CURRENT OPENINGS

Executive Director

We are pleased to announce the search for our next Executive Director in partnership with Potrero Group, a leadership and executive search firm with a special emphasis on conservation organizations.

The Bay Area Ridge Trail Council seeks an experienced, collaborative Executive Director to guide completion, activation, and stewardship of a world-class 550-mile regional trail system encircling San Francisco Bay.

Visit potrerogroup.com/ridge for more information and to apply. Interested candidates should apply by April 17, 2026, for priority consideration. The position is open until filled.

DESIRED COMPETENCIES AND EXPERIENCE

The ideal candidate is a skilled connector and relationship builder who naturally inspires confidence and draws diverse partners into shared purpose. They are politically savvy without being political, able to engage elected officials and agency leaders while maintaining the Ridge Trail Council’s nonpartisan focus on trail completion and stewardship. This leader brings proven fundraising success, an entrepreneurial approach to problem-solving, and the emotional intelligence to navigate both opportunities and challenges with grace and determination.

The Executive Director will lead with collaborative energy and authentic partnership, recognizing that the Ridge Trail’s success depends on engaging agency partners and connecting organizations and communities. The Executive Director will serve as a convener of regional trail discussions, a catalyst for funding opportunities, a coordinator of technical work, and a promoter for community connections. They will navigate complex partnerships, direct a skilled and motivated staff, enhance Ridge Trail growth and funding, balance natural resource protection with public engagement, and champion the Ridge Trail throughout the communities it serves.

COMPENSATION

This is a full-time, exempt, benefit-eligible position. The anticipated annual salary range for this position is $160,000–$200,000. The range provided is an estimate and will be evaluated on an individual basis, taking into consideration the candidate’s knowledge, skills, abilities, experience, and education.

LOCATION

The Bay Area Ridge Trail Council office is located in Berkeley, CA. The Executive Director will be based in the San Francisco Bay Area with a hybrid work arrangement. The position requires regular in-person presence for meetings with agency partners, elected officials, landowners, donors, and community constituents throughout the nine-county Bay Area region.

The Executive Director will need to travel regularly throughout the Bay Area. The position requires flexibility to attend evening and weekend events and activities as needed.

START DATE

Summer 2026

TO APPLY

Visit potrerogroup.com/ridge to apply. 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.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For additional information regarding this opportunity, please contact Andrew Leider, Managing Director and Search Lead at Potrero Group, at aleider@potrerogroup.com.

The Bay Area Ridge Trail Council is an equal opportunity employer and committed to a diverse team.