Description
Job Description and Email to submit resume and cover letter is on our website Rosecanyon.org
Send resume and cover letter by July 17, 2026, to [email protected]
Executive Director – Part-time
Friends of Rose Canyon
About Friends of Rose Canyon
Friends of Rose Canyon is a community-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a 20+ year
history of success in pursuing our mission to protect, preserve, and restore Rose Canyon and the
Rose Creek watershed. Our major focus is on the Rose Canyon green belt between Interstates 5
and 805, much of which is included in the City of San Diego’s Rose Canyon Open Space Park and
Multiple Species Conservation Program.
Position Summary
The Executive Director is responsible for advocacy, fundraising, leadership, and organizational
management for Friends of Rose Canyon. The Executive Director will coordinate the support of
community members, volunteers, other organizations, government agencies, the Board of
Directors and, when necessary, legal counsel.
This position requires a collaborative leader who is passionate about environmental stewardship,
community engagement, and nonprofit sustainability.
Role Specifications
Part-time (approximately 20 – 25 hours per week)
Remote and in-person work required, including some evening and weekend events
Requires maintaining a regular presence in Rose Canyon to observe habitat conditions,
monitor or participate in restoration projects, meet with staX, volunteers, members of the
public, contractors, City of San Diego Open Space Park rangers, or others to represent
Friends of Rose Canyon
Reports to the Board of Directors
Supervises two part-time employees: a seasonal Education Coordinator and a Restoration
Coordinator
Key Responsibilities
Advocacy and Outreach
Coordinate and conduct community outreach and engagement
Maintain and grow existing networks of relationships, and collaborate on advocacy eXorts
with other environmental organizations
Monitor plans by the City of San Diego, SANDAG, and private developers, that may impact
Rose Canyon and the Rose Creek watershed
Advocate to protect Rose Canyon and the Rose Creek watershed at remote and in-person
meetings, hearings, and in environmental coalitions; work with outside legal counsel as
needed
Plan and host community and education events in Rose Canyon and surrounding
neighborhoods
Fundraising and Communications
Research and write grant proposals and donation requests; ensure grant compliance;
prepare and submit required grant reports
Plan and implement annual fundraising campaign
Cultivate relationships with existing and potential donors
Maintain donor and volunteer databases; manage donor and email software programs
1 | P a g e Strengthen community engagement through email, social media, attendance at meetings
and events
Organizational Leadership
Work closely with the Board of Directors to advance the organization's mission, and
collaborate on strategic priorities
Implement Board-approved strategic priorities and annual work plans
Prepare and present regular reports on programs, finances, and organizational activities
Support Board of Directors recruitment
Program and Project Management
Oversee planning and implementation of our habitat restoration projects in coordination
with our Habitat Restoration Coordinator, the City of San Diego Open Space Division, and
our restoration contractors
Oversee planning and implementation of our nature education walks for local schools in
coordination with our Education Coordinator
Administration
Manage budget, oversee payroll administration and financial reporting in coordination with
the bookkeeper and external accountants
Ensure compliance with all nonprofit and regulatory requirements
Maintain and upgrade data systems and website
Qualifications
Demonstrated experience showing passion for nature, conservation, and community
engagement
Minimum 3 years’ experience in nonprofit leadership or management
Demonstrated experience in fundraising, grant writing, donor cultivation, or related
resource development activities
Preferred Experience and Knowledge
Experience in advocacy and work on successful environmental protection eXorts
Familiarity with San Diego’s environmental community, environmental issues and
California state and federal environmental agencies
Familiarity with San Diego’s native habitats
Experience with habitat restoration, outdoor nature education, or related environmental
work
Key Competencies
Proven organizational and time management skills to manage multiple responsibilities
independently
Strong writing and public speaking communications skills
Ability to eXectively network and influence local environmental policy
Ability to leverage digital tools and applications to operate the organization eXiciently and
eXectively
Compensation and Benefits
Part-time, non-exempt position
Compensation: $32–$34/hour, depending on qualifications and experience
2 | P a g e Health insurance stipend; eligibility for CalSavers retirement program (no employer
contribution)
Position accommodates flexible work hours and frequent remote work, with regular
presence in Rose Canyon and attendance at in-person events and meetings, including
occasional evening and weekend time commitments
Physical Demands / Work Environment
This position requires remote oXice work and in-person work in Rose Canyon and other City of San
canyons, as well as attendance at in-person meetings and events. The Executive Director is
expected to maintain a regular presence in Rose Canyon, on trails and at project sites. Duties
include traversing ungroomed and rough trails, uneven ground, steep slopes, loose gravel, and
other outdoor conditions commonly found in Rose Canyon. The Executive Director will participate
in canyon site visits, occasionally lead outdoor meetings or tours, observe or participate in
restoration and stewardship activities, meet with volunteers and partners in the field, and attend
education programs and other outdoor events. The position requires the ability to perform these
functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
The selected candidate must successfully complete a background check and meet organizational
eligibility requirements applicable to this position.
Equal Opportunity Employment
Friends of Rose Canyon is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of diverse
backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives who share our commitment to conservation,
community engagement, and environmental stewardship.
Application Process
Send resume and cover letter by July 17, 2026, to [email protected]
Requirements
Qualifications
Demonstrated experience showing passion for nature, conservation, and community
engagement
Minimum 3 years’ experience in nonprofit leadership or management
Demonstrated experience in fundraising, grant writing, donor cultivation, or related
resource development activities
Preferred Experience and Knowledge
Experience in advocacy and work on successful environmental protection eXorts
Familiarity with San Diego’s environmental community, environmental issues and
California state and federal environmental agencies
Familiarity with San Diego’s native habitats
Experience with habitat restoration, outdoor nature education, or related environmental
work
Key Competencies
Proven organizational and time management skills to manage multiple responsibilities
independently
Strong writing and public speaking communications skills
Ability to eXectively network and influence local environmental policy
Ability to leverage digital tools and applications to operate the organization eXiciently and
eXectively
Compensation and Benefits
Part-time, non-exempt position
Compensation: $32–$34/hour, depending on qualifications and experience
Health insurance stipend; eligibility for CalSavers retirement program (no employer
contribution)
Position accommodates flexible work hours and frequent remote work, with regular
presence in Rose Canyon and attendance at in-person events and meetings, including
occasional evening and weekend time commitments
Physical Demands / Work Environment
This position requires remote oXice work and in-person work in Rose Canyon and other City of San
canyons, as well as attendance at in-person meetings and events. The Executive Director is
expected to maintain a regular presence in Rose Canyon, on trails and at project sites. Duties
include traversing ungroomed and rough trails, uneven ground, steep slopes, loose gravel, and
other outdoor conditions commonly found in Rose Canyon. The Executive Director will participate
in canyon site visits, occasionally lead outdoor meetings or tours, observe or participate in
restoration and stewardship activities, meet with volunteers and partners in the field, and attend
education programs and other outdoor events. The position requires the ability to perform these
functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
The selected candidate must successfully complete a background check and meet organizational
eligibility requirements applicable to this position.
Equal Opportunity Employment
Friends of Rose Canyon is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of diverse
backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives who share our commitment to conservation,
community engagement, and environmental stewardship.
