The Executive Director (ED) is a full-time position that reports to the Board of Directors. As the chief executive officer of SCC, the Executive Director will provide professional oversight of the organization, as well as handle day-to-day administrative and programmatic tasks. The ED must be independently driven, highly motivated, an exceptional multi-tasker and able to balance many different projects, programs, and events at one time.  Overall, the ED must be a fervent supporter of the climbing community in the southeast, with a strong passion to see the SCC grow and succeed. 

As the lead fundraiser for the organization, the Executive Director will develop, sustain, cultivate, and identify new and existing sources of philanthropic support, including events, major gifts, foundation support, individual support and corporate sponsorships. The Executive Director will work with the Treasurer and finance committee to oversee the fiscal operations of the organization. The Executive Director will oversee the Marketing Director on all outreach, events, and fundraising efforts and Stewardship Director to manage all SCC-owned properties and work with local partners to manage the climbing resource at non-SCC owned properties.

The ED is the face of the organization, a recognizable leader providing identity and increased visibility for SCC in our region. In collaboration with the Board of Directors and staff, the ED will be able to plan, articulate and convey a vision for the future of the SCC and translate strategic goals into achievable objectives. 

Duties of this position include: 

• Serve as the primary land manager for 9 SCC-owned properties. 
• Work directly with land managers throughout Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia to maintain positive relationships, negotiate access and maintain stewardship of climbing areas. Advise and consult land managers and land owners on climbing management.
• Secure annual grant funding and ensure all grant reporting is complete. SCC relies on grant funding to thrive. The ED must be punctual in applying for grants and finding new grant sources, as well as actively engaging grant funders. 
• Ensure successful fundraising events and capital campaigns. The ED is responsible for overseeing all fundraising events and ensuring each event is successful and supports the mission of the SCC. ED will provide profit and loss statements from each event.
• Manage organizational finances with the SCC Treasurer, including creating an annual budget and annual reports. The ED is responsible to ensure the organization is hitting fundraising benchmarks and adhering to the budget set forth by the finance committee and board.
• Manage board committees: SCC has several committees that meet periodically, including: fixed hardware, acquisition, finance, education, and equitable access. Be present at committee meetings when necessary. The ED will need to ensure all committees are following through with committee requirements and fulfilling tasks as assigned. 
• Steward large donors and corporate partners. This includes promoting and growing the Conservation Legacy Program and securing donations for fundraising efforts as well as identifying new donors by making direct face-to-face solicitation.
• Conduct day-to-day administrative needs. As a grassroots organization, the ED and other SCC staff manage all administrative and programmatic tasks of the organization, including running the online swag store, bank and post office visits, ensuring invoices and bills are paid, responding to general inquiries from the website, and more.
• Manage SCC’s Membership Program, including recruiting new members, sending membership packets, engaging current members and building the member benefits program.
• Oversee Stewardship Director. The Stewardship Director reports directly to the ED. The ED and Stewardship Director work together to obtain grant funding for stewardship projects. The Stewardship Director is responsible for managing all stewardship projects.
• Oversee Marketing Director. The Marketing Director reports directly to the ED. The Marketing Director is responsible for overseeing the website, social media accounts, monthly newsletters, press releases and articles.
• Manage volunteers and interns.
• Work closely with Access Fund’s Southeast Regional Director. 
• Provide a visible presence for SCC at events, tabling, regional meetings, etc.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in business, non-profit management, natural resource management, recreation, or public administration is a plus. 
• Leadership and management experience in a for-profit or non-profit organization.
• Experience in leading fundraising efforts, writing grants, developing and managing budgets, and managing organizational finances is highly preferred. 
• Demonstrated capabilities in strategic growth orientation, board administration, team leadership, employee management, and effective internal and external communication.
• Experience with Google Drive, Sharepoint, or a similar document management system.
• Experience with managing a donor database or other customer relations management software.
• Exceptional public speaking, relationship building and communication skills.
• Experience in land management and/or demonstrated ability to maintain positive relationships with public land managers as well as private landowners.
• Deep personal connection to outdoor rock climbing and a passion for the mission of the organization required. 

Compensation 

Annual base salary of $51,000, plus up to $5,000 bonus if certain fundraising metrics are met, paid time off, mileage reimbursement.

Status

Full time, Exempt

Location

SCC Headquarters is based in Chattanooga, TN. Frequent travel within TN, GA & AL will be required. Remote work within the region may be considered.

To Apply

Please send your cover letter and resume to board@seclimbers.org with the subject title “SCC Executive Director Applicant” by Friday, May 31st. 

SCC preserves climbing areas for current and future generations in the Southeast. We do this through acquisition, stewardship, and community, so that all climbers can enjoy equitable access to the outdoors. We believe all people should have the opportunity to explore the vast natural landscapes in our region. We do not discriminate based on race, color, gender, ethnicity, ability, sexual orientation, religion, or any other identity and we will not tolerate prejudice on our properties or within our organization. We believe the outdoors is for all people to enjoy without fear of discrimination and we will continue to work to ensure public protected climbing areas exist in perpetuity.

We cover a large region and thrive through the support of passionate and dedicated climbing advocates to serve as Area Reps, volunteers or interns. Please contact info@seclimbers.org to let us know if you are interested in volunteering. Please include your information, location, and area of interest.

Area Reps: Serve as an SCC ambassador to a climbing area you love (See Climbing Areas for a current list of open positions).

Volunteers: Lend a hand on a trail day or event (See Upcoming Events for dates)

Event Reps: Host the SCC table at events to spread the word about our mission and current projects (Current locations: Atlanta, Alabama, Chattanooga, Birmingham)