TreePeople - Chief Executive Officer

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

TreePeople’s mission is to inspire, engage, and encourage people to take personal responsibility for the urban environment, making it safe, healthy, fun, and sustainable, and to share our process as a model for the world. Trees need People. People need Trees. 

Founded in 1973, TreePeople is now one of the largest environmental organizations headquartered in Southern California. We have inspired, engaged, and supported more than three million people to take action for our environment by planting and caring for trees in forests, mountains, parks, and our neighborhoods. Our unique, engaging, and proven model empowers communities to plant a more resilient future and take personal responsibility for greening their neighborhoods. Through our on-the-ground research and educational programs, TreePeople shares knowledge with policymakers, students, educators, and communities around the world. 

After fires burn, TreePeople reforests. When schools are covered in concrete, TreePeople creates green schoolyards. When communities experience food insecurity, TreePeople distributes fruit trees. When California is drought-stricken, TreePeople designs solutions to capture rainwater. As the world faces increasing threats from a more hostile climate, TreePeople helps create actionable solutions. 

POSITION OVERVIEW

The incoming Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TreePeople will strive to advance environmental resilience while upholding principles of environmental equity. With a robust annual budget of $22 million and a dedicated team of 180 staff members, this leadership role is pivotal in steering TreePeople's transformative agenda across multiple programs and revenue streams. The incoming CEO will lead initiatives prioritizing marginalized communities living with fewer green spaces, working to achieve a shared vision of creating safer, healthier, more sustainable and resilient communities.  

The CEO's mandate includes operational oversight to spearhead initiatives that foster inclusive partnerships with diverse stakeholders, including local communities, civic leaders, and environmental advocates. Through strategic efforts such as reforestation in fire-affected areas and the creation of green spaces in urban neighborhoods, the CEO will boldly lead TreePeople into the future and fulfill our mission to create a more just and resilient world, where the benefits of nature are shared by all. 

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Organizational Leadership

• Works with the Board of Directors to develop, drive and implement the strategic plan, mission, and vision of the organization.  
• Creates and manages a work environment that recruits, retains, and supports quality staff, cultivating a culture of professional growth and leadership building.  
• Serves as the principal communicator and advocate with various governmental agencies and partner organizations. 
• Consistently solicits, considers, and incorporates the input and feedback of all organization members and stakeholders. 
• Ensures that all TreePeople business is conducted in compliance with established policies, guidelines, and by-laws, upholding the highest ethical standards. 
• Manages daily operations and implements Board approved policies and programs. 

Community Engagement

• Represents TreePeople at local, regional, state, and national meetings to promote the organization’s mission and vision. 
• Develops and maintains a network of peers through regional and national professional organizations. 
• Oversees the development and execution of community events and enhances community-wide visibility and recognition. 
• Assists in identifying and recruiting established and emerging business and community leaders to serve as volunteers, providing guidance and support to effectively contribute to the organization's success. 
• Develops and maintains strong working relationships with local government officials, Board members, affiliates, and community partners. 

Financial Management

• In collaboration with the CFO, develops and manages financial planning, forecasting, and analytical efforts, ensuring alignment with the overall mission, vision, and organizational strategy. 
• Responsible for the organization’s financial health, including funding and expense management. 
• Develops and executes the annual budget and supervises day-to-day fiscal management. 
• Plays a leading role to diversify revenue streams through soliciting private donations.  

Board Administration and Support

• Fosters effective collaboration with the Board of Directors and between the Board and staff. 
• Empowers and supports the Board to fulfill its governance functions, including planning, organizing, and executing Board and executive committee meetings with the Board Chair. 
• Identifies, assesses, and informs the Board of Directors of internal and external issues impacting the organization. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g. nonprofit management, business administration, or a related discipline).   
• Minimum of ten (10) years in management and/or leadership roles, including at least five (5) years of organizational leadership in a non-profit setting. 
• Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving skills, adept at long-range planning while addressing daily operational needs. 
• Demonstrated success managing teams, supervising staff, and fostering a productive, motivated work environment. 
• Successful track record of managing funding relationships with foundations, donors, or other funding entities. 
• Demonstrated ability to work successfully within complex political environments with a strong understanding of advocacy, coalition building, and the legislative process. 
• Extensive experience in nonprofit management, including budgeting and accounting, financial statements, financial projections and fundraising and donor relations. 
• A deep commitment to the mission and core values of TreePeople. 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Salary is between $200,000–$250,000 and benefits include employer-paid medical coverage for employees, optional dental and vision plans, life insurance, generous paid time off including vacation, sick leave, and holidays, plus access to supplemental benefits.

TreePeople is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, national origin, religion or creed, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, age, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status recognized by federal, state or local law.

Envision Consulting was retained by TreePeople to conduct the search for their incoming Chief Executive Officer.

Applicants needing accommodation for any part of the application process may contact Envision Consulting at 626.889.7905 to request and arrange for assistance.