President and CEO

The Children & Nature Network (C&NN) seeks a President and CEO to lead a global movement to expand equitable access to nature so that children—and the natural world—can thrive. Working in partnership with an engaged Board of Directors, the CEO will shape and implement the vision, strategic plan, and policies necessary to drive systems-level change.

Following our current CEO's retirement, the next CEO will step into an organization with strong programmatic credibility, a high-performing 23 member virtual team, an operating budget of $3 million, and a respected national network of public, private, and corporate partners. Building on this foundation, the CEO will scale impact significantly while strengthening revenue, deepening policy influence, and modernizing internal systems. This role requires a leader who can balance movement-building with organizational discipline, ambition with focus, and innovation with operational rigor.

THE OPPORTUNITY The next three (3) years are pivotal for the Children & Nature Network, founded after the 2005 publication of Richard Louv’s book, Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder, to reverse the growing disconnection between children and the natural world. As we enter our next decade, the CEO will help drive what we believe can be a societal tipping point: ensuring a nature-filled childhood for 20 million youth across the U.S. by 2035. We see this as a tipping point. At that scale, nature connection becomes a shared cultural expectation — supported by families, schools, communities, and public policy — rather than an isolated or optional experience.

Building on nearly 20 years of successful global movement building and proven impact in more than 100 U.S. communities, the next CEO will guide the implementation of our new Strategic Framework, focusing on four core priorities:

Reimagining Nature’s Role in Communities: Deepening impact in a national cohort of 100+ "Nature Everywhere" communities to prove that lasting, systems-level transformation is possible.

Activating Adults Around Children: Launching a national campaign to engage one million parents and caregivers as advocates for a nature-filled childhood.

Mobilizing Advocates for Policy: Building powerful coalitions to unlock state and federal funding and align regulatory frameworks that sustain nature connection at scale.

Building Organizational Capacity: Strengthening C&NN’s technology, diverse revenue streams, and virtual workplace culture.

The CEO will build on a proven national platform to expand reach and deepen impact. By leveraging data, technology, and emerging tools such as AI, the CEO will lead the organization to strengthen shared learning across the network and enhance operational effectiveness. The opportunity is not simply to grow programs, but to help reshape how communities, institutions, and policymakers mobilize around children’s equitable access to nature. Learn more about the reach and depth of the work at https://www.childrenandnature.org/.

ALIGNED VALUES EQUITY We define equity as fair treatment, access and opportunity. For us, equitable access to nature means every child and community — regardless of race, income, ability, identity, or address — has regular access to nearby, safe, welcoming, and culturally relevant green spaces.

INCLUSION We are dedicated to ensuring that all individuals and groups can be and feel welcomed, respected, supported and valued in natural places and in the children and nature movement.

DIVERSITY We believe that diversity results when equity and inclusion are practiced consistently and with intention. We are working to build an inclusive global movement focused on embracing and honoring the psychological, physical and cultural differences that occur among any and all individuals.

RESPONSIBILITIES Strategic & Visionary Leadership (25%)

In partnership with the Board, drives a compelling vision and strategic plan that reflects C&NN’s mission of equitable access.

Drives innovation and assesses relevant trends to adapt service offerings to meet critical gaps in the sector.

Serves as the primary brand ambassador and "storyteller," elevating C&NN's profile with major foundations, corporations, and policymakers.

Operational & Team Leadership (15%)

Provides inclusive, transparent, and motivating leadership for a diverse internal team of leaders, staff, and volunteers in a virtual environment.

Ensures that internal systems, staffing structures, and technology (including Google Workspace and AI) are in place to support the effective implementation of the strategic plan.

Fosters a collaborative, innovative, and inclusive culture that encourages professional development and high levels of workplace satisfaction.

Financial Management & Fundraising (40%)

Oversees the organization’s fiscal health, ensuring solid budgeting, accounting systems, and financial controls are in place.

Develops and implements diverse fundraising strategies, strengthening national philanthropy relationships while expanding individual and corporate engagement to significantly increase revenue and sustain long‑term growth.

Cultivates and deepens relationships with a diverse community of givers, including major donors and institutional partners.

Board Relations (20%)

Partners with the Board Chair to cultivate a high‑functioning governance culture, including supporting board recruitment, orientation, and development to ensure the Board has the skills, diversity, and engagement needed to govern effectively.

Engages proactively with Board committees and individual trustees, providing the information, context, and recommendations needed for sound governance decisions — and escalating risks or opportunities in a timely and transparent way.

Supports the Board in fulfilling its fiduciary and strategic responsibilities by providing timely, accurate reporting on organizational performance, financial health, and emerging risks — ensuring trustees have what they need to govern with confidence.

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