The California Native Plant Society (CNPS) is a statewide nonprofit conservation organization (www.cnps.org) founded in 1965, with more than 10,000 members in 35 chapters across California and Baja California Mexico. The mission of CNPS is to increase understanding and appreciation of California’s native plants and to conserve them and their natural habitats through scientific study, education, advocacy, horticulture, and land stewardship.

The CNPS organization structure consists of local chapters and their members, the Chapter Council, the Board of Directors, the Executive Director, staff, and Program Committees. The Chapter Council is composed of a delegate from each chapter and elects the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors and Chapter Council collaborate on important projects with joint committees comprised of representatives from both bodies.

Bringing together science, education, conservation, and gardening to power the native plant movement, the CNPS programs include: Conservation, Biodiversity, Rare Plant, Vegetation, and Public Affairs.

CNPS has exclusively retained Nonprofit HR to assist in recruitment efforts for its next Executive Director. The position of Executive Director is a critical and visible position requiring strong financial, communications, operations, and development experience and the ability to act as a thought leader in nonprofit conservation in California.

The Executive Director collaborates with the Board of Directors, executive leadership, and stakeholders to establish long-range goals, strategies, plans and policies; and participate in the development of a vision and strategic plan to guide the organization forward. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for providing leadership and operational management for CNPS. The Executive Director provides inspiring direction on the Mission and Vision within the boundaries, prudence, and principles established by the Board.  The Executive Director has central responsibility to maintain a positive image for CNPS and to serve as an effective liaison with members and partner organizations.

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