges.

 

Qualifications

 

Required

 

• Five or more years of progressive leadership experience in a nonprofit, membership association, conservation, public service, or related organization.

• Experience leading and developing staff and volunteers.

• Experience working effectively with a Board of Directors.

• Budget management, insurance management, and financial oversight experience.

• Demonstrated success in fundraising, grant development, and donor cultivation.

• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.

 

Preferred

 

• Experience in conservation, ecology, native plants, environmental education, natural resources, or related fields.

• Experience with public policy, advocacy, or coalition building.

• Experience working with geographically distributed volunteers, chapters, or membership-based organizations.

• Familiarity with Washington State's conservation and environmental community.

 

Leadership Competencies

 

Most importantly, we seek a leader who can:

 

• Lead through influence rather than hierarchy.

• Inspire and engage highly committed volunteers.

• Balance strategic vision with operational execution.

• Build trust across diverse stakeholders.

• Drive accountability while fostering a positive organizational culture.

• Serve as a credible and effective ambassador for native plant conservation.

 

Location and Schedule

 

• Based in Seattle, Washington. Hybrid work arrangements may be negotiated.

• Full-time exempt position. Some evening and weekend work is required.

• Occasional statewide travel is expected.

 

Compensation and Benefits

 

This is a full-time, exempt position with a target starting compensation range of $110,000 to $125,000, depending on experience. WNPS offers a competitive benefits package, including:

 

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• Ten days paid time off.

• Paid sick leave.

• Seven paid holidays annually.

• Flexible work environment.

• An opportunity to lead a highly respected conservation organization and make a lasting impact across Washington State.

 

To Apply

 

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to careers@wnps.org with the subject line "ED application." Applicants are encouraged to apply by October 18, 2026, for priority consideration. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

 

In your cover letter, please describe your interest in the mission of the Washington Native Plant Society and highlight experience that demonstrates your ability to lead a nonprofit organization, work effectively with volunteers and boards, and advance fundraising and organizational growth.

 

The Washington Native Plant Society is committed to building an inclusive organization that reflects the diverse communities of Washington and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.