The Executive Director provides strategic leadership and day-to-day management, ensuring CSDP advances its mission, remains financially sustainable, and operates effectively. As the leader of a small, collaborative team, the Executive Director is both a strategic leader and a working manager, setting organizational direction while remaining actively engaged in programs, advocacy, fundraising, communications, and operations.
The Executive Director serves as the public face of CSDP, building strong relationships with the Board of Directors, staff, coalition members, elected officials, government agencies, land managers, developers, communities, supporters, major donors, and more. Success in this role requires exceptional leadership, sound judgment, strong communication skills, and the ability to navigate complex conservation, land-use, and local government issues while bringing diverse interests together around a shared vision.
CSDP’s current annual budget is just under $500,000, with anticipated growth in the years ahead. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and is responsible for the leadership and management of CSDP’s staff.
How to apply
Send your resume or CV and a one-page cover letter to [email protected] with the subject line “CSDP Executive Director Application.”
Attach the resume/CV and cover letter as one PDF document. References requested upon interview selection.
If you need any special accommodations for the application process, please contact us at [email protected] or at (520) 388-9925.
Applications will be accepted until August 16, 2026.
Preferred Experience:
No candidate is expected to bring every skill, experience, or qualification exactly as listed. If
this role excites you and you believe you could make a meaningful contribution to CSDP, we
encourage you to apply. We value transferable skills, lived experience, and a willingness to
learn alongside demonstrated expertise.
We also strongly encourage women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with
disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.
We are seeking experience and skills that align with the following:
• 10+ years of experience in policy, planning, conservation, advocacy, and/or a related
field, with a preference for 5+ years in a management position and direct experience
with policy and/or advocacy;
• Experience working for or with a nonprofit, and 2+ years of direct experience with
fundraising for nonprofits;
• Experience managing budgets of $500k or more;
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with proven success developing
and maintaining relationships with diverse stakeholders, including staff, Board members,
advisors, donors, partners, volunteers, community members, and senior decision
makers;
• Working knowledge of local land use policy, environmental regulations, or regional
planning processes in Southern Arizona or a similar context;
• Experience with community organizing and with public speaking in a variety of settings;
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal;
• Practice in applying inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility concepts to ensure the
wellbeing of our staff and the communities we serve;
• A strong desire to innovate and explore new strategies;
• Leads with respect and acceptance of difference;
• Competence in MS Office, Adobe, Google Workspace, and other computer software;
• Fluency in Spanish
Benefits
This is a full-time, 40 hours/week, FMLA-exempt position. A comprehensive benefits package is offered, including health and dental insurance, paid holidays, paid time off starting at 4 weeks per year, sick and family leave, a generous home office stipend, mileage reimbursement, opportunities for hybrid and remote work, and opportunities for a flexible schedule
