Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education, Denver, Colorado, United States
The Executive Director will provide executive leadership to complete a major capital campaign, open a world-class facility in 2026, and scale operations from ~$800K to $2M+ annually. You will:
Lead and grow the team
from 4 FTE to 12+ FTE by 2030, recruiting exceptional talent in education, development, and operations while building a culture that attracts mission-driven professionals to a mountain community
Complete the capital campaign , raising the remaining $4M+ while converting capital donors to operational supporters and establishing sustainable fundraising systems for long-term organizational health
Launch transformational programming
including nature preschool, expanded camps, school partnerships, adult education, visitor experiences, and earned revenue streams — all designed from scratch for the new facility
Manage facility opening and operations , overseeing construction completion, move‑in logistics, and phased program launches while ensuring regulatory compliance and operational excellence
Build strategic partnerships
with Town of Nederland, Boulder County, schools, regional environmental organizations, and community stakeholders to anchor Wild Bear as an essential regional resource
Provide transparent financial stewardship
to the Board, managing complex budgets, cash flow, multi‑year planning, and achieving operational sustainability
Serve as the visible public face
of Wild Bear, becoming an authentic, active member of the Nederland community and trusted voice for environmental education across the region
What We’re Looking For
7+ years nonprofit executive leadership with demonstrated success in organizational transformation, growth, or startup operations
Proven major gift fundraising ($100K+) with verifiable results in completing capital campaigns ($5M+ strongly preferred)
Experience in environmental education, nature centers, outdoor education, or closely related mission‑driven fields
Track record building high‑performing teams, implementing professional systems, and scaling operations sustainably
Critical Success Factors:
Entrepreneurial mindset : Comfort with ambiguity, fast decision‑making, hands‑on leadership, and building infrastructure in real‑time
Fundraising excellence : Personally demonstrated ability to cultivate, solicit, and close major gifts while building diversified revenue streams
Community integration : Deep appreciation for small mountain community dynamics and commitment to establishing authentic local roots and residency
Financial acumen : Nonprofit financial management, budgeting audit processes, and ability to make tough decisions while maintaining quality
Operational rigor : Absolute commitment to regulatory compliance (childcare licensing, HR best practices, nonprofit standards)
Mission passion : Genuine love for connecting people with nature — not just managing nonprofits generically
What We Offer
Salary : $120,000 - $145,000 + an incentive‑based bonus structure (commensurate with experience and demonstrated fundraising success), with significant growth potential tied to organizational success
Benefits : Health insurance stipend, retirement plan with match, generous PTO, professional development support, possible relocation assistance available
Lifestyle : Live in Nederland — a quirky mountain town of 1,500 at 8,300 feet, 30 minutes from Boulder, 90 minutes from Denver, with world‑class outdoor recreation at your doorstep
Opportunity : Ground‑floor leadership of a brand‑new facility with regional impact, autonomy to build from scratch, and a platform to become a recognized leader in Colorado's environmental education community
Application Process Submit cover letter and resume to
[emailprotected] . In your cover letter, address why this moment and this opportunity excite you.
Application review begins immediately and continues until filled. Early application strongly encouraged.
Wild Bear provides equal employment opportunities and strongly encourages applications from candidates who reflect the diversity of our community and audiences we serve.
Wild Bear Nature Center inspires a lifelong connection to nature and community through creative exploration of the outdoors.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Lead and grow the team
from 4 FTE to 12+ FTE by 2030, recruiting exceptional talent in education, development, and operations while building a culture that attracts mission-driven professionals to a mountain community
Complete the capital campaign , raising the remaining $4M+ while converting capital donors to operational supporters and establishing sustainable fundraising systems for long-term organizational health
Launch transformational programming
including nature preschool, expanded camps, school partnerships, adult education, visitor experiences, and earned revenue streams — all designed from scratch for the new facility
Manage facility opening and operations , overseeing construction completion, move‑in logistics, and phased program launches while ensuring regulatory compliance and operational excellence
Build strategic partnerships
with Town of Nederland, Boulder County, schools, regional environmental organizations, and community stakeholders to anchor Wild Bear as an essential regional resource
Provide transparent financial stewardship
to the Board, managing complex budgets, cash flow, multi‑year planning, and achieving operational sustainability
Serve as the visible public face
of Wild Bear, becoming an authentic, active member of the Nederland community and trusted voice for environmental education across the region
What We’re Looking For
7+ years nonprofit executive leadership with demonstrated success in organizational transformation, growth, or startup operations
Proven major gift fundraising ($100K+) with verifiable results in completing capital campaigns ($5M+ strongly preferred)
Experience in environmental education, nature centers, outdoor education, or closely related mission‑driven fields
Track record building high‑performing teams, implementing professional systems, and scaling operations sustainably
Critical Success Factors:
Entrepreneurial mindset : Comfort with ambiguity, fast decision‑making, hands‑on leadership, and building infrastructure in real‑time
Fundraising excellence : Personally demonstrated ability to cultivate, solicit, and close major gifts while building diversified revenue streams
Community integration : Deep appreciation for small mountain community dynamics and commitment to establishing authentic local roots and residency
Financial acumen : Nonprofit financial management, budgeting audit processes, and ability to make tough decisions while maintaining quality
Operational rigor : Absolute commitment to regulatory compliance (childcare licensing, HR best practices, nonprofit standards)
Mission passion : Genuine love for connecting people with nature — not just managing nonprofits generically
What We Offer
Salary : $120,000 - $145,000 + an incentive‑based bonus structure (commensurate with experience and demonstrated fundraising success), with significant growth potential tied to organizational success
Benefits : Health insurance stipend, retirement plan with match, generous PTO, professional development support, possible relocation assistance available
Lifestyle : Live in Nederland — a quirky mountain town of 1,500 at 8,300 feet, 30 minutes from Boulder, 90 minutes from Denver, with world‑class outdoor recreation at your doorstep
Opportunity : Ground‑floor leadership of a brand‑new facility with regional impact, autonomy to build from scratch, and a platform to become a recognized leader in Colorado's environmental education community
Application Process Submit cover letter and resume to
[emailprotected] . In your cover letter, address why this moment and this opportunity excite you.
Application review begins immediately and continues until filled. Early application strongly encouraged.
Wild Bear provides equal employment opportunities and strongly encourages applications from candidates who reflect the diversity of our community and audiences we serve.
Wild Bear Nature Center inspires a lifelong connection to nature and community through creative exploration of the outdoors.
#J-18808-Ljbffr