If you've got a strong background running nonprofit organizations, and enjoy getting outdoors and hiking from time to time, this might be the perfect job opportunity for you. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is looking for an executive director/chief executive officer.

The vacancy arises because, after 33 years in the position,  David Startzell has decided it's time to retire. Having joined the ATC in 1978, Mr. Startzell is the longest serving executive director in the conservancy's history. He was instrumental in launching the efforts to acquire a federally protected corridor for the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) and has protected more than 250,000 acres of public lands along a 2,000-mile corridor.
 
“Dave’s contributions to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and his devotion to the trail have helped the organization grow substantially over the years,” said Bob Almand, who chairs the ATC’s board of directors. "While Dave will be missed, we are committed to maintaining the same excellences and high standards that he has established for the last 25 years in his current position.”

Mr. Startzell leaves the ATC at a time of growth and development. The organization has a membership of more than 40,000 members, a vast network of over 6,800 volunteers, and an operating budget of $7.3 million.

As a volunteer-based organization whose mission is “to preserve and manage the trail – ensuring that its vast natural beauty and priceless cultural heritage can be shared and enjoyed today, tomorrow, and for centuries to come,” the ATC is the only organization dedicated solely to protecting and promoting the world’s most-famous long-distance hiking trail, providing outdoor recreation and educational opportunities for Trail visitors.

Founded in 1925, The ATC is a 501(c)(3) organization headquartered in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, and has regional offices in Massachusetts, Virginia, Pennsylvania and North Carolina.  The ATC is both a confederation of 31 local trail-maintaining clubs, and a membership organization with support from all 50 states and more than 15 foreign countries.  Under agreements that date back to the 1930s, buttressed by federal legislation, the ATC leads a cooperative management system for the trail in close cooperation with federal, state and local agencies and trail-maintaining clubs.

Given the trail’s historic legacy of volunteerism, many of the ATC’s programs are focused on supporting and encouraging volunteers.  Some of the key activities and initiatives include trail management and support, conservation, advocacy, and environmental monitoring and research. Some of the ATC’s new initiatives include the Trail to Every Classroom and the Appalachian Trail Community program.

Applicants interested in the ED/CEO position should submit a cover letter and resume to the Association Strategies, Inc. at 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA  22314 or by visiting www.assnstrategies.com. The deadline for applications is September 2, 2011.

For more information about this opportunity or to view a comprehensive job profile, visit www.appalachiantrail.org/ExecutiveSearch