Executive Director

Columbia Land Trust seeks a collaborative and strategic Executive Director to lead its mission of conserving and caring for the vital lands, waters, and wildlife of the Columbia River region through sound science and strong relationships.

Columbia Land Trust seeks an inspiring, grounded leader who approaches conservation with deep respect for the science, the politics, and the people involved. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong leadership in thoughtfully guiding organizational growth while developing staff capacity and maintaining momentum. They bring strategic vision and a results-driven mindset to optimize resources, enhance performance, and deliver measurable conservation outcomes. They have strong ties to the Washington and Oregon communities and philanthropic landscape, or experience in a similar region, and a demonstrated commitment to working with, elevating, and genuinely learning from communities that have historically been marginalized in conservation spaces.

The incoming leader will arrive with a clear vision for the organization, the ability to articulate it compellingly to diverse audiences, and the humility to let that vision be shaped by staff, community, and partners. The Executive Director will embrace a critical moment: the final phase of a significant capital campaign that will require someone who can step in as a trusted, relationship-anchored community leader and close it with confidence and creativity.

Compensation

This is a full-time, exempt, benefit-eligible position. The anticipated annual salary range is $195,000 – $215,000, commensurate with experience.

Columbia Land Trust offers comprehensive benefits, including:

• 100% Health care coverage for employee
• 100% Dental coverage for employee
• up to 5% 401K matching
• $50,000 Life Insurance policy
• 4-week vacation accrual at time of hire with graduated increases based on years of service

Location

The Executive Director will work in a hybrid arrangement based at Columbia Land Trust's offices in Vancouver, Washington, with regular travel throughout the Columbia River region. There are two satellite offices: Astoria, OR, and White Salmon, WA. The position requires consistent in-person presence to build and sustain strong relationships with staff, board members, landowners, community partners, tribal nations, and donors. Occasional evening and weekend availability will be required for events, community programs, and organizational activities.

Start Date

Fall 2026

To Apply

Visit potrerogroup.com/clt and select “Apply Here.” Please include a resume and a cover letter describing your qualifications that match the position criteria and what you will bring to the role.

Interested candidates should apply by July 6, 2026, for priority consideration.

For More Information

For additional information regarding this opportunity, please contact Daniel Student, Managing Director and Search Lead at Potrero Group, at dstudent@potrerogroup.com.

More information on Columbia Land Trust can be found at columbialandtrust.org.