Send resume/cover letter to: Matt Hardebeck, Board President, at matthardebeck@outlook.com
Position Type: Full-time, Exempt
Benefits: Health, dental, vision, life & long-term disability insurance, paid time off (vacation, sick,
holidays), employee assistance program, membership privileges, professional development, 403(b) plan,
and casual work environment
The Fontenelle Forest Executive Director is responsible for the organization’s programmatic and
financial health as well as the overall vision of the organization in partnership with the board of
directors. As a passionate advocate of nature, the Executive Director thinks and plans strategically and
inspires community members to become engaged in the work of the Forest. This position develops and
implements policies and plans, and organizes, coordinates, and manages the programs and activities of
the Forest. The Executive Director oversees an annual budget of $3.3M and leads, motivates, and
evaluates the management team and staff.
The responsibilities of the Executive Director include the following:
Strategic & Operational Leadership:

• Develop, lead, and implement long range strategic plans, goals, and operating priorities; measure

• Ensure that the Forest’s operations are consistent with its governing documents, are conducted

• Ensure that resources and staffing models are well-managed to effectively support the

• Partner with the Director of Finance to support short and long-term participatory budget

• Lead and support the Forest’s staff in successful development, enhancement, and

Revenue Generation:

• Partner with the Director of Development and staff to establish clear fundraising strategies,

• Engage personally with donors and cultivate strong relationships with foundations, major donors,

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for capital and/or other long-term fundraising

Staff Engagement: Inspire, mentor, and lead a dedicated staff by fostering collaboration and teamwork, empowering

volunteers as needed

Board Governance:

• Establish and maintain relationships with the board of directors to seek their ideas, talents, and

• Partner with the board in its policy-making role and ensure its members have timely access to

• Provide support to the board, including cultivation and recruitment, direction on good

• Engage the board in mission driven strategic planning, updating members regularly on the status

OTHER DUTIES AS REQUESTED BY THE BOARD AND REQUIRED FOR EFFECTIVE ORGANIZATION
OPERATIONS.
Personal Characteristics:

• A passion for nature and strong desire to promote and educate around conservation
• Willingness to listen, learn, and receive contrary ideas
• Progressive thinking and problem solving
• A motivator who can empower teams to meet common goals

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s/Advanced degree preferred.
• At least 5 years of prior executive-level experience as a successful organization leader (nonprofit

partnerships, and inclusivity among organizational staff in order to maintain a positive and
collaborative work environment

• Outstanding communication skills and ability to work well with media, staff, and the community

• Regularly works at a desk, remaining in a stationary position up to 75% of the time
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery such as copier and

Organization
Founded in 1913, Fontenelle Forest is one of Nebraska’s oldest conservation organizations and one of
the largest private nature centers in the nation. Fontenelle Forest owns and manages Fontenelle Forest
in Bellevue and Neale Woods Nature Reserve in Omaha. The properties encompass over 2,000 acres of

forest, prairie, and wetlands along the Missouri River in the geographically significant Loess Hills.
Fontenelle Forest aspires to be a national leader in environmental stewardship and education and the
region’s premier nature center. Fontenelle Forest embraces the values of Integrity, Stewardship,
Excellence, Engagement, and Sustainability.
Fontenelle Forest values its employees and is committed to maintaining a positive working
environment; a culture and a value proposition that attracts and retains top, diverse talent. Beyond a
personal commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, we are looking for candidates with a strong
commitment to integrating equity and inclusion best practices into programs and services. People who
have lived experience in historically marginalized and excluded communities are especially encouraged
to apply.

Mission

The mission of Fontenelle Forest is to provide a place where people can experience and enjoy the quiet
wild of nature. We want to inspire current and future generations to care for the natural world.

Vision

The vision of Fontenelle Forest is to be a national leader in environmental stewardship and education
and the region’s premier nature center.

Fontenelle Forest is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex,
national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology, status as a Vietnam-

era or special disabled veteran, or any other basis prohibited by law in its hiring or in the administration of any of its
employment related policies and practices.