OPEN POSITION 

Position Title: Executive Director

Type: full-time exempt (40 hours in person)

Compensation: median salary of $110,000

Location: Tryon Creek State Natural Area, 11321 S Terwilliger Blvd. Portland, OR 97219.

Reports to: Friends of Tryon Creek Board of Directors

Anticipated Start Date: Fall 2026

Benefits summary: full medical and dental, simple IRA retirement plan, 12.5 paid holidays, 22.5 days paid time off, and sick leave accrual (details in position description)

WHO WE ARE

Friends of Tryon Creek (FOTC) is a nonprofit organization located in Tryon Creek State Natural Area, a 670-acre green space in southwest Portland. Our mission, in partnership with Oregon State Parks,  is to inspire every community to identify, cultivate, or reclaim their relationship with nature in this cherished urban forest. FOTC was founded in 1970 by a group led by Lucille Beck and Jean Siddall, who led an effort to stop the area from development. Today, FOTC has a formal Cooperative Association agreement with Oregon State Parks. FOTC has recently completed a 5-year strategic plan in which it has adopted a new vision and mission. The organization has established new programming and an educational space within the cherished urban forest to benefit future generations and to truly serve all communities, and is now poised to continue this transformational work.

WHO YOU ARE

You are an ethical relationship builder with a proven record of fundraising and managing a diverse staff team. You have a vision for the Tryon Creek State Natural Area community and forest. You will be able to demonstrate mutually beneficial relationship building experience with marginalized communities and Tribes. FOTC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We anticipate a diverse application pool and encourage all BIPOC, immigrants/refugees, marginalized communities, and folks from various socioeconomic backgrounds to apply.

Studies have shown that transgender, non-binary people, BIPOC, and women are less likely to apply for positions unless they feel they meet all desired attributes. We gladly provide accommodations to anyone whose specific disability could prevent them from participating in the recruitment process or applying, please reach out to staff@tryonfriends.org to request assistance.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Executive Director oversees all operations, fundraising, budgeting, programs, and administration while ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations and the Cooperative Association agreement with Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD).  This role communicates and coordinates with staff, OPRD, partner organizations and volunteers so that Friends can fulfill its mission and vision, protect the park for future generations, ensure high quality environmental education programs and provide a meaningful place to explore, volunteer and recreate. The Executive Director manages a team of highly skilled and motivated professionals.

Find detailed principal accountabilities, essential functions, requirements, and qualifications in the full position description.

To apply, please send a resume (highlighting skills relevant to the position) and a cover letter (stating interests and qualifications), no more than 2 pages, no photos/images to: hiring@tryonfriends.org.

Applications are requested by Monday, July 13, 2026, but the position will remain open until filled. Early applications are highly encouraged.

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