Executive Director

Executive Director: Lindsay Wildlife Experience

Walnut Creek, California

The Opportunity

Lindsay Wildlife Experience seeks a leader who understands that meaningful connections with wildlife inspire people to care for and protect the natural world.

Our next Executive Director will guide a beloved Bay Area institution into its next chapter, strengthening financial sustainability, growing community impact, and ensuring that thousands of injured wild animals continue to get a second chance.

This role is equal parts community ambassador, organizational leader, and fundraiser. The ED will work closely with an engaged Board, a passionate staff, and hundreds of volunteers to ensure that Lindsay remains one of the country’s most respected wildlife rehabilitation and education organizations. If you are a strong organizational leader who enjoys building relationships, telling a compelling story, and helping mission-driven teams do their best work, we would love to meet you.

About Lindsay Wildlife Experience

Founded in 1955, Lindsay Wildlife Experience connects people with wildlife to inspire responsibility and respect for the natural world.

Each year:

• 5,500 injured and orphaned wild animals receive care in Lindsay’s wildlife hospital

• 60,000 visitors experience our exhibits and programs

• 20,000 students participate in educational programs

• 300 volunteers contribute their time and expertise

Visitors might hear a red-tailed hawk call overhead, watch a great horned owl eat lunch, or meet one of our animal ambassadors up close, experiences that often spark a lifelong appreciation for wildlife. Lindsay is both a wildlife rehabilitation hospital and a wildlife education center, a rare and powerful combination.

The Role

The ED leads the organization’s strategy, finances, fundraising, and operations while serving as Lindsay’s primary ambassador in the community. Success in this role requires someone who can build relationships, inspire support, and lead a talented team with clarity and care. And occasionally explain why there is a desert tortoise in the lobby.

Leadership & Strategy

• Lead the organization’s strategy in partnership with the Board and leadership team

• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and mission-driven culture

• Innovate and evolve programs to deliver meaningful impact

Fundraising & Revenue Growth (Core Priority)

• Serve as Lindsay’s chief fundraiser and relationship builder

• Personally cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors and key partners

• Strengthen both contributed and earned revenue streams

Team & Operations

• Lead and develop a high-performing staff and volunteer organization

• Oversee financial management, budgeting, and operational effectiveness for all parts of the organization (hospital, programs, physical facility, etc).

• Ensure compliance with nonprofit best practices and regulatory requirements

Community Engagement

• Be Lindsay’s public ambassador with donors, partners, the press, and broader community

• Build partnerships that expand Lindsay’s reach and impact

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for someone who:

• Has significant leadership experience running a complex organization or division, including >$1M budgets and P&L responsibility

• Has proven success in fundraising, revenue generation, or sales/business development

• Has demonstrated passion for community engagement and mission-driven work

• Has a bachelor's degree

• Is a thoughtful manager who develops strong teams and empowers others to succeed

• Can balance strategy and execution, seeing the big picture AND the details

• Brings curiosity, humility, and a sense of humor every day

A background in nonprofit leadership, wildlife, conservation, museums, or education is helpful but not required.

In the first 6 months, the Executive Director will focus on:

• Building relationships and trust with staff, volunteers, Board members, donors, and community partners to understand Lindsay’s strengths and opportunities

• Strengthening fundraising momentum, including deepening relationships with existing donors and engaging new supporters with a clear, actionable development plan

• Aligning around strategic priorities, clarifying Lindsay’s mission/vision and translating into a focused set of initiatives with clear goals and accountability

• Drive alignment between hospital and program operations along with the facility they share, managing facility upgrades, and crafting modernization plan

• Elevating Lindsay’s visibility and story to broaden support and engagement

Compensation

Salary range: $150,000 – $170,000, depending on experience, plus benefits

Lindsay Wildlife Experience is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds and experiences.