Executive Director
- In-person (Lowell, Mich.), remote, or hybrid
The Executive Director provides visionary leadership for the NCTA, guiding its work across eight states through clear direction, strong relationships, and effective execution. The role directly supervises the Director of Trail Operations, the Director of Development and Communications, and the Director of Trail Protection, with a total staff of 13.
The Executive Director drives shared direction and accountability across the organization, aligning people, priorities, and resources to deliver on the strategic plan and move the Forever Trail steadily toward completion. With an experienced staff and a strong operational foundation already in place, the Executive Director ensures that national-level decisions support chapters, volunteers, and agency partners on the ground. The emphasis is on refinement and follow-through, supporting trail protection, strengthening coordination, reinforcing shared priorities, and ensuring that organizational growth delivers clear, practical benefits for the trail, its volunteers, and its partners. Success in this role requires strong people leadership, sound judgment, and the ability to lead effectively within a collaborative, volunteer driven organization.
Qualifications & Experience
- Senior leadership experience in a nonprofit or mission-driven organization, with responsibility for overall organizational direction and external representation.
- Strong strategic planning, organizational development, and management skills. Demonstrated success in fundraising, grant writing, and financial management, including budget oversight, financial forecasting, and stewardship of multi-revenue-stream organizations.
- Experience working with a Board of Directors and engaging volunteers. Strong communication and public representation skills across a wide range of audiences, including community stakeholders, agency partners, donors, and policymakers.
- Experience engaging with government entities or public-sector partners, including navigating federal, state, or local agency systems and complex partnerships.
- Demonstrated integrity, humility, credibility, and respect for mission-driven, community-centered work.
Candidates with experience in membership-based or volunteer-driven organizations or direct experience with a National Scenic Trail or similar public lands entities may be given priority.
View the full position description and application instructions. Please note applications (resume and expression of interest) are to be sent to jmartinez@thinkingahead.com and not directly to the NCTA.
