Executive Director

SCENIC UTAH is a pivotal organization that wields significant influence on visual and planning policies at national, state, county, city, and town levels. The Executive Director serves as the lead point of contact for all matters relating to the organization and represents and acts on behalf of the organization under the mission and goals as established by the Board of Directors.

The Executive Director is responsible for management and oversight of all day-to-day operations and programs of the organization. Core functions include staff and volunteer leadership and management; agenda-setting and program development; fundraising and donor development; engagement with and accountability to the Board of Directors; implementation of Scenic Utah’s long-term plan; and carrying out its goals and objectives in accordance with the mission, vision, and fiscal objectives.

The successful candidate will work with the outgoing Executive Director for a specified transition period. They will work with the Board to establish and implement the organization’s second five-year plan, including making hiring and fundraising decisions that reflect the plan.

Primary Responsibilities

- Providing overall leadership to a small operational staff, the Board of Directors, consultants and volunteers.

- Managing day-to-day operations, including responding to constituent requests for information and guidance; recruiting, onboarding and managing volunteers, consultants and staff; and performing high-level administrative tasks.

- Donor development and fundraising to support operations and existing programs and initiatives – including grant writing and grant management and reporting.

- Increasing awareness of the organization’s mission and services among new constituencies and communities throughout Utah and encouraging their engagement in scenic preservation activities and activism.

- Identifying future strategic opportunities.

- Building relationships and working with elected leaders—including municipal, state, and county officials; planning and community development directors; and others involved in issues related to visual resources, aesthetic design, and community character.

- Supporting new board member development and the existing Board of Directors in setting, clarifying, and evaluating board activities, goals and objectives.

- Ensuring the organization’s positive financial position.

- Determining staffing, volunteer and internship needs; hiring and supervising teams and consultants; and other tasks related to team building and growing the organization’s capacity, visibility and impact.

Desired Qualifications 

- Experience in a management or assistant management role for a nonprofit organization, foundation, or government agency.

- Ability to build and maintain relationships with a diverse array of people and organizations.

- Familiarity with Utah’s diverse natural landscapes and communities, and a demonstrated commitment to scenic conservation and protection of the state’s extraordinary visual resources.

- Familiarity with the Utah Legislature and the legislative process, and an understanding of  local government issues and decision-making. Previous legislative advocacy experience is a plus.

- Strong fundraising and grant writing capability and an ability to recruit and engage new donors.

- Familiarity with donor management software.

- Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills with good attention to detail.

- Highly competent organizational and computer skills.

- Ability to inspire volunteers and consultants to set goals and objectives and see projects through to completion.

- Collaborative, tolerant, patient.

- Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field preferred.

Why Work with Us?  In just five years since launching, Scenic Utah has become a reputable source of information and advocacy on a range of issues pertaining to scenic preservation and community aesthetics. Our large and growing constituency includes residents and public leaders who are committed to protecting Utah’s extraordinary beauty and reducing the rampant visual pollution that is decreasing Utah property values, hindering economic development, marring our views and imperiling our sense of identity, health, and wellbeing.  As the only statewide organization working on this problem, Scenic Utah is tackling a major issue that has long been ignored by policy makers. Besides the gratification of ‘perpetuating the virtuous and the beautiful’, as one commenter described our mission, working with Scenic Utah offers a unique opportunity to connect with a range of stakeholders on a topic that strikes a deep emotional chord among a majority of residents and visitors.

The new Executive Director will play a key role in continuing to shape the mission, services, reach, and impact of Scenic Utah; setting strategic priorities and focus areas; recruiting staff and volunteers; growing the organization; and delivering lasting scenic protections for our beautiful state. The position offers flexibility and high-level experience in non-profit management, and an opportunity to work remotely but closely with consultants and volunteers who are passionate about Utah’s unparalleled scenic resources.  

Salary/Benefits: $68,000 to $72,000, depending on experience. Benefits are not included at this time. The successful candidate may opt to adopt a benefits package, based on continued successful fundraising and donor development activities. Work is currently carried out remotely.

Deadline: May 19, 2024

TO APPLY: Please email a detailed resume/cover letter in Word or PDF format to both:

Kate Kopischke
Scenic Utah Executive Director
kate@scenicutah.org

and

Janet Muir
Scenic Utah Governing Board Member
janet.e.muir@gmail.com