(Rika Ayotte with Woodsy Owl | Photo courtesy of Discover Your Forest)
Nonprofit Leadership Role Available in Bend
Discover Your Forest, based in Bend, seeks a collaborative and strategic executive director to lead us in pursuing our mission: to promote the discovery of the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests and Crooked River National Grassland by enriching the experience of visitors, building community support and creating the next generation of environmental stewards.
Our next executive director will follow in the footsteps of our longtime leader, Rika Ayotte, who will be stepping away at the end of June for the next stop on her career path. “One of the best parts of this job has been working with our community and partners, and seeing their passion and support for our organization,” Ayotte reflects. “We have lots of new challenges and opportunities ahead, and I am confident that we will find the right person to continue our work of connecting all people to their Public Lands.” Under Ayotte’s leadership, Discover Your forest was able to grow our annual operating budget by over 400 percent, double the size of our staff, secure more than $1 million in funding from federal, state and private grants and co-lead the development of multiple sustainable recreation coalitions throughout Central Oregon. We are confident that the next executive director will continue this legacy, and bring new and exciting ideas to the organization.
We are seeking applicants who have at least five years of senior leadership experience, including fundraising, and will share our commitment to partnership and conservation, as well as the pursuit of justice, equity, diversity, accessibility and inclusion within our organization and the outdoor community as a whole. The position offers competitive pay and benefits, is based out of Bend and will oversee a staff of tight-knit go-getters. The ideal candidate will be a fast learner, creative problem solver and natural relationship builder who is also flexible, entrepreneurial, patient and most importantly, passionate about Central Oregon’s Public Lands. Applications will be accepted through June 21, 2021. You can learn more about this position, the organization and our hiring commitments at discoveryourforest.org/career-opportunities.
