Executive Director, Otsego County Conservation Association
Organization:
Otsego County Conservation Association
Posted:
July 13, 2026
Location:
Cooperstown, New York
Position:
Executive Director
Salary:
$65,000-$75,000
Website:
www.occainfo.org
Application Deadline:
Until filled
Employment Level:
Full time
Job Description
Otsego County Conservation Association (OCCA) is a private, non-profit environmental conservation organization dedicated to promoting the appreciation and sustainable use of Otsego County’s natural resources. Our major pillars of practice include Environmental Education; Resource Protection and Community Science.
OCCA is active in regional environmental education, natural resource protection, community science, invasive species, community resiliency planning, composting, recycling, and energy.
Founded in 1968, OCCA has been involved in virtually every major environmental issue facing the county, including high volume hydrofracking, energy planning, watershed preservation and planning, invasive species management, and solid waste, and we have accumulated a long list of accomplishments in the arena of environmental improvement, partnerships, protection, and education.
The Executive Director is the Chief Executive Officer of OCCA and is responsible for daily and long-term management and planning for OCCA, including, but not limited to,
- matters of finance
- programs
- personnel
- office management
- fund development
- public relations
- special activities
The Executive Director provides the vision and leadership to advance all aspects of the organization. The ideal candidate will have:
- a passion for the mission of OCCA
- strong management and administration and collaboration/facilitation skills
- a commitment to and excellence in fundraising with a specific focus on direct donation development
- an overarching strategic vision
- extensive experience in at least three of the following:·
o Non-profit Finance
o Community Science
o Environmental Education
o Partnerships and Collaborations
The Executive Director
- Reports directly to OCCA’s Board of Directors
- Acts as staff liaison to the Board, the Executive Committee, and other committees of the Board
- Is a non-voting member of committees elected or appointed by the Board
- Will keep abreast of changes in state and federal environmental
- Suggests policies and procedures to govern OCCA operations and works with OCCA staff to develop and implement them
- Is a non-voting member of committees elected or appointed by the Board
- Will keep abreast of changes in energy, public lands, and water issues affecting the Otsego County region
- Will be knowledgeable about administrative, legislative, and legal avenues to advance OCCA’s conservation and environmental campaigns
- Works with staff to devise appropriate campaign strategies and oversees their implementation for OCCA's conservation priorities
- Provides the campaign oversight for OCCA's varies conservation, environmental and education agendas in the Otsego County region
- Provides direct supervision of OCCA's campaign and program staff to develop annual work plans, implement campaigns and set measurable benchmarks for success
- Represents OCCA within the community; developing and sustaining coalitions and partnerships, as well as with individuals, members and potential donors
- Oversees OCCA's communication strategies, including print and web-based media
- Prepares annual organizational budget and assists Fundraising Committee with annual fundraising plan
- Oversees implementation of major donor program, including identifying and cultivating major donor prospects and gift donations
- Other duties as assigned
OCCA’s financial documents can be seen online at http://www2.guidestar.org/organizations/23-7250655/otsego-county-conservation-assn.aspx
Qualifications
- Minimum B.A. or B.S. in an environmental field, or equivalent work experience, is required with preference given to those with advanced degrees, non- profit/business management and/or public administration
- 2+ years experience as an Executive Director, or comparable management experience, with preference given for experience relevant to OCCA’s mission
- Proven track record of fundraising success, including foundation solicitations, major donor campaigns, and/or success in grant procurement
- Experienced in public relations/media, including developing strategic messaging for the organization
- Knowledge of and experience with conservation issues and geography of Otsego County, including energy development, public lands management, land use planning, wilderness and water issues
- Understanding of the cultural and economic diversity of the region
- Strong organizational skills to plan, schedule and prioritize tasks including managing time sensitive projects or grants with overlapping deadlines
- Ability to balance a complex budget through skillful use of available resources
- Excellent writing and oral skills and demonstrated success managing communications and public relations for an organization
- Experience managing staff with diverse talents and backgrounds, and strong interpersonal skills
- Demonstrated capacity to involve and motivate volunteers, patrons, community leaders, and peers in shared endeavors and values
Compensation and Benefits
Salary range: $65,000-$75,000. Benefits include employer-paid health, dental, vision and employer-matched Individual Retirement Account, paid holidays, and a generous vacation package.
Application Instructions
Please provide cover letter, resume and a list of three references via e-mail to [email protected] with “Executive Director Job Application” in the subject line. Application review will begin on August 1, 2026 and continue until the position is filled. See www.occainfo.org for additional information.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $65,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year
