Description

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of LightHawk

Organization Overview

LightHawk is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization that advances conservation through

aviation. By leveraging donated flights, volunteer pilots, and strategic partnerships, LightHawk

enables scientists, land trusts, Tribal nations, government agencies, and conservation

organizations to access remote landscapes, gather critical data, protect wildlife, and steward

natural resources more effectively. For over four decades, LightHawk has operated at the

intersection of aviation, science, and conservation impact.

Position Summary

LightHawk is seeking an inspiring, strategic, and mission-driven Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

to lead the organization into its next chapter of growth and impact. Reporting to the Board of

Directors, the CEO will be responsible for overall organizational leadership, strategy, financial

sustainability, external relations, and mission execution.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative executive with demonstrated nonprofit leadership

experience, strong fundraising acumen, and the ability to translate LightHawk’s unique aviationbased

model into compelling impact for donors, partners, pilots, and the broader conservation

community.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Vision

Lead and refine LightHawk’s strategic direction to ensure high-quality conservation

outcomes and the effective, efficient use of organizational resources

Develop and execute the organization’s strategic plan in close partnership with the Board

of Directors

Evaluate current flight programming and assess emerging opportunities that advance

LightHawk’s mission through innovative uses of the aerial perspective

Monitor and respond to emerging trends in conservation, aviation, and environmental

policy to position LightHawk as a forward-thinking leader

Work effectively with diverse constituencies, including board members, staff, volunteer

pilots, donors, conservation partners, businesses, and government and regulatory agencies.

Partner closely with the Board to support governance, strategic oversight, and performance

accountability, ensuring transparent and timely communication regarding opportunities,

risks, and organizational health

Engage and support board members in fundraising, advocacy, and ambassador roles

Fundraising & External Relations

In partnership with the Chief Advancement Officer, grow contributed revenue from

individuals, foundations, corporate sponsors, and partner organizations

Personally engage in major gift fundraising, foundation relations, sponsorships, and

strategic partnerships

Continue to strengthen LightHawk’s brand visibility and storytelling by clearly articulating

conservation outcomes enabled through aviation

Cultivate and sustain relationships across aviation, conservation, and philanthropic

communities nationwide

Organizational & Financial Management

Ensure LightHawk’s financial health through sound budgeting, forecasting, and long-term

sustainability planning

Lead, develop, and retain a high-performing team across conservation planning,

development, communications, marketing, human resources, and finance

Foster an inclusive, energized, and collaborative organizational culture that promotes

excellence and accountability

Ensure strong internal controls, compliance, and risk management practices

Oversee organizational assets, policies, insurance, and legal compliance

Provide executive oversight of administrative and information systems, including

Salesforce and organizational management platforms

Lead organizational response to crisis events, including aviation-related incidents

Program Oversight & Impact

Ensure programs deliver measurable conservation outcomes aligned with LightHawk’s

mission and strategic priorities

Promote innovation in program design, technology adoption, and data-informed decisionmaking

Maintain strong relationships with volunteer pilots and aviation partners, recognizing their

essential role in LightHawk’s success

Uphold the highest standards of safety, ethics, and stewardship across all aviation-related

activities

Oversee the development, implementation, and review of flight risk management, flight

operations, and safety policies

The Candidate

Qualifications & Experience

Deep alignment with LightHawk’s mission and a demonstrated passion for environmental

conservation. The successful candidate must articulate the transformative power of the

aerial perspective and present a compelling vision for scaling impact

Proven nonprofit executive leadership experience, including building and leading highperforming

teams and setting long-term organizational vision

Strong track record of fundraising success with individuals, foundations, and corporate

partners

Exceptional communication skills, including written, verbal, listening, public speaking,

and presentation abilities

Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including boards, staff, volunteers,

donors, conservation partners, and government agencies

Ability to relate authentically to pilots, conservation partners, and donors

– Pilot’s license is a plus but not required

– Professional experience in environmental conservation preferred but not required

Familiarity with, or ability to quickly learn, FAA regulations, aviation risk management,

and safety protocols relevant to LightHawk’s operations

Demonstrated ability to manage a distributed, remote workforce using digital collaboration

tools, including Google Workspace, Salesforce, video conferencing, and shared work

platforms

Bachelor’s degree required

Preferred Attributes

Unquestionable integrity and ethical standards

Sound judgment, humility, and a demonstrated ability to learn from experience

Leadership by example, with empathy, enthusiasm, and principled decision-making

Proactive approach to identifying and addressing opportunities and risks

Strategic, goal-oriented mindset with the ability to translate vision into execution and

measurable outcomes

Comfort with change, innovation, and continuous improvement

Engaging and inclusive leadership and communication style

Commitment to maintaining a non-partisan approach to conservation issues

Location & Travel

This role may be based remotely within the United States, with regular travel required for donor

engagement, partner meetings, board meetings, and organizational events (20 – 30% of time).

Compensation

Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience, including a comprehensive

benefits package. Expected salary range of $120,000 - $150,000.

Equal Opportunity Employer

As an equal opportunity employer, all qualified candidates will be considered for employment

without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth,

lactation and related medical conditions), gender identity or gender expression, sexual

orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, military service or veteran

status, physical or mental disability, or any other legally protected characteristic.

If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation at any point in the hiring

process, please note it in your application.

How to Apply

To apply, please email your resume and a cover letter (see below) to talent@lighthawk.org.

Include your name and the job title in the subject line (i.e., [Your Name] – [Job Title]).

All applications must include a one-page cover letter. The cover letter should clearly state your

interest in the position and our organization, outline 2–3 specific skills or accomplishments

relevant to the role, and demonstrate how your experience aligns with our mission. We expect

concrete examples that illustrate measurable impact and collaborative problem-solving in

aviation or conservation. Applications submitted without a cover letter will not be considered.

Requirements

Qualifications & Experience

Deep alignment with LightHawk’s mission and a demonstrated passion for environmental

conservation. The successful candidate must articulate the transformative power of the

aerial perspective and present a compelling vision for scaling impact

Proven nonprofit executive leadership experience, including building and leading highperforming

teams and setting long-term organizational vision

Strong track record of fundraising success with individuals, foundations, and corporate

partners

Exceptional communication skills, including written, verbal, listening, public speaking,

and presentation abilities

Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including boards, staff, volunteers,

donors, conservation partners, and government agencies

Ability to relate authentically to pilots, conservation partners, and donors

– Pilot’s license is a plus but not required

– Professional experience in environmental conservation preferred but not required

Familiarity with, or ability to quickly learn, FAA regulations, aviation risk management,

and safety protocols relevant to LightHawk’s operations

Demonstrated ability to manage a distributed, remote workforce using digital collaboration

tools, including Google Workspace, Salesforce, video conferencing, and shared work

platforms

Bachelor’s degree required