Executive Director, NoCo Places
Reports to: Executive Committee
Location: Day-to-day work is virtual; numerous meetings require travel within the NoCo region
Status: Full-Time
Salary: $145,000. This is a non-benefitted position, and the competitive salary has been structured to reflect and compensate for the lack of traditional benefits. There is also potential for salary growth based on success in securing additional funding and approval of the Executive Committee.
NoCo Places (“NoCo”) is looking for a full-time Executive Director with the passion, vision and leadership skills to build on the foundation established in its formative years and grow the organization’s impact and effectiveness as a regional, multi-jurisdictional public land collaborative focused on conserving natural and cultural resources while providing equitable access and a quality recreation experience.
About NoCo Places
NoCo Places (“NoCo”) is a group of nine federal, state and county land agencies[1] who came together in 2018 to collaborate in managing the impact of increased demand for outdoor recreation and visitation on natural and cultural resources in the north-central Front Range of Colorado. It is focused on collaboration across bureaucratic boundaries between these jurisdictions and sharing resources and management approaches.
NoCo’s decision-making body is its Executive Committee which consists of one representative from each of the nine agencies. It meets in person every month and decision-making is by consensus. Decisions are guided and informed by the NoCo Partners, an advisory group to NoCo that includes experts in issues important to the long-term management of public lands and additional staff from the nine agencies. The Partners meet virtually every other month. There are also two standing committees that meet regularly, and ad hoc committees tasked with working on specific issues or tasks. NoCo’s work is performed by its Executive Director and two part-time contractors. Funding comes from a combination of agency contributions and grants. The collaborative currently has no formal legal status, although efforts are underway to acquire legal status. In the meantime, its financial management is conducted with the assistance of a fiscal agent, Jeffco Open Space Foundation. NoCo is also a Regional Partner in Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Regional Partnership Initiative.
Position Summary:
The Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief executive officer of NoCo, overseeing the administration, programs, staff/contractor support and strategic direction of the organization. The ED works closely with the Executive Committee and part-time contractors to ensure the organization’s mission is effectively executed and that long-term sustainability of NoCo is achieved. The ED also cultivates and maintains strong relationships with the NoCo Partners, soliciting their input on strategic decisions and direction of NoCo, and with key stakeholders, policymakers and others important to NoCo’s success and effectiveness.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Leadership & Vision:
- Provide overall leadership and strategic direction in alignment with the organization’s mission, values, and goals.
- Work with the Executive Committee to implement NoCo’s Conservation and Recreation vision, define NoCo’s strategic plan and direction, and set organizational priorities.
- Creatively explore and lead the development and implementation of strategies that expand the organization’s impact within the NoCo region and across the state.
- Explore funding opportunities to expand NoCo’s impact and help ensure financial sustainability.
2. Management & Operations:
- Oversee the day-to-day operations of the organization, ensuring efficient processes, appropriate contractor management, and the proper allocation of resources.
- Supervise, mentor, and develop a high-performing team, promoting a positive organizational culture.
- Continuously evaluate NoCo’s structure to identify ways to enhance its effectiveness and impact.
3. Fundraising & Financial Oversight:
- Lead fundraising efforts, including the identification, cultivation, and solicitation of corporate, private, and grant opportunities, and the identification and development of new methods to raise funds.
- Work with NoCo’s fiscal agent to develop and monitor the budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainability.
- Provide regular reports to the Executive Committee on financial status, fundraising progress, and overall performance.
4. Executive Committee and Partner Development & Collaboration:
- Support and advise the Executive Committee in fulfilling its governance responsibilities, including strategic planning, financial oversight, and fundraising efforts.
- Build strong relationships with Executive Committee members to ensure long-term and informed engagement.
- Collaborate with Executive Committee members to strengthen the organization’s leadership capacity.
- Build strong relationships with current and future NoCo Partners, keeping them engaged and informed.
- Establish and/or strengthen relationships with community leaders, agency staff and leadership, elected officials, interest groups, policymakers and others important to the long-term success and effectiveness of NoCo.
5. Program Development & Impact:
- Ensure the development, implementation, and evaluation of programs that effectively address the needs of public lands in the region and the needs and desires of visitors to these public lands.
- Regularly assess and report on the impact of programs and services.
6. Public Relations & Advocacy:
- Represent the organization to external stakeholders, including donors, partners, policymakers, the media and the general public.
- Deliver presentations about the collaborative in various forums.
- Serve as a primary spokesperson for the organization, articulating its mission, programs, and values in various forums.
- Advocate for the organization’s cause and build relationships to enhance its public image and influence.
Qualifications:
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
- Experience: Please provide a brief explanation of previous work experience that demonstrates the following:
- Experience managing/facilitating coalitions or efforts whose decision-making leadership consists of executive-level decision-makers and elected officials.
- Experience in setting strategy and managing the operations of complex, multi-sector coalition efforts that span nonprofit, government, and for-profit sectors.
- A history of successfully working with, and having established positive working relationships with, leading civic, community, business, environmental and/or land management organizations across Colorado.
- Knowledge of or ability to quickly learn, content expertise that spans conservation programs, forest or natural resource management, conservation, and public land management.
- Skills:
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
- Strategic thinker with a track record of successful program and organizational development.
- Takes initiative while having the judgment to know when to seek authorization for decisions.
- Strong ability to work collaboratively and build consensus.
- Experience in budgeting, financial management, and reporting.
Personal Attributes:
- Passion for the mission and values of the organization.
- Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- High integrity, professionalism, and commitment to confidentiality.
- Adaptable and resilient in the face of challenges and change.
How to Apply:
Please submit your resume, cover letter, and three references by email to Steve Coffin:
steve (at) stevecoffinstrategies (dot) com
by May 1, 2025.
[1] NoCo’s nine agencies include the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Denver Mountain Parks, and Boulder, Clear Creek, Gilpin, Jefferson and Larimer Counties.