Executive Director

Organization Overview

Teens to Trails is a Maine nonprofit that connects young people to life-changing experiences outdoors through school-based Outdoor Clubs. We provide grants, gear, guidance, trips, and training to help schools build strong communities through outdoor experiences.

Position Summary

The Executive Director leads Teens to Trails in achieving its mission of helping Maine youth discover meaningful connections with nature and each other through school outdoor programs. The Executive Director provides strategic vision, ensures organizational stability, builds partnerships, and serves as the primary external representative of the organization.

We’re seeking a collaborative and mission-driven leader to serve as our next Executive Director. You’ll guide a small, passionate team and work closely with the board to advance Teens to Trails’ impact across Maine. This is an exciting time to join the organization as we expand our partnerships and grow our programs. 

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Board Relations (20%)

• Partner with the Board of Directors to shape and implement strategic direction

• Serve as primary liaison to the board, supporting committee work and board development

• Lead the Finance Committee and ensure strong fiscal oversight and planning

• Provide regular updates and insights to keep the board engaged and informed

• Cultivate and maintain strategic partnerships that advance organizational goals and create opportunities for shared impact

Fundraising & External Relations (35%)

• Serve as primary fundraiser, developing and implementing comprehensive fundraising strategy to raise $400k - $500k per year

• Secure business sponsorships and manage sponsor relationships

• Identify and cultivate major donors

• Write and manage foundation and public grants

• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with schools, outdoor organizations, and state agencies

• Act as spokesperson and public face of Teens to Trails

• Represent Teens to Trails at events, conferences, and in media opportunities

Staff & Program Management (30%)

• Supervise and mentor team including Outreach & Communications Manager, Outdoor Program Manager, and Office Administrator

• Provide program oversight while empowering staff leadership

• Hire and manage contractors for special projects

• Ensure programs align with strategic goals and meet quality standards

• Evaluate program effectiveness and guide program development

Operational & Financial Management (15%)

• Oversee organizational finances, budget development, and financial reporting

• Maintain accountability for operational efficiency and effectiveness

• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and best practices

• Maintain physical office environment & lease

Qualifications

We’re looking for candidates with a strong mix of the following experience and qualities.

• Passion for connecting youth to outdoor experiences

• Proven fundraising success, including grants, individual giving, and business partnerships

• Strong financial management and budgeting skills

• Experience managing and mentoring staff

• Experience fostering an inclusive organizational culture and ensuring programs are welcoming and accessible

• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities

• Strategic thinking and planning capabilities

• Experience working with a nonprofit board

• Understanding of education and youth development

• Familiarity with Maine's communities and outdoor resources

• Personal commitment to spending time outdoors and a belief in the power of nature to support well-being, connection, and growth

Details

• Full-time, salaried position $70k - $85k

• Benefits package including health insurance stipend, paid time off, holidays, and employer SIMPLE IRA contribution

• Office located in Brunswick, Maine with some remote flexibility

• Frequent travel to events and meetings throughout Maine

• Occasional evening and weekend commitments required

• Reports to the Board of Directors

Teens to Trails is committed to creating outdoor opportunities for all Maine youth. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who share this commitment. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

To Apply

Please send your resume, as well as a response to the following questions to board@teenstotrails.org. Please limit your responses to approximately 1 paragraph per question.

1. Why does serving as the next Executive Director of Teens to Trails appeal to you? 

2.  What are 3 qualities that your coworkers or peers would use to describe you and your work style?

Please copy and paste the following table and enter an “X” in the most accurate column using the following descriptions. Please note that we want growth and learning to be a part of this role and that we don’t expect candidates to have expertise in every area. 

• No experience: no training or experience in this area so far

• Limited experience: some training or experience

• Experience: applied experience on regular basis in a work setting

• Expert: extensive experience and may have trained or supervised others

3. Based on the listed responsibilities, what area(s) do you feel most confident in, and what are some examples of your successes in these areas? What area(s) do you think you would need to grow and receive additional support or training?

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, and all applications received by June 6th, 2025 are guaranteed to be considered. Please send any questions to the Search Committee at board@teenstotrails.org.