POSITION OVERVIEW
Ijams Nature Center seeks an accomplished, mission-driven executive to serve as its next Chief Executive Officer. This is a rare opportunity to lead a beloved, thriving, highly visible, community-anchored institution. The CEO reports to the Board of Directors and holds overall responsibility for the strategy, operations, and external leadership of the organization.
The incoming leader will inherit an organization that is stable, respected, and ambitious, actively shaping the future of urban conservation and environmental education in the region. The CEO will be charged with sustaining organizational excellence, stewarding key relationships, and guiding Ijams on its path of strategic growth while honoring its culture, values, and public trust. The role will appeal to a leader who thrives in complex environments, values collaboration, and is energized by the opportunity to balance continuity with thoughtful evolution.
KEY STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
Execute and Evolve Organizational Strategy
Execute Ijams’ Master Plan, advancing long-term strategic priorities, stewarding organizational direction, and ensuring continued alignment between mission, strategy, and outcomes.
Guide the organization through leadership transition while sustaining operational stability, staff morale, and donor confidence.
Ensure that systems, documentation, and leadership practices support continuity and long-term sustainability.
Ensure Sustained Financial Health and Growth
Steward Ijams’ forthcoming $32M capital campaign and guide long-term planning to ensure future resource needs are identified and met.
Champion a comprehensive, diversified fundraising and revenue strategy, including membership growth, that reflects Ijams' current strength and supports its future growth, in alignment with its mission and priorities.
Build genuine, lasting donor relationships marked by warmth, energy, and authenticity, across the political and demographic spectrum.
Collaborate with the Board of Directors and development staff to advance major gifts, campaign giving, planned giving, and grants.
Sustain financial health through disciplined financial management, budgeting, and strong fiscal oversight.
Sustain Organizational Momentum
Oversee operational excellence and risk mitigation across the organization.
Guide facilities improvements and capital expenditures to accommodate increased visitation, expanded programming, and long-term site needs.
Champion land stewardship goals that reflect Ijams' conservation values and long-term ecological commitments.
Cultivate a High-Functioning Board
Partner with the Board of Directors on governance, strategy, fiscal oversight, and organizational succession planning.
Nurture a strong board-CEO partnership grounded in transparency, trust, and shared accountability.
Keep the board transparently and proactively informed, engaged, and supported, enabling effective, well-aligned decision-making.
Support a Healthy, Inclusive Workplace
Lead and support a strong executive and management team.
Foster a workplace that attracts, develops, and retains talented, mission-aligned staff.
Champion an inclusive culture of collaboration, professional growth, and shared accountability.
Build Community Connections
Strengthen Ijams' role as a civic asset, regional leader, and role model in conservation, education, recreation, and public access to nature.
Serve as a visible, trusted ambassador to donors, partners, and the broader community.
Sustain and deepen relationships with the City of Knoxville, Knox County, and regional and national conservation networks.
Represent Ijams publicly through media appearances, conferences, and speaking engagements.
DESIRED EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES
Ijams Nature Center seeks a seasoned, mission-driven executive who leads with clarity and warmth. The ideal candidate brings a track record of leading complex organizations, partnering effectively with governing boards, and building strong, motivated teams. This experience is paired with the financial discipline, fundraising acumen, and relationship-building skills needed to sustain Ijams' track record of success. They must have the executive presence to serve as a trusted, visible leader across a broad and engaged community. Above all, the next CEO brings a genuine commitment to public service and environmental stewardship.
Strategic Leadership
Senior executive leadership experience within nonprofit, conservation, education, or other public-facing, mission-driven organizations.
A demonstrated track record in strategic planning and organizational leadership.
Skilled at leading an organization through periods of transition and implementing forward-thinking strategies that balance continuity with thoughtful evolution.
A meaningful commitment to environmental stewardship, public service, and community-centered impact, ideally with a degree in a related field.
Fundraising Acumen
A proven track record of supporting development strategy and successful fundraising efforts.
Well-versed in supporting capital campaigns, major gifts, planned giving, and grant strategies.
Ability to expand membership, and diversify and strengthen revenue streams that support long-term financial health.
Skill in building significant, lasting connections with donors and funders, bringing warmth, energy, and authenticity to varied relationships.
A genuine commitment to connecting supporters with the mission through compelling storytelling and relationship-building.
Operational and Financial Expertise
Sound judgment and a disciplined approach to risk mitigation, budgeting, fiscal oversight, and long-term financial planning.
Experienced in organizations with complex facilities management, land stewardship, and programmatic needs.
Flexibility to manage shifting priorities and changing environments.
A talent for analyzing complex issues and developing creative, workable solutions.
Board Partnership and Governance
An effective partner to governing boards with a gift for building strong, trust-based relationships.
Skilled at keeping the board informed and engaged, supporting effective and well-aligned decision-making.
Team Leadership
Skilled at building and inspiring strong leadership teams, with the emotional intelligence to connect with and motivate people.
A track record of attracting, retaining, and developing talented, mission-aligned staff.
Adept at cultivating a healthy, inclusive workplace culture of collaboration, innovation, growth, and shared accountability, where staff feel valued, supported, and respected.
External Relations
Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills, with compelling executive presence.
Comfort and experience representing an organization publicly, including through media, speaking engagements, and community events.
Skill in championing an organization’s story and brand with vision and authenticity.
Politically and socially savvy, with the ability to navigate a complex civic and regional landscape.
A natural relationship builder with experience cultivating connections with governmental, nonprofit, and community partners.
COMPENSATION
This is a full-time, exempt position. The salary range is $120,000–$150,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
Ijams Nature Center offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
403(b) retirement plan match
Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave
LOCATION
This position is based at Ijams Nature Center in Knoxville, Tennessee. The role requires a consistent physical presence on site and in the community to meet with partners, funders, and constituents. Occasional evening and weekend availability for events, programs, and organizational activities is required.
TO APPLY
Please visit potrerogroup.com/ijams and select “Apply Here.” Applications should include a resume and a cover letter describing your qualifications that match the position criteria and what you will bring to the role.
Interested candidates should apply by September 27, 2026, for priority consideration.