About Advocates for the West

Advocates for the West is a nonprofit public interest environmental law organization dedicated to protecting the American West’s public lands, waters, wildlife, and communities.

For more than twenty years, the organization has advanced high-impact conservation through strategic litigation, science, and strong partnerships. With an experienced legal team, a deeply collaborative culture, and a strong financial foundation, Advocates for the West is widely respected for its thoughtful case selection, legal excellence, and durable conservation wins.

Following more than two decades of founder leadership, the organization is entering a thoughtful and well-planned leadership transition and seeking its next Executive Director.

The Opportunity

This is a rare opportunity to lead a highly regarded conservation law organization at a moment of strength and intentional evolution.

The next Executive Director will steward a strong, mission-driven team and trusted partnerships while guiding the organization into its next chapter. This leader will balance internal leadership with external presence, supporting experienced legal staff while strengthening fundraising, relationships, and long-term sustainability.

This is not a turnaround or rebuild. It is an opportunity to honor what is working and lead with clarity, care, and strategic vision.

We’re especially excited to connect with leaders who:

• Bring credibility in environmental or public interest law, conservation, or related fields (JD preferred, not required)

• Understand the role litigation plays in conservation impact and trust experienced legal teams to lead strategy

• Are strong fundraisers and relationship builders with donors, partners, and allies

• Thrive in collaborative, mission-driven, non-hierarchical cultures

• Lead with steadiness, humility, sound judgment, and emotional intelligence

• Have experience guiding organizations through transition or change

Location & Travel

This role is based in the American West. Boise, Idaho is the preferred home base, though exceptional candidates may be located elsewhere in the contiguous Western U.S.

Regular in-person presence across Advocates for the West’s offices and partners is essential. Approximately 15–20% travel is expected.

Compensation

Salary range: $215,000 to $250,000, commensurate with experience, plus benefits and discretionary bonus.

To Express Interest

This search is being led by Calibrated Search.

To learn more and submit materials, please review the full position profile and apply here: https://recruitcrm.io/apply/17685128008540035753ytQ

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 15+ years of increasingly responsible leadership experience in mission-driven organizations, ideally with exposure to conservation, public interest law, or allied fields.
• 7–10 years of people management experience, including direct supervision of senior-level staff and demonstrated ability to lead teams of 10 or more.
• Deep understanding of conservation issues affecting the American West strongly preferred.
• Experience leading organizations or teams through transition or change, including founder succession or strategic growth.
• Proven success in fundraising with major donors, foundations, and partners.
• Experience raising organizational visibility and positioning staff as subject matter experts.
• Strong financial management skills, including oversight of budgets, cash flow, and diversified revenue streams.
• Experience working with or alongside attorneys. Legal expertise or fluency strongly preferred. A JD is a plus but not required.
• Demonstrated ability to partner effectively with Boards of Directors.
• Outstanding communication skills and a credible public presence.
• Demonstrated commitment to DEIJ, including experience advancing equity-focused initiatives and partnerships with Tribal Nations and historically underrepresented communities.