Location: Sedalia, CO

Salary: $140,000-190,000

Campbell.HR is working The Cherokee Ranch & Castle Foundation to find their next Executive Director.  The Cherokee Ranch & Castle Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation, stewardship, and responsible management of Cherokee Ranch, its historic assets, and its conservation values. The Foundation operates in partnership with its Board of Directors to ensure long-term sustainability, regulatory compliance, and adherence to the conservation easement held by Douglas County, Colorado. 

Position Overview

The Executive Director is the chief executive officer of the Cherokee Ranch & Castle Foundation and is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and strategic direction of the organization. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director ensures fulfillment of the Foundation’s mission, stewardship of its conservation values, and alignment with Board-approved goals and policies. As the public face of the Foundation, the Executive Director represents the organization in the community and with key stakeholders, safeguarding the Foundation’s reputation and advancing its interests. 

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Operations  

• Provide executive leadership and direct supervision of the Foundation’s staff. 

• Oversee daily operations to ensure effective, efficient, and mission-aligned performance. 

• Foster a professional, collaborative, and accountable organizational culture. 

Board Relations & Governance 

• Serve as the primary staff liaison to the Cherokee Ranch & Castle Foundation Board of Directors. 

• Work closely with the Board on governance matters, policy development, and organizational oversight. 

• Ensure implementation and execution of the Board-approved strategic plan. 

• Maintain accountability for achieving Board-established goals and objectives. 

Financial Management 

• Prepare the annual operating budget for review and approval by the Board of Directors. 

• Ensure adherence to the approved budget and sound financial management practices. 

• Provide regular financial reports and analysis to the Board. 

Compliance & Risk Management 

• Ensure timely and accurate completion of all federal, state, and local filings and reports. 

• Maintain compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and nonprofit governance standards. 

• Ensure full compliance with the terms of the Deed for Conservation Easement on Cherokee Ranch, held by Douglas County Government, Colorado. 

• Support Board governance responsibilities related to conservation values and restrictions. 

Conservation Stewardship 

• Uphold and advance the Foundation’s conservation mission and long-term land stewardship responsibilities. 

• Ensure organizational decisions and activities align with conservation easement requirements and agreed-upon conservation values. 

• Coordinate with Douglas County and other relevant entities as necessary to maintain easement compliance. 

Community & External Relations 

• Serve as the primary spokesperson and representative of the Foundation. 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with community leaders, partners, donors, governmental agencies, and other stakeholders. 
• Promote and protect the Foundation’s reputation, credibility, and public trust. 

Qualifications

• Senior executive leadership experience, preferably in a nonprofit, conservation, or mission- driven organization. 

• Demonstrated experience working closely with a Board of Directors. 

• Strong background in strategic planning, financial oversight, and organizational management. 

• Knowledge of nonprofit governance, regulatory compliance, and best practices. 

• Experience with conservation easements, land stewardship, or environmental governance strongly preferred. 

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. 

This Job Description describes the general content and requirements for the position. It is not an exhaustive statement of the essential functions, responsibilities, or requirements of the job; they may change from time to time and are dictated by the needs of the organization and the supervisor to whom the employee will report. 

Our client is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.