Founded in 1990, the nonprofit Columbia Land Trust has been working in the greater Columbia River region to conserve signature landscapes and vital habitats through sound science and strong relationships. In 2010, Three Rivers Land Conservancy merged with Columbia Land Trust, expanding the organization's reach across the Portland metro area. To date, Columbia Land Trust has conserved more than 56,000 acres across a service region that spans two states and follows the lower Columbia River for 230 miles, stretching from The Dalles to the Pacific Ocean through several diverse ecoregions.
Columbia Land Trust seeks an inspiring, grounded leader who approaches conservation with deep respect for the science, the politics, and the people involved. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong leadership in thoughtfully guiding organizational growth while developing staff capacity and maintaining momentum. They bring strategic vision and a results-driven mindset to optimize resources, enhance performance, and deliver measurable conservation outcomes. They have strong ties to the Washington and Oregon communities and philanthropic landscape, or experience in a similar region, and a demonstrated commitment to working with, elevating, and genuinely learning from communities that have historically been marginalized in conservation spaces.
Compensation
This is a full-time, exempt, benefit-eligible position. The anticipated annual salary range is $195,000 – $215,000, commensurate with experience.
Columbia Land Trust offers comprehensive benefits, including:
- 100% Health care coverage for employee
- 100% Dental coverage for employee
- up to 5% 401K matching
- $50,000 Life Insurance policy
- 4-week vacation accrual at time of hire with graduated increases based on years of service
Location
The Executive Director will work in a hybrid arrangement based at Columbia Land Trust's offices in Vancouver, Washington, with regular travel throughout the Columbia River region. There are two satellite offices: Astoria, OR, and White Salmon, WA. The position requires consistent in-person presence to build and sustain strong relationships with staff, board members, landowners, community partners, tribal nations, and donors. Occasional evening and weekend availability will be required for events, community programs, and organizational activities.
Start Date
Fall 2026
To Apply
Select "Apply Here" below. Applications should include a resume and a cover letter describing your qualifications that match the position criteria and what you will bring to the role.
Interested and qualified candidates should apply by July 6, 2026, for priority consideration.
For More Information
For additional information regarding this opportunity, please contact Daniel Student, Managing Director and Search Lead at Potrero Group, at dstudent@potrerogroup.com.
More information on Jefferson Land Trust can be found at www.columbialandtrust.org.
