Executive Director

Nashville Tree Conservation Corps is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting, preserving, protecting, and planting the tree canopy across Davidson County. Through fundraising, public policy advocacy, community engagement, an annual tree sale, and stewardship of the Shelby Arboretum, NTCC works toward a greener, healthier, and more sustainable Nashville for all.

Position Overview

The Executive Director serves as the chief executive and public face of Nashville Tree Conservation Corps, providing visionary leadership while ensuring strong operations, financial sustainability, and measurable impact. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director partners closely with the board, staff, volunteers, and community stakeholders to advance NTCC’s mission and long-term strategy.

This role requires a leader who can balance big picture thinking with hands on execution, build trusting relationships, and confidently advocate trees, conservation, and responsible growth across Nashville.

Key Responsibilities

1. Organizational Leadership and Strategy 30 % of Time

• Provide overall leadership and direction for NTCC in alignment with its mission, values, and strategic priorities
• Partner with the Board of Directors to refine and implement strategic goals and annual work plans
• Measure organizational effectiveness and impact, using data and evaluation to inform decision making
• Prepare and present quarterly impact and progress reports to the board
• Recommend timelines, resources, and staffing needs to achieve strategic objectives
• Ensure strong governance practices and support an engaged, effective board
• Serve as an ex-officio member of board committees and support committee work as needed

2. Fundraising and Resource Development 25% of Time

• Lead and continuously refine a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with NTCC’s mission and growth goals
• Cultivate and steward relationships with individual donors, major donors, corporate sponsors, and funding partners
• Oversee grant strategy, including prospecting, writing, submission, and reporting
• Support and grow revenue from events, including the annual tree sale and other fundraising initiatives
• Strengthen donor communications and stewardship practices to build long term support

3. Community Engagement, Advocacy, and Public Leadership 20% of Time

• Serve as the primary spokesperson for NTCC with community partners, local media, and public audiences
• Build and maintain strong relationships with legislators, government agencies, and civic leaders
• Lead policy analysis and advocacy efforts related to tree canopy protection and environmental sustainability
• Organize coalitions, advocacy campaigns, and public awareness efforts
• Provide legislative testimony and represent NTCC in policy discussions and public forums

4. Operations, Programs, and Staff Leadership 15% of Time

• Oversee day to day operations, ensuring programs align with mission, strategy, and budget
• Recruit, hire, coach, and support staff and key volunteers
• Foster a healthy, collaborative, and mission driven organizational culture
• Ensure programmatic excellence through regular evaluation and continuous improvement
• Oversee major initiatives such as the annual tree sale, tree planting projects, and stewardship of the Shelby Arboretum

5. Financial Management and Compliance 10% of Time

• Ensure financial accountability, sustainability, and strong internal controls
• Oversee budgeting, cash flow management, and financial reporting
• Ensure legal and regulatory compliance across all organizational activities
• Partner with the board and finance committee to support long term financial planning

Qualifications and Experience

The ideal candidate will bring many, though not necessarily all, of the following qualifications:

• Experience in nonprofit leadership or senior management
• Demonstrated success in fundraising and donor relationship building
• Experience with advocacy, public policy, or legislative engagement
• Knowledge of arboriculture, conservation, environmental policy, or related fields
• Strong strategic planning and execution skills
• Financial acumen and experience managing budgets and organizational resources
• Excellent communication, relationship building, and community engagement skills
• A collaborative leadership style grounded in integrity, transparency, and accountability

Salary range is $85,000 to $95,000 with flexibility for bonus opportunities

Benefits include:

• Four weeks of paid time off per calendar year
• $600 month health stipend
• 7 Paid holidays

How to apply

NTCC has retained Nonprofit Leadership LLC to lead this executive search. Interested candidates should submit a current résumé and a personalized cover letter outlining their proudest accomplishment in the nonprofit sector.

Applications should be sent via email to:

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with a final.