President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Overview

President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NPCA is responsible for leading America’s foremost voice for national parks and championing their protection, enhancement, and relevance for present and future generations. This leader will set and execute a bold vision that centers NPCA’s mission, values, and strategic priorities, ensuring parks thrive.

The President & CEO will galvanize staff, board, and volunteers around a focused set of priorities, fostering a culture in line with NPCA’s values of commitment, inclusion, integrity, and respect. They will cultivate authentic partnerships with diverse communities, Tribal Nations, government agencies, donors, and grassroots advocates, expanding NPCA’s reach and impact. Upon the culmination of NPCA’s strategic plan in 2026, the President & CEO will develop and implement the next strategic plan, which will build on NPCA’s legacy and respond to emerging challenges with nonpartisan, advocacy driven solutions. The President & CEO will operate out of NPCA’s Washington D.C. headquarters.

Key Relationships

Reports to : Board of Trustees

Direct Reports : Chief Operating Officer; Senior Vice President of Communications; Vice President of Development; Vice President of Human Resources; Senior Director of Board Relations; Senior Director to the President and CEO. These senior leadership positions currently report to the Chief Operating Officer :

General Counsel

Chief Financial Officer

Senior Vice President of Governmental Affairs

Senior Vice President of Membership

Vice President of Conservation Programs

Vice President of Regional Programs

Other Key Relationships

11 Regional Directors; All staff of the NPCA, including field staff; Program and policy experts; Past members of the Board of Trustees; Current and potential donors; Advocates, organizations, and governments

Responsibilities

Lead NPCA with a bold vision aligned to its mission, values, and strategic priorities; ensure parks thrive.

Galvanize staff, board, and volunteers around priorities and foster a culture reflecting NPCA’s values.

Develop and implement strategic plans, including the next plan post-2026, addressing emerging challenges with nonpartisan, advocacy-driven solutions.

Build authentic partnerships with diverse communities, Tribal Nations, government agencies, donors, and grassroots advocates to expand NPCA’s reach and impact.

Represent NPCA publicly as a spokesperson and advocate for parks; collaborate with stakeholders to advance NPCA’s goals.

Desired Outcomes

Achieve measurable progress protecting and enhancing national park ecosystems, including advocacy for stronger laws, restoration projects, and climate resilience initiatives.

Elevate NPCA’s visibility and influence as the leading voice for national parks with nonpartisan credibility among policymakers and the public.

Champion inclusive storytelling, education, and advocacy to ensure parks reflect and welcome all Americans.

Secure sustainable, diversified funding through philanthropy, grants, and partnerships to ensure long-term financial health and impact.

Foster a diverse, inclusive, people-centered workplace with high retention and professional growth.

Improve internal accountability and transparency with clear communication of priorities and progress.

Ideal Experience

Mission Alignment

An authentic and deep love of our national parks and personal commitment to conservation; able to advocate effectively across partisan lines for NPCA’s mission.

Significant Leadership Experience

Executive-level experience with transparent communication, collaboration, and decision-making; strong financial and operational skills in a complex setting.

External Presence and Public Voice

Comfort as external spokesperson and ambassador for NPCA to staff, lawmakers, partners, and funders.

Commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Advances NPCA’s core values; acknowledges diverse park needs and works toward equitable preservation and protection.

Fundraising Experience

Strategic thinker with demonstrated experience raising money from individuals, foundations, corporations, and government.

Leadership Capabilities

Strategic Leadership

Focus on long-term, mission-driven priorities; maintain NPCA as a trusted, nonpartisan voice.

Anticipate challenges and develop forward-thinking plans addressing threats to parks, funding, and staff.

Align resources around core priorities for maximum impact.

Integrate data, science, and stakeholder input into decision-making; lead with JEDI across NPCA’s work.

Advocacy, Brand Building, and Resource Development

Raise NPCA’s profile and strengthen relationships with regional communities and grassroots partners.

Lead advocacy campaigns that reinforce NPCA’s prominence and public engagement.

Form partnerships to amplify impact with other conservation and community organizations.

Represent NPCA to external stakeholders and cultivate funding and collaboration opportunities.

Strengthen donor relationships to ensure financial sustainability and growth.

Leading People

Build trust across NPCA’s national and regional staff; value, support, and hold people accountable to goals.

Lead with transparency, invite input from staff, board, and partners.

Invest in professional growth, mentorship, and advancement opportunities for diverse talent.

Set clear expectations and reinforce NPCA’s values and JEDI commitments; delegate effectively and manage performance.

Other Personal Characteristics

Diplomatic

Collaborative yet decisive

Emotionally intelligent

Passionate

Compensation

The base salary for this position is anticipated to be in the range of $400,000 to $500,000. The selected candidate’s salary will be determined based on factors including budget, internal equity, and the final candidate’s qualifications, experience, education, and other job-related credentials. NPCA also offers a generous benefits package.

Applications and Nominations

The National Parks Conservation Association is being assisted in this important recruitment by Spencer Stuart. If you wish to confidentially submit application materials or nominate someone for this role, please email : NPCACEO@SpencerStuart.com

National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) is an equal opportunity employer. NPCA does not discriminate in its hiring practices, promotion practices, separation or any other employment action or term or condition of employment on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, ancestry, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital or civil union status, political affiliation, veteran status or any other legally protected characteristics under applicable federal, state, or local law.

In carrying out its commitment to equal employment opportunity, NPCA will make reasonable accommodations for candidates and employees with disabilities who can perform the essential functions of the job. Candidates and employees requiring reasonable accommodations are to consult with HR.

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