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, CA

TERM OF SERVICE:

Full-time; serve 1700+ hours from September 15, 2025 - August 14, 2026

TIME COMMITMENT:

Serve 40 hours per week, Wednesday - Saturday, approximately 6:30 AM - 5:00 PM, with occasional evening and weekend commitments based on project needs. Onsite 4 days per week.

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: caclimateactioncorps.org/
(https://www.caclimateactioncorps.org/)

ABOUT HOST PARTNER SITE:

Since 1973, TreePeople has been a nonprofit leader in nature-based solutions to the pressing environmental problems that impact people and ecosystems across Southern California. TreePeople unites communities to grow greener, cooler, and more water-secure homes, neighborhoods, and schools, as well as to protect regional watersheds and wildlands. From our first planting to the 3-millionth tree planted, youth activism has been central to the TreePeople mission – helping shape our conservation strategies in sustainable, community-led climate action. We specialize in a slate of strategic priorities including environmental education, watershed coordination, community forestry & green infrastructure, wildlands restoration & conservation, and policy & research. More info: treepeople.org (https://treepeople.org)

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

TreePeople is leading the charge in climate resilience by empowering communities to restore and protect Southern Californiaʼs wildlands. Our mission is to inspire, engage, and support people in creating a sustainable and thriving environment, and our forest restoration projects are at the heart of this vision. Fellows will play a key role in wildfire prevention and habitat restoration efforts in the Angeles National Forest and Santa Monica Mountains, addressing environmental challenges through hands-on conservation efforts. This includes removing invasive species, planting native trees and plants, and mobilizing volunteers to care for the land. Fellows will also deepen their understanding of local ecology, plant identification, and best practices in environmental stewardship while gaining relevant certifications. By joining TreePeople, Fellows will help foster long-term environmental justice, ensuring that all communities—especially those most impacted by climate change—have a voice in shaping a greener future. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Restore wildland areas by remove invasive species and flash fuels and replacing and nurturing native plants and tree seedlings to support long-term reforestation efforts and reduce wildfire risk
• Coordinate restoration, planting, and care events while mobilizing volunteers through training, guidance, and hands-on opportunities to actively participate in forest restoration efforts
• Cultivate strong relationships with community members, attending local events to promote volunteer involvement and conservation and restoration efforts
• Support TreePeopleʼs nursery with seed collection, treatment, and propagation activities to ensure a thriving supply of native plants
• 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, 2025
• Must be age 18 or older by August 16, 2025
• 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 Community Outreach, Data/Quantitative Analysis, Environmental Education, Environmental Justice/Equity, Event Coordination & Planning, GIS / Mapping, Google Suite, Habitat Restoration, Home Hardening/Defensible Space, Landscape Management, Microsoft Office Suite and Teams, Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration, Native Plant Management, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, Tree Planting/Care, Volunteer Management & Engagement, and the Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, and Familiarity or comfortability conducting activities in extreme weather including hiking for several hours on uneven terrain. 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:

Serving with TreePeople in wilderness conservation offers a unique opportunity to explore forestry careers through mentorship networks while gaining hands-on experience in diverse forest landscapes and restoration projects. Participants develop expertise in native plant species and evidence-based maintenance techniques, enhancing their knowledge of sustainable land management. Travel is provided to project sites in the Angeles National Forest, ensuring direct engagement with conservation efforts. Additionally, CPR, First Aid, and AED certification, along with specialized forestry training and professional development, further equip participants with valuable skills for environmental stewardship. Other benefits include:

• Receive up to $33,600 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) oversees the recruitment, placement, payroll, and benefits administration for Fellows serving at the Host Partner Site listed above. We cultivate an organizational culture that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all employees and National Service members.