Overview

The California State Director is responsible for developing and leading The Trust for Public Land’s programmatic activities throughout the state. With a staff of 26, three office locations and an overall operating budget of more than $23M annually in California, the State Director leads and mentors the programmatic staff and works in close collaboration with the West Division Director and Director of Philanthropy to raise funding to support the state’s programs and operating costs. The State Director is also responsible for working with public/non-profit partners, major donors, the California Advisory Board, and others within The Trust for Public Land organization to enhance opportunities for success in each of the regional offices, located in Sacramento, Pasadena and San Francisco, and its programs. The individual must demonstrate a proven track record working with key individuals in the philanthropic community.

Key Responsibilities and Roles:

  • Philanthropy (35%)
  • Program Development and Management (25%)
  • Management/Administration (15%)
  • External Relations (25%)

Factors Critical for Success:

Within the first year, the successful candidate will have:

  • Mastered a learning curve of The Trust for Public Land to effectively assume management of the future of the California office. This includes an understanding of Trust for Public Land’s core practice areas (PLAN, FUND, PROTECT, and CREATE), as well as national programs, and embracing a role in fundraising.
  • Built external relationships with partners, especially members of the Advisory Board, civic organizations, and governmental entities.
  • Developed, in partnership with the California Director of Philanthropy, a top 10-20 list of major donors with a strong emphasis on individuals. The State Director will be the natural partner for many of these donors.
  • Become proficient in organizational financial systems to ensure a sustainable model for the California office.
  • Established effective communication with the Advisory Board and volunteer leaders – providing all information necessary for the Board to function properly and to inspire their active engagement and support of local and national activities.
  • Maintained and enhanced The Trust for Public Land’s image by being active and visible in the community.

Core Competencies

The Trust for Public Land is seeking a dynamic, experienced leader to lead programming throughout the state. This individual will have at least 5 years’ experience in an organization focused on public urban work and/or land protection, and at least 8 years of relevant non-profit work experience, including at least 5 years of staff management. Ideally an experienced Executive Director, s/he will have experience with public finance techniques, government funding practices and procedures, the foundation community, fundraising, marketing practices, best management practices and budgeting practices.

In addition, successful candidates will have the following core competencies:

  • Strategic Leadership & Planning
  • Operations Management & Oversight
  • External Relations and Communications
  • Fundraising Expertise
  • Collaboration, Relationship-building and Board Relations
  • Passion for the Mission

Contact:

The Trust for Public Land has engaged Koya Leadership Partners to help in this hire. This search is being led by Medelene Beasley and Michelle Bonoan. Please submit a resume here or email Michelle and Medelene at the following:

Medelene Beasley
Principal
mbeasley@koyapartners.com

Michelle R.S. Bonoan
Managing Director
mbonoan@koyapartners.com

The Trust for Public Land does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation or other characteristic covered by law with regard to employment opportunities.

Apply here.

About The Trust for Public Land

The Trust for Public Land is seeking applications and nominations for its next New York State Director.
“At the Trust for Public Land, we don't just save land—we save land for people to enjoy, from neighborhood parks to national parks.”
The mission of the Trust for Public Land is to create parks and protect land for people, ensuring healthy, livable communities for generations to come. Every park, playground, and public space created is an open invitation to explore, wonder, discover, and play. The Trust for Public Land has been connecting communities to the outdoors and to each other since 1972. Today, millions of Americans live within a 10-minute walk of a park or natural area created by the organization, and countless more visit every year. For more information about the Trust for Public Land.