About Glacier National Park Conservancy
The Glacier National Park Conservancy (GNPC) is the official nonprofit fundraising partner of Glacier National Park with the mission to preserve and protect the park for future generations. The Conservancy manages both philanthropic and retail operations that support vital park projects. In 2024, total revenue exceeded $12 million, enabling the Conservancy to provide $4.9 million in funding for 45 projects that directly support Glacier National Park. Since its founding, cumulative support for park projects has surpassed $30 million as of 2025.
The Conservancy was established in 2013 through the merger of the Glacier National Park Fund and the Glacier Natural History Association. By combining the philanthropic and retail operations of the former organizations, GNPC created a unified model that has significantly expanded financial support and long-term sustainability to Glacier National Park. Today, the Conservancy employs 23 year-round staff and 38 seasonal employees, supported by a dedicated 26-member Board of Directors. Together, the team works to connect donors, partners, and visitors with opportunities to make a lasting impact on the park.
Philanthropy and Partnerships
The Conservancy’s development team raises funds through individual donations, business partnerships, and grants. In 2024, philanthropic contributions exceeded $4.4 million, to protect wildlife, preserve wilderness, and enhance visitor experiences.
Retail Operations
The Conservancy operates four retail stores, in West Glacier, Apgar, Logan Pass, and St. Mary, along with an online store. In 2024, gross retail sales exceeded $7.4 million, with the net proceeds supporting critical park projects and visitor education.
Impact Areas
GNPC works closely with the Glacier National Park leadership to identify and fund priority projects in three core areas:
Wilderness: Investments in wilderness preservation resulting in improvements that benefit wildlife, natural and cultural resources, and the overall ecosystem.
Wildlife: Investments that preserve biodiversity, promote the abundance of wildlife, and successfully defend against potential threats.
Wonder: Investments in curriculum-based education, interpretation, environmental science education, and community engagement that inspire visitors and foster future park stewards.
Facilities and Operations
The Conservancy maintains two office locations - in Columbia Falls and West Glacier, MT. Staff with office-based positions are assigned to one of our office locations, while others work remotely. To support seasonal operations, the Conservancy owns a house in Hungry Horse, MT and leases a property in West Glacier that serves as both warehouse space and additional employee housing. The Conservancy also maintains a fleet of nine vehicles.
Core Values
The Conservancy’s values are the building blocks of its organizational culture, and they guide the staff and board in how they approach their work and interact with each other.
Commitment: We are united and inspired by a passion for Glacier National Park. We are dedicated to serving Glacier’s immediate and long-term needs.
Respect: We lead with kindness and regard for people and place. We celebrate each other’s success and approach our work with integrity, care, and an open mind.
Inclusion: We embrace diverse viewpoints, backgrounds, and experiences. We listen and learn with intention to ensure all feel welcomed and valued.
Collaboration: We combine our individual skills and talents to form a dynamic team working toward a shared mission. We prioritize cooperating across departments and with our partners to increase impact.
Position Overview
The Executive Director leads the Conservancy team in its fundraising efforts through philanthropy and retail sales and plays a critical role in advancing the Conservancy’s mission, core values, and organizational development. The Executive Director works closely with staff, the Board of Directors, and park leadership to set priorities, establish funding goals, and implement fundraising strategies. The Executive Director oversees the organization’s financial health and serves as its representative in the community, building relationships that support the mission to preserve and protect Glacier National Park for future generations.
The ideal candidate is a dynamic, experienced leader with a strong background in fundraising, staff leadership, financial and operational management, and partnership development. The successful candidate will combine analytical expertise with relationship-building skills, demonstrate integrity and vision, and inspire staff, donors, and the community through a genuine passion for Glacier National Park and conservation. This individual embodies the values of empathy, inclusivity, and public service that define the Conservancy’s mission.
Scope and Responsibilities
ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP AND STRATEGY
- Inspire and instill passion for the Conservancy’s mission with staff, board members, partners, and supporters by striving to increase the impact of funding to Glacier National Park.
- Work with staff to establish clear goals and objectives and ensure that staff have the tools and resources necessary to be effective in their work.
- Supervise and lead the Executive Team staff to set priorities and address important issues facing the organization.
- Foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture that encourages innovation, goal setting, teamwork, and professional development.
FUNDRAISING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS
- Work closely with the Director of Development and the Development Committee to strategize and implement fundraising goals and initiatives.
- Advance a culture of philanthropy where staff and board members understand their roles in fundraising success.
- Cultivate relationships with donors and foundations, actively soliciting donations.
- Represent the Conservancy at community events and speaking engagements to enhance visibility and engagement.
BOARD RELATIONS
- Engage the Board of Directors in strategic conversations regarding consequential issues and opportunities for the Conservancy.
- Collaborate with the Board of Directors to prioritize strategic and financial goals.
- In partnership with the Leadership Committee, set board priorities and develop effective meeting agendas.
- Collaborate with the Committee on Directors to identify and recruit potential board members possessing the requisite skills, attributes, and diverse life experiences essential for optimizing the board’s effectiveness as a strategic partner.
- Facilitate effective working relationships between board members and staff.
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT AND COMPLIANCE
- In collaboration with the Director of Finance and Finance Committee, prepare the annual budget for review and approval by the Board of Directors.
- Work with Director of Finance and Finance Committee to recommend use of unrestricted funds for approval by the Board of Directors.
- In partnership with the Director of Park Stores, determine retail sales projections as part of the annual budget process.
- Work with Director of Finance and Audit Committee to oversee compliance with audit and regulatory reporting.
- Work with the Board of Directors to determine long-term financial and investment goals for the organization.
- Continually evaluate and mitigate financial risks to the organization.
PARK / CONSTITUENCY PARTNERSHIP
- Maximize the Conservancy’s impact by fostering robust relationships with park leadership and engaging in collaborative planning to meet the park’s needs.
- Work with the Executive Team staff to ensure that all aspects of Conservancy operations comply with Director’s Order #32 and #21, formal agreements, and NPS policies.
- Cultivate a culture of cooperation and goodwill among NPS, nonprofit partners, business partners, tribal partners, and the greater Glacier community.
Essential Skills and Qualifications
• Deep experience in senior operating and nonprofit executive leadership roles, marked by the ability to articulate an inspiring strategic vision, guide organizations through multi-year execution, and consistently meet or exceed annual plan commitments.
• Authentic experience in Glacier National Park and passion for the park and the mission of the Conservancy.
• Proven success meeting fundraising goals, including securing individual, major, and legacy gifts, expanding the donor base, engaging corporate philanthropy, organizing events, and cultivating relationships, including next-generation donors.
• Established capability to work with Conservancy staff, Park staff, board members, tribal partners, and community members while demonstrating political savvy in nonprofit and governmental interactions.
• Committed to fostering a positive, growth-oriented, and collaborative team environment that prioritizes staff development and mental health, while mentoring, retaining, and inspiring a diverse team.
• Drives innovation and core values with empathy, authenticity, approachability, and openness to feedback.
• Leads with humility, trustworthiness, adaptability, and humor while fostering positive culture and healthy boundaries.
• Superior written, oral, and interpersonal skills with strong public speaking and media presence.
• Proven success in community engagement and innovative outreach initiatives.
• Skilled in budgeting, forecasting, reporting, audits, and grantmaking.
• Excellent organizational skills with particular attention to detail to oversee complex operations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the National Park Service’s operations and organizational structure, with experience collaborating with federal and state agencies (especially NPS), engaging tribal communities, and cultivating relationships within Montana’s philanthropic network. Familiarity with Glacier National Park’s unique context and complex policies related to park partnerships is highly desirable.
• Bachelor’s or advanced degree or equivalent experience. Applicants with comparable qualifications and work experience are encouraged to apply.
Physical and Environmental Demands: This position is year-round and requires working in a setting typical of an office environment. The employee may be required to sit or stand for extended periods of time. The employee may be required to drive a motor vehicle for work purposes. Must hold a valid driver’s license.
To Apply:
Glacier National Park Conservancy has retained DHR Global to conduct this search. If you have any questions, or are interested in applying for the role, please contact Kris McFeely, Tom Berray, or Emma Kemper at [email protected].
View the full Position Specification
