ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

TreePeople’s mission is to inspire, engage, and encourage people to take personal responsibility for the urban environment, making it safe, healthy, fun, and sustainable, and to share our process as a model for the world. Trees need People. People need Trees.

Founded in 1973, TreePeople is now one of the largest environmental organizations headquartered in Southern California. We have inspired, engaged, and supported more than three million people to take action for our environment by planting and caring for trees in forests, mountains, parks, and our neighborhoods. Our unique, engaging, and proven model empowers communities to plant a more resilient future and take personal responsibility for greening their neighborhoods. Through our on-the-ground research and educational programs, TreePeople shares knowledge with policymakers, students, educators, and communities around the world.

After fires burn, TreePeople reforests. When schools are covered in concrete, TreePeople creates green schoolyards. When communities experience food insecurity, TreePeople distributes fruit trees. When California is drought-stricken, TreePeople designs solutions to capture rainwater. As the world faces increasing threats from a more hostile climate, TreePeople helps create actionable solutions.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The incoming Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TreePeople will strive to advance environmental resilience while upholding principles of environmental equity. With a robust annual budget of $22 million and a dedicated team of 180 staff members, this leadership role is pivotal in steering TreePeople's transformative agenda across multiple programs and revenue streams. The incoming CEO will lead initiatives prioritizing marginalized communities living with fewer green spaces, working to achieve a shared vision of creating safer, healthier, more sustainable and resilient communities.

The CEO's mandate includes operational oversight to spearhead initiatives that foster inclusive partnerships with diverse stakeholders, including local communities, civic leaders, and environmental advocates. Through strategic efforts such as reforestation in fire-affected areas and the creation of green spaces in urban neighborhoods, the CEO will boldly lead TreePeople into the future and fulfill our mission to create a more just and resilient world, where the benefits of nature are shared by all.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Organizational Leadership

• Works with the Board of Directors to develop, drive and implement the strategic plan, mission, and vision of the organization.
• Creates and manages a work environment that recruits, retains, and supports quality staff, cultivating a culture of professional growth and leadership building.
• Serves as the principal communicator and advocate with various governmental agencies and partner organizations.
• Consistently solicits, considers, and incorporates the input and feedback of all organization members and stakeholders.
• Ensures that all TreePeople business is conducted in compliance with established policies, guidelines, and by-laws, upholding the highest ethical standards.
• Manages daily operations and implements Board approved policies and programs.

Community Engagement

• Represents TreePeople at local, regional, state, and national meetings to promote the organization’s mission and vision.
• Develops and maintains a network of peers through regional and national professional organizations.
• Oversees the development and execution of community events and enhances community-wide visibility and recognition.
• Assists in identifying and recruiting established and emerging business and community leaders to serve as volunteers, providing guidance and support to effectively contribute to the organization's success.
• Develops and maintains strong working relationships with local government officials, Board members, affiliates, and community partners.

Financial Management

• In collaboration with the CFO, develops and manages financial planning, forecasting, and analytical efforts, ensuring alignment with the overall mission, vision, and organizational strategy.
• Responsible for the organization’s financial health, including funding and expense management.
• Develops and executes the annual budget and supervises day-to-day fiscal management.
• Plays a leading role to diversify revenue streams through soliciting private donations.

Board Administration and Support

• Fosters effective collaboration with the Board of Directors and between the Board and staff.
• Empowers and supports the Board to fulfill its governance functions, including planning, organizing, and executing Board and executive committee meetings with the Board Chair.
• Identifies, assesses, and informs the Board of Directors of internal and external issues impacting the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g. nonprofit management, business administration, or a related discipline).
• Minimum of ten (10) years in management and/or leadership roles, including at least five (5) years of organizational leadership in a non-profit setting.
• Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving skills, adept at long-range planning while addressing daily operational needs.
• Demonstrated success managing teams, supervising staff, and fostering a productive, motivated work environment.
• Successful track record of managing funding relationships with foundations, donors, or other funding entities.
• Demonstrated ability to work successfully within complex political environments with a strong understanding of advocacy, coalition building, and the legislative process.
• Extensive experience in nonprofit management, including budgeting and accounting, financial statements, financial projections and fundraising and donor relations.
• A deep commitment to the mission and core values of TreePeople.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Salary is between $200,000–$250,000 and benefits include employer-paid medical coverage for employees, optional dental and vision plans, life insurance, generous paid time off including vacation, sick leave, and holidays, plus access to supplemental benefits.

TreePeople is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, national origin, religion or creed, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, age, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status recognized by federal, state or local law.

Envision Consulting was retained by TreePeople to conduct the search for their incoming Chief Executive Officer.

Applicants needing accommodation for any part of the application process may contact Envision Consulting at 626.889.7905 to request and arrange for assistance.

JOIN THE TREEPEOPLE TEAM, APPLY AT:

Please apply here →

POSITION LOCATION:

Beverly Hills, California (Mountain Team) & El Monte, California (Urban Team)

TERM OF SERVICE:

Full-time; serve 1700+ hours from September 16, 2024 - August 14, 2025

TIME COMMITMENT:

Serve 40 hours per week, with Urban Forestry Team hours Tuesday — Saturday, approximately 7:00am - 4:00pm and Mountain Forestry Team hours Wednesday — Saturday approximately 6:30am - 5:00pm

ABOUT CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS (CCAC):

California Climate Action Corps (CCAC) is a Governorʼs initiative national service program led by California Volunteers, Office of the Governor and implemented by Bay Area Community Resources (BACR) dedicated to advancing climate actions that engage community members, cultivate change, and leave a lasting impact.

CCAC is part of a larger statewide initiative to address the climate crisis by placing emerging leaders with public agencies, nonprofits, tribal communities, and educational institutions to mobilize communities through volunteer engagement, climate action, and education service projects focused on urban greening, organic waste and edible food recovery, and wildfire resiliency.

Selected Fellows will serve 1700+ hours as AmeriCorps members over approximately eleven months, supporting community volunteer engagement, climate action, or education projects in vulnerable communities across the state. CCAC meets Californians where they are and provides meaningful opportunities for everyone to take climate action. For more information, please visit: https://www.californiavolunteers.ca.gov/about-california-climate-action-corps

ABOUT HOST PARTNER SITE:

TreePeople, a pioneering nonprofit since 1973, leads the charge in nature-based solutions to Southern California's environmental challenges. Our mission unites communities to cultivate greener, cooler, and more water-secure environments while empowering youth-driven climate action. Specializing in equity-driven initiatives, we focus on environmental education, watershed coordination, urban forestry, wildlands restoration, and policy advocacy to create a sustainable future for all.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

TreePeople, one of California's largest independent environmental organizations, is dedicated to empowering individuals to embrace personal responsibility for nurturing a safe, healthy, enjoyable, and sustainable environment. With a team comprising educators, organizers, foresters, and thousands of trained volunteers, TreePeople leads the charge in mobilizing communities to collaborate towards achieving climate resilience. Over the past 5 decades, TreePeople has engaged more than 3 million individuals in planting and caring for over 3 million trees. Our primary objective is to actively engage and organize communities at the local level, throughout Los Angeles County, and beyond, catalyzing a transformative response to climate change and establishing a replicable global model for climate resiliency. TreePeople is seeking 8 Fellows for 2 teams who are passionate about the environment, urban greening, forestry, climate resilience, and environmental justice, particularly those from the communities we aim to serve. The Urban Forestry Team will be based out of El Monte, CA with projects spanning Los Angeles County, and the Mountain Forestry Team will be based out of Beverly Hills, CA with projects spanning the Angeles National Forest.

Urban Forestry Team duties include, but are not limited to:

• Conduct post-fire reforestation and habitat restoration efforts in designated areas, removing invasive species and flash fuels to preserve native plant ecosystem in urban environments
• Identify suitable sites for tree planting initiatives in urban areas, lead tree planting and maintenance activities, and monitor site progress to promote equitable tree canopy coverage

Mountain Forestry Team duties include, but are not limited to:

• Conduct post-fire reforestation and habitat restoration efforts in designated areas, removing invasive species and flash fuels to preserve native plant ecosystem in the Angeles National Forest
• Assist with seed collection, treatment, and propagation activities as needed

All Team duties include, but are not limited to:

• Recruit, coordinate, and support volunteers to assist with urban tree planting and care events and forest restoration to foster community engagement, raise awareness, and promote environmental stewardship
• Cultivate relationships with community members through effective communication, volunteer retention efforts, and event participation to encourage community engagement and sustain conservation efforts
• Track program data and analyze results to quantify climate impact
• Participation in training not to exceed 20% (340-hours) of total service hours
• Fellow duties will not include any prohibited or unallowable activities per 45 CFR § 2520.65
• Fellow duties will not supplant, duplicate, or displace staff as outlined in 45 CFR § 2540.100 (e)-(f)

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Live in California by August 16, 2024
• Must be age 18 or older by September 16, 2024
• Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent
• Must be a US Citizen, US National, or lawful US resident to participate

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience in Volunteer Engagement, Event Coordination, Community Outreach, Environmental Education, Field Experience, Home Hardening/ Defensible Space, Volunteer Management, Environmental Justice/ Equity, Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration, Event Planning, GIS / Mapping, and Data/ Quantitative Analysis. Other valuable contributions include:

• An interest in climate change mitigation, volunteerism, or public service
• Experience with outreach, education, training, or community behavior change
• Fundamental understanding of climate change science, environmental policies in California, and/or environmental priorities
• Excellent organizational, writing, interpersonal, and speaking skills

BENEFITS OF SERVICE:

Fellows with TreePeople will work on forest health resilience projects in Angeles National Forest and tree canopy equity initiatives in urban areas, gaining skills and hands-on experience in habitat restoration, volunteer coordination, community engagement, and environmental education. Fellows will receive supervision and training from experienced staff members and have the chance to earn certifications such as CPR/First Aid/AED. Other benefits include:

• Receive up to $33,000 stipend (before taxes) distributed evenly over the 11-month service term
• Earn up to $10,000 in education awards (before taxes and upon completion of 1700 hours)
• Participation in 170-340 hours of training and professional development
• Receive food assistance via CalFresh (for those eligible)
• Forbearance on existing qualifying student loans and interest payments accrued during the service term
• Minimum essential healthcare coverage
• Childcare assistance (for those eligible)

ABOUT BACR:

As the program implementation lead, Bay Area Community Resources (BACR) is responsible for the member's (Fellow's) recruitment and placement at the Host Partner Site listed above. BACR is the Implementing Agency that manages the Fellows' payroll and benefits. We cultivate an environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all employees and National Service members.

We are firmly committed to maintaining an atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles may grow personally and professionally. Therefore, we enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, marital status, medical condition, disability, military service, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances.

Our management team is dedicated to ensuring the fulfillment of this equal opportunity policy with respect to hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, recruitment advertising, pay, and other forms of compensation, training, and general treatment during a Fellow's term of service.

Please apply here →