Carolina Raptor Center
About Carolina Raptor Center
Carolina Raptor Center (CRC) is a nonprofit organization based in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, dedicated to the conservation of birds of prey through education, research, and rehabilitation. Each year, CRC provides medical care to more than 800 injured and orphaned raptors, making it one of the largest raptor rehabilitation facilities in the country with more than 10,000 rehabilitated raptors released to-date. CRC also operates the Raptor Trail, a zoo highlighting birds of prey and offering immersive experiences that inspire visitors of all ages to develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world. The Raptor Trail is home to more than 30 birds from all over the world and is visited by more than 40,000 guests each year. With a mission to ignite a passion for raptors and a responsibility for our shared natural environment, CRC plays a vital role in fostering environmental stewardship across the region. The Opportunity
The Executive Director of Carolina Raptor Center (CRC) serves as the chief executive officer of the organization, responsible for overall leadership, strategic direction, and day-to-day management. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director ensures CRC’s long-term sustainability and mission alignment, providing strong organizational oversight, leading a energetic team of professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration and shared accountability, while serving as the public face of CRC to partners, funders, and the broader community. This is a pivotal moment for CRC as it embarks on a new chapter focused on strengthening the organization’s operational foundation and enhancing the visitor experience through thoughtful investment in its physical campus. The Executive Director will work closely with both internal stakeholders and external partners to advance CRC’s environmental mission, build its philanthropic strength, and strengthen its role as a regional and national leader in raptor conservation and education. The Role
Carolina Raptor Center seeks a strategic and mission-driven Executive Director to lead the organization into its next era of impact. This individual will serve as the chief executive, guiding day-to-day operations, overseeing a talented and energetic team, and partnering with the Board of Directors to advance CRC’s vision for conservation, education, and community engagement. The ideal candidate brings strong leadership experience, a collaborative spirit, and a deep commitment to environmental stewardship. Chief responsibilities include: Leadership & Organizational Management Lead the organization in alignment with CRC’s mission, values, and strategic priorities. Provide direct supervision to leadership staff, including Director of Raptor Rehabilitation and Operations, Director of Ambassador Programs and Education, and Director of External Relations. Ensure a healthy, inclusive, and collaborative workplace culture rooted in excellence, equity, and accountability. Oversee operational alignment with policies and procedures, ensuring sound governance and legal compliance. Strategic & Capital Project Oversight Lead implementation of strategic priorities, including execution of capital improvements and long-term vision planning. Manage the ongoing partnership with Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation. Cultivate and sustain public-private partnerships to maximize impact. Development & External Relations Serve as the primary ambassador and spokesperson for CRC. Build philanthropic support through cultivation of individual donors, corporate sponsors, and institutional funders in partnership with External Relations team. Oversee development strategy, including annual fundraising, capital campaigns, and planned giving efforts. Raise visibility through media relations, community engagement, and storytelling. Financial & Operational Stewardship Provide fiscal oversight and lead budget development in collaboration with the Finance Manager and fractional Finance Director via shared services partnership. Monitor and manage financial performance to ensure long-term sustainability. Oversee facilities management and property stewardship across CRC sites. Board Relations & Governance Serve as liaison to the Board of Directors, providing timely updates, strategic counsel, and administrative support. Partner with the Board Chair to manage governance activities, including board development, committee engagement, and meeting preparation. Staff key board committees, including Facilities, Finance, and Governance. Candidate Qualifications
Required Minimum of 10 years of nonprofit leadership experience, with demonstrated success in executive-level roles. Proven fundraising and donor cultivation expertise. Strong financial acumen and experience with budget development and oversight. Effective team leadership and people management skills. Exceptional communication and public speaking abilities. Familiarity with facilities oversight and capital project management. Bachelor’s degree in business, environmental science, or related field. Valid driver’s license (NC license required upon hire). Preferred Advanced degree in nonprofit leadership, environmental studies, or business administration. Experience leading organizations in transition or growth phases. Knowledge of wildlife conservation, environmental education, or science-based programming. Familiarity with Mecklenburg County and regional community partners. To Apply
CRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in its work and staff. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable state or federal law. Next Stage encourages candidates of all groups and communities to apply for this position. Send all inquiries, nominations and applications via email to Next Stage ( search@nextstage-consulting.com ). Applications must include a custom/compelling cover letter and CV to be considered for the role. Please also indicate where you learned of the opportunity. Please note that only those candidates invited for screening will be contacted. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.
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Carolina Raptor Center (CRC) is a nonprofit organization based in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, dedicated to the conservation of birds of prey through education, research, and rehabilitation. Each year, CRC provides medical care to more than 800 injured and orphaned raptors, making it one of the largest raptor rehabilitation facilities in the country with more than 10,000 rehabilitated raptors released to-date. CRC also operates the Raptor Trail, a zoo highlighting birds of prey and offering immersive experiences that inspire visitors of all ages to develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world. The Raptor Trail is home to more than 30 birds from all over the world and is visited by more than 40,000 guests each year. With a mission to ignite a passion for raptors and a responsibility for our shared natural environment, CRC plays a vital role in fostering environmental stewardship across the region. The Opportunity
The Executive Director of Carolina Raptor Center (CRC) serves as the chief executive officer of the organization, responsible for overall leadership, strategic direction, and day-to-day management. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director ensures CRC’s long-term sustainability and mission alignment, providing strong organizational oversight, leading a energetic team of professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration and shared accountability, while serving as the public face of CRC to partners, funders, and the broader community. This is a pivotal moment for CRC as it embarks on a new chapter focused on strengthening the organization’s operational foundation and enhancing the visitor experience through thoughtful investment in its physical campus. The Executive Director will work closely with both internal stakeholders and external partners to advance CRC’s environmental mission, build its philanthropic strength, and strengthen its role as a regional and national leader in raptor conservation and education. The Role
Carolina Raptor Center seeks a strategic and mission-driven Executive Director to lead the organization into its next era of impact. This individual will serve as the chief executive, guiding day-to-day operations, overseeing a talented and energetic team, and partnering with the Board of Directors to advance CRC’s vision for conservation, education, and community engagement. The ideal candidate brings strong leadership experience, a collaborative spirit, and a deep commitment to environmental stewardship. Chief responsibilities include: Leadership & Organizational Management Lead the organization in alignment with CRC’s mission, values, and strategic priorities. Provide direct supervision to leadership staff, including Director of Raptor Rehabilitation and Operations, Director of Ambassador Programs and Education, and Director of External Relations. Ensure a healthy, inclusive, and collaborative workplace culture rooted in excellence, equity, and accountability. Oversee operational alignment with policies and procedures, ensuring sound governance and legal compliance. Strategic & Capital Project Oversight Lead implementation of strategic priorities, including execution of capital improvements and long-term vision planning. Manage the ongoing partnership with Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation. Cultivate and sustain public-private partnerships to maximize impact. Development & External Relations Serve as the primary ambassador and spokesperson for CRC. Build philanthropic support through cultivation of individual donors, corporate sponsors, and institutional funders in partnership with External Relations team. Oversee development strategy, including annual fundraising, capital campaigns, and planned giving efforts. Raise visibility through media relations, community engagement, and storytelling. Financial & Operational Stewardship Provide fiscal oversight and lead budget development in collaboration with the Finance Manager and fractional Finance Director via shared services partnership. Monitor and manage financial performance to ensure long-term sustainability. Oversee facilities management and property stewardship across CRC sites. Board Relations & Governance Serve as liaison to the Board of Directors, providing timely updates, strategic counsel, and administrative support. Partner with the Board Chair to manage governance activities, including board development, committee engagement, and meeting preparation. Staff key board committees, including Facilities, Finance, and Governance. Candidate Qualifications
Required Minimum of 10 years of nonprofit leadership experience, with demonstrated success in executive-level roles. Proven fundraising and donor cultivation expertise. Strong financial acumen and experience with budget development and oversight. Effective team leadership and people management skills. Exceptional communication and public speaking abilities. Familiarity with facilities oversight and capital project management. Bachelor’s degree in business, environmental science, or related field. Valid driver’s license (NC license required upon hire). Preferred Advanced degree in nonprofit leadership, environmental studies, or business administration. Experience leading organizations in transition or growth phases. Knowledge of wildlife conservation, environmental education, or science-based programming. Familiarity with Mecklenburg County and regional community partners. To Apply
CRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in its work and staff. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable state or federal law. Next Stage encourages candidates of all groups and communities to apply for this position. Send all inquiries, nominations and applications via email to Next Stage ( search@nextstage-consulting.com ). Applications must include a custom/compelling cover letter and CV to be considered for the role. Please also indicate where you learned of the opportunity. Please note that only those candidates invited for screening will be contacted. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.
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