Slide Ranch Executive Director

Position Overview:

Slide Ranch’s Executive Director oversees the operations, programs and development of the historic 134 acre Slide Ranch perched on the beautiful Pacific coastline just north of San Francisco in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA). This position reports to the Slide Ranch Ranch Board and entails leading a dynamic team of educators and environmentalists, supporting educational partnerships with Bay Area schools and institutions, and spearheading fundraising to support Slide Ranch’s critical mission of planting kids in nature. In 2023, we had over 4,300 participants in our programs. 

Slide Ranch, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is committed to its mission of connecting children and people of all ages to the outdoors and partnering with community groups, families and educators to provide transformative learning experiences on our organic farm. A unique institution, Slide Ranch operates a working ranch/farm with goats, ducks, chickens, bees, vegetable beds and other crops, which serve as the lynchpin for the educational and community events hosted on site that includes tidepools and other natural elements of the Marin County Pacific coast. Most Slide Ranch staff reside on the property and support the day-to-day operations and education and community missions. Interested candidates should submit information here or send a resume, cover letter, and references to slideranchedsearch@gmail.com. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Responsibilities:

Overview:

• Serve as the face of the organization both internally and externally. 
• Manage the strategic plan and financials for Slide Ranch. 
• Lead a diverse team of educators and administrative staff who are committed to Slide Ranch’s mission, including a Program and Operations Director.
• Engage with the board of directors throughout the year for regular operations and program updates as well as financial, fundraising, construction, etc. as needed.
• Continue to develop a diverse and inclusive staff and program offerings.
• Expand partnerships and program offerings with the schools and other organizations that Slide Ranch serves.
• With the Slide Ranch Director Team, continue a strong working relationship with the GGNRA.

Fundraising:

• With support from the Board, develop and execute fundraising strategies to support annual operating expenses and periodic capital campaigns (e.g., to support upgrades to facilities).
• Cultivate relationships with donors and sponsors in the Bay Area and beyond.
• Identify and pursue grants from organizations supporting environmental and educational activities.
• Organize with the board and staff fundraising events, campaigns, and donor appreciation initiatives.

Campus/Ranch Operations:

• Working with the Director of Operations manage day-to-day operations of Slide Ranch, ensuring smooth functioning operations of a working ranch with animals. 
• Oversee the Director of Operations’ development of maintenance plans, facilities and infrastructure updates and communicate upcoming needs to the board. 
• Collaborate with staff, volunteers, and partners to maintain a sustainable and environmentally conscious campus.

Community Engagement and Education

• Expand partnerships with Bay Area schools and other organizations to help ensure that Slide Ranch continues to fulfill its core mission.  
• Oversee the Program Director’s development and implementation of educational programs for students and community members.
• Support efforts to create engaging workshops, tours, and hands-on activities related to environmental conservation, sustainable agriculture, and biodiversity.
• Foster a love for nature and inspire environmental stewardship among participants.
• Represent the organization at community events, conferences, and meetings.
• Advocate for environmental education and awareness.

Requirements

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, education, nonprofit management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in a relevant field (e.g., non-profit or for-profit management; environmental education).
• Experience in managing and leading a team, fundraising, grant writing, or donor relations
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Demonstrated passion for environmental conservation and outdoor education.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit here or send a cover letter, and references to slideranchedsearch@gmail.com. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Background On Slide Ranch

Slide Ranch is located on the Marin coast, on land that has a rich history in connecting people to food. The Miwok once fished and foraged for food at this site, and in the late 19th century Portuguese dairy farmers purchased the land and produced milk and butter for residents of San Francisco. In 1969, 134 acres of this fertile coastline were rescued from commercial development and purchased by the Nature Conservancy thanks to our Co-Founder Doug Ferguson, and his role and Huey Johnson in preserving Slide Ranch from future developments. The Slide Ranch nonprofit organization was established in 1970, becoming one of the first Park Partners in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

Mission:

We connect children and people of all ages to the outdoors and partner with community groups, families and educators to provide transformative learning experiences on our organic farm and national park land along the California coast. 

Vision

We envision a world in which everyone feels a sense of belonging and wonder in the outdoors. That life-changing experiences in nature are an important part of every child’s education. All people understand and value the connections between their own health, food and the environment and are inspired and empowered to actively protect the environment and live in ways that sustain it.

Core Values,  We believe that:

• Nature Immersion: Spending time and learning in the outdoors supports mental and physical well-being and fosters respect, love and understanding of nature.
• Inclusion: An equitable, just approach to inclusion must address the systemic barriers that exist in our society. People of all races, backgrounds and abilities have a right to access nature, feel welcome and safe outdoors, and be able to learn in programs that are relevant to their cultures and their lives.    
• Community: Gathering together outdoors creates meaningful connections among people, facilitates mutual respect and understanding, enhances learning, and promotes a shared joy in nature. Building community through nature with inclusion promotes equity and justice.
• Stewardship: Protecting and giving back to the land is our collective responsibility, recognizes indigenous culture and knowledge, and promotes healthy ecosystems in which people, animals and nature thrive together.
• Sustainability: Sustainable farming and organizational practices honor our interconnection with nature, promote the health of our food systems and environment, and mitigate climate change.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Slide Ranch provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Slide Ranch complies with all applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, and transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Benefits

Compensation and Benefits:

• Compensation will be commensurate with experience. We are targeting a salary range between $120,000 - $150,000
• Health Benefits include medical, dental and vision
• Life Insurance
• 11 Paid Holidays + 1 Floating Holiday per Year
• 20 Vacation Days for this role
• 12 Paid Sick Days
• 401k and after one year of service a 3% contribution to the 401K from Slide Ranch not contingent on employee contributions