Co-Director, Development and Operations

The Patagonia Area Resource Alliance (PARA) is a grassroots nonprofit working to protect the water, air, and wildlife of the Patagonia Mountains and the broader Sky Islands region in Southern Arizona, under threat from increasing industrial mining activity. PARA is seeking a full-time Co-Director of Development & Operations, to join a passionate and successful team in holding foreign mining companies accountable to all environmental laws and regulations, as well as working to improve lax regulations regarding mining, in order to preserve the region's rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. 

The Patagonia Area Resource Alliance (PARA) is a nonprofit organization working since 2011 to protect the Patagonia Mountains in Southeast Arizona from environmental degradation caused by industrial mining, and to collaborate with like-minded organizations to forge a just and resilient future. We are dedicated to conserving the integrity of natural ecosystems, cultural heritage, and human communities and values in and around the Patagonia Mountains and Sonoita Creek Watershed. 

With a strong record of successes, PARA partners with other environmental organizations, local elected representatives, and government agencies charged with the stewardship of our public lands. When state and federal agencies fail to follow environmental laws and regulations, we seek justice through the legal system. Where state and federal regulations are inadequate to protect natural resources and cultural heritage from mining damage, we organize to improve these regulations. 

Geographic Location: This position is headquartered in Patagonia, AZ. A remote workplace is acceptable, but the successful candidate will be required to be physically present in Patagonia on a regular basis, as needed. 

Compensation: $65,000 to $75,000 annually, based on relevant experience. The compensation is inclusive of a Health Reimbursement Arrangement.

The Co-Director of Development & Operations provides organizational leadership for PARA’s fundraising strategy, financial management, administrative systems, and organizational sustainability. This role works in close partnership with the Co-Director of Programs & Advocacy to ensure alignment between mission priorities and organizational capacity.

This position reports to the Board Executive Committee and directly supervises the Administrative Assistant and relevant contractors.

Fundraising & Donor Relations

• Develop and implement PARA’s strategic fundraising plan, including major donor cultivation, grant proposals, foundation relationships, and fundraising campaigns
• Maintain and deepen relationships with current donors while building new donor pipelines
• Track fundraising performance and provide regular reports to the Board
• Oversee donor communications in coordination with Communications Committee

Financial Management & Organizational Administration

• Collaborate with the Finance and Fundraising Committee to develop and monitor the annual operating budget
• Work with the Treasurer to maintain financial records required for 501(c)(3) compliance
• Ensure timely submission of required filings and reporting
• Oversee CRM systems, donor databases, and administrative workflows
• Supervise Administrative Assistant and support contractor coordination

Organizational Operations & Governance

• Support Board development, recruitment, and engagement
• Lead strategic planning implementation related to organizational growth and sustainability
• Maintain policies, procedures, and internal systems that support effective operations
• Ensure logistical coordination for meetings, events, and presentations

Communications Infrastructure

• Coordinate production timelines for newsletters, print materials, and fundraising communications
• Support website, social media, and outreach systems from an operational and strategic standpoint

Qualifications

• Proven fundraising success including major gifts and grants
• Experience managing nonprofit budgets and administrative systems
• Strong organizational leadership and staff supervision experience
• Familiarity with CRM platforms (Little Green Light preferred)
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills
• Entrepreneurial mindset and ability to build systems in a small organization

Shared Leadership Expectations (Both Co-Directors)

• Joint responsibility for organizational strategy and mission execution
• Regular coordination and shared decision-making
• Collective accountability to the Board
• Commitment to transparent communication and collaborative leadership
• Flexibility to support organizational needs beyond defined role boundaries

Patagonia Area Resource Alliance is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or disability. 

To apply, send a resume and cover letter to Anna Darian, anna@patagoniaalliance.org. Position open until filled.

Applications received through the "Easy Apply" button without a cover letter will not be considered.