Company description

The Long Branch Environmental Education Center is a small educational institution located in Buncombe County's Newfound Mountains, about 18 miles northwest of Asheville, North Carolina. Set aside in 1974 as an ecological sanctuary and land trust, Long Branch has developed into an educational center for sharing positive strategies of local self-reliance in environmental design, organic food production, renewable energy, shelter design and construction, resource conservation, wildlife protection, and improved environmental quality. 

Job description

This is a rare opportunity to lead the re-emergence of a deeply rooted environmental education center. The incoming Executive Director will serve as a visionary and practical leader through a time of transition, reconnection, and renewal. 

The initial time commitment is approximately 5 hours per week, with significant flexibility and potential for growth as funding is secured. The ideal candidate will bring a blend of strategic thinking, development skills, ecological literacy, and a deep respect for land-based, community-rooted work.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership & Visioning

• Shepherd the organization into its next chapter while honoring its 50-year legacy
• Collaborate with the board to shape strategic direction and define organizational priorities
• Support planning for long-term land stewardship, infrastructure, and programming

Fundraising & Resource Development

• Identify and apply for grants to fund the Executive Director role and future programming
• Develop and maintain relationships with donors, foundations, and funding partners
• Explore additional revenue streams (e.g., programs, events, facility use, partnerships)

Program & Land-Based Education (with support)

• Support the current Education Director to co-develop educational offerings aligned with Long Branch’s mission
• Engage with local schools, educators, and community partners
• Help steward and protect the land as a living classroom and sanctuary

Organizational Operations

• Rebuild organizational systems (financial tracking, communications, volunteer coordination)
• Ensure compliance with nonprofit governance and reporting requirements
• Help recruit and support volunteers, interns, and potential staff as capacity grows

Community Engagement & Relationship-Building

• Reconnect with Long Branch’s extended community of supporters and past participants
• Develop new partnerships with aligned organizations, schools, and networks
• Act as a visible, thoughtful representative of Long Branch’s mission and values

QUALIFICATIONS

• Deep commitment to environmental education, sustainability, and land-based learning
• Strong self-direction, initiative, and ability to work with limited structure or supervision
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, especially grant writing
• Experience in nonprofit leadership, project management, or organizational development
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  A collaborative spirit and ability to navigate complex transitions with humility and care
• Familiarity with Western North Carolina’s ecological and cultural landscape (preferred)
• Location: Some on-site presence strongly preferred; must live within one hour’s drive of the center; flexible/hybrid options possible depending on circumstances to begin. Housing is NOT currently available for this position.

Compensation

this position is: hourly, $20/hr +

Application instructions

If you are not registered, you'll be prompted to do so. Don't worry, it's free!

Deadline

no deadline