Executive Director Job Posting

Candlelight Ranch (CLR), located on the border of Burnet and Travis Counties, is actively seeking a full-time Executive Director (ED) to join our dynamic and mission-focused nonprofit organization.  Candlelight Ranch provides educational and nature-based experiences to children and families of all abilities and needs to learn, explore, and heal.

This full-time ED position works in partnership with the Board of Directors, Advisory Council, dedicated staff, and volunteers to ensure that strategic, organizational, programmatic, fundraising, ranch property, and operational goals are being met. We seek a highly motivated, detail-focused, strategic, and experienced leader to take charge of our talented team, increase our presence in Central Texas, and implement our 2030 Vision.

Key Attributes:

The Executive Director serves as the leader of Candlelight Ranch in the community and leads the implementation of annual goals and the strategic plan.  CLR is looking for a goal-oriented leader with strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills. The ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge of nonprofit organizations, including board relations and governance, development and fundraising, program implementation and evaluation, communications, finance, grant management, human resources, operations, and ranch management.  Most of all, the candidate must be passionate about improving the lives of children and families of all abilities and needs, through nature-based educational and therapeutic programming.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Identifies and implements, jointly with Board of Directors and staff, annual & long-term organizational, programmatic, and fundraising goals, strategies, and evaluations.
  • Supports a staff of eight in support of the organization’s mission and goals.
  • Stewards the financial health of the organization, including budget planning and monitoring, grant management, monthly reporting, and annual audit.
  • Represents Candlelight Ranch within the community as the agency’s leader including public speaking at events, donor cultivation, and other arenas when stakeholders are present.
  • Nurtures relationships with partner organizations, foundations, community organizations, corporations, and individuals; cultivates and manages new relationships.
  • Judiciously balances the protection and maintenance of CLR’s unique and protected 40-acre ranch property with the foundation’s mission and program activities.
  • Regularly interfaces with program participants, program staff, and volunteers.
  • Ensures, in collaboration with staff & volunteers, safe operations of the ranch property & facilities.
  • Maintains regular communication with the Board of Directors, and prepares as well as attends all Board and select Committee meetings.
  • Oversees operational and administrative activities to ensure a high-performing nonprofit organization including risk management, legal, HR, and IT.

Qualifications & Capabilities:

  • A demonstrated strategic leader who provides effective oversight of daily operations.
  • Ability to oversee and help execute fundraising.
  • Knowledge of strategic planning, including plans’ implementation and stewardship.
  • Proven ability to passionately collaborate with a diverse group of people including staff, clients, volunteers, donors, Board members.
  • Appreciation for the Texas Hill Country / other outdoor spaces and the therapeutic role of nature.
  • Experience in building, motivating, and leading teams.
  • Connectivity within the greater Central Texas community would be advantageous.
  • Demonstrates optimism and perseverance even under challenging circumstances.
  • Highly organized, self-motivated, and able to handle multiple tasks.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong technology skills and ability to work with collaborative tools, e.g., Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, etc.
  • Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in social work or related field preferred.
  • A minimum of 5 years of experience in a leadership capacity with an organization.
  • Experience in the non-profit sector is strongly preferred but not required.
  • Willingness to attend day, and – occasionally – evening & weekend events (flex time provided).
  • Access to personal transportation between ranch and home office several times each month.
  • Multicultural competency and commitment to inclusion and equitable client care.

We hope you will consider joining Candlelight Ranch (https://candlelightranch.org) to further its solid foundation of dedicated staff, supportive Board of Directors, generous donors, and appreciative stakeholders.

We offer a competitive salary, health stipend, cell phone stipend, mileage reimbursement, Simple IRA with employer match, flexible work schedule, and ample time off.  Salary: $90,000+ commensurate with experience.

To Apply: Please send a one-page cover letter and resume to [email protected] by January 31, 2024.