Executive Director

About the Organization

We envision a world in which science-based decision-making, policies, and technology allow people to live in balance with nature.

Adventure Scientists collaborates with leaders tackling environmental and climate challenges to design and manage field data collection projects that expand scale and access. By recruiting and training outdoor enthusiasts, the organization delivers high-quality data, enabling conservation leaders to ask bigger questions, accelerate solutions, and inspire civic engagement.

If you’re ready to combine your strategic expertise with a love for the outdoors and a commitment to conservation, this is your chance to make a lasting impact. Together, we will ensure Adventure Scientists continues to be a game-changer for environmental conservation, creating a healthier planet for generations to come.

Join Us on Our Next Adventure! – Executive Director

Adventure Scientists is on the brink of an exciting transformation, and we’re searching for an exceptional leader to guide us into our next chapter. This is a tremendous opportunity to take a pioneering, founder-led organization and shape it into a powerful, lasting force for conservation worldwide.

As our Executive Director, you will play a pivotal role in amplifying Adventure Scientists’ impact, driving innovation, and building a sustainable future for our mission. Reporting to the Board of Directors, you will oversee all operations, ensuring we remain efficient, effective, and ready to tackle the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.

Partnering closely with our visionary Founder/Executive Chairman, you will help refine and execute a bold strategy that elevates Adventure Scientists to new heights. While staying true to our adventurous spirit, your leadership will inspire our team to achieve ambitious goals and foster an organizational culture that values collaboration, inclusiveness, and operational excellence.

This role is perfect for a dynamic and experienced operational leader with a passion for conservation and a proven track record of:

• Managing and scaling complex operations with precision and creativity,

• Building and leading high-performing teams through growth and change,

• Delivering measurable results in mission-driven organizations,

• Thriving in entrepreneurial, fast-paced environments.

Are you ready to lead this adventure?

Organizational Highlights

• We are a mostly distributed/hybrid organization with 15 full-time employees, planning to scale in the coming years.

• We foster an inclusive culture where every team member feels ownership and accountability for their role and appreciated for their contributions.

• Our partners include National Geographic, the World Economic Forum, TED, the U.S. Forest Service, and Harvard Medical School.

• Our work has driven outcomes such as:

◦ Preventing illegal timber harvest

◦ Restoring extirpated species to their home ranges

◦ Building the world’s largest dataset on microplastics

◦ Advancing identification of the genes responsible for antibiotic resistance

Click here to learn more about our impact.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

In partnership with the Founder/Executive Chairman, the Executive Director will serve as the central leader of Adventure Scientists’ operational and programmatic excellence, ensuring that all organizational activities align with the mission and that our long-term strategic vision sets us up for success.

Strategy and Execution

• Partner with the board and Founder/Executive Chairman to create the long-term vision and strategy, ensuring seamless alignment between organizational priorities and execution.

• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and adaptability, inspiring the team to achieve ambitious goals aligned with Adventure Scientists’ values and mission.

• Prepare and present board materials, including financial reports, strategic updates, and organizational performance metrics, equipping the Board of Directors with the insights needed for effective governance and partnership.

Fundraising and Donor Engagement

• Fundraise in collaboration with the Founder/Executive Chairman to expand Adventure Scientists’ funding base and deepen donor relationships.

• Identify fundraising needs related to capacity-building, organizational growth, and infrastructure development.

• Collaborate with the Executive Chairman and board on major gifts and institutional funding strategies.

• Generate 25% of the organization’s annual philanthropic revenue through grants and direct donor engagement and stewardship (following a six-month onboarding period).

What We’re Looking For

Must Haves to Interview

1. Team Building and Development: Proven ability to identify, attract, hire and retain great people on a growing team, emphasizing professional growth, accountability, and alignment with the organization’s culture and values.

2. Strategic and Operational Planning: Been a principal designer of a business strategy or movement that has either grown an existing business substantially or has taken a new business and grown it over a period of time.

3. P&L experience: Has been the individual overseeing decision-making for a business or division. Has Strong expertise in financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, compliance, and audits.

4. Closing Deals: Demonstrated ability of closing major sales, development, and/or philanthropic deals.

5. Passion for our mission: Is an avid outdoor enthusiast who is fascinated and excited by science and conservation.

Personal Attributes and Values

• Creative Thinker: Thrives in a dynamic, growth-focused organization where processes and systems are evolving, demonstrating resilience and creativity in navigating ambiguity.

• Collaborative Problem-Solver: Gets excited about navigating and overcoming complex challenges, working collaboratively with others to identify innovative solutions and drive results.

• Integrity and Attention to Detail: Demonstrates a high degree of trustworthiness and accountability, with meticulous attention to detail in decision-making and execution.

Work Schedule and Compensation

This is a full-time position based in Bozeman, Montana. Candidates not currently residing in Bozeman must be willing to relocate when starting the job. Adventure Scientists offers relocation assistance and access to a welcoming, vibrant outdoor community. Occasional travel and evening or weekend work may be required.

Adventure Scientists is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where diverse perspectives are valued, and all team members feel empowered to contribute to our mission.

• Salary Range: $175,000–$200,000 with merit-based opportunities to grow.

• Benefits: Employer-subsidized health insurance, retirement plan with employer matching, generous paid time off, paid parental leave, personal and professional development opportunities, and more. Additional perks include sabbaticals for long-tenured employees and access to discounted outdoor gear.

To Apply

APPLY HERE

Applications must include:

• Cover letter (less than 1 page) describing your background and interest in the position

• Resume (limited to two pages)