Ref: Chief Executive Officer
Position Specification Yosemite Conservancy
Our Client
Yosemite National Park is one of the most extraordinary places on the planet. Covering nearly 750,000 acres of California’s
Sierra Nevada, the park supports thousands of plant and animal species, including many found nowhere else, and has been
home to American Indian people for millennia. Its granite domes, waterfalls, and 200-foot-tall giant sequoias gave rise to
the National Park System. In the more than 150 years since it became a protected park, tens of millions of people have
made their way to Yosemite.
In 1923, the Yosemite Natural History Association — now Yosemite Conservancy — became the first philanthropic partner
organization in the park system. With support from generous donors, the Conservancy has worked with the National Park
Service (NPS) to address Yosemite’s most pressing needs and greatest opportunities. In celebration of its centennial, the
Conservancy is launching a strategic campaign to ensure the park can thrive for the next 100 years and far beyond.
For 100 years, the Yosemite Conservancy has been dedicated to supporting the conservation of Yosemite’s natural and
cultural resources and helping people develop deep ties to the park. Thanks to generous donors, over the years the
Conservancy has provided over $152 million in grants to the park for more than 800 projects to restore trails and habitat,
protect wildlife, provide educational programs, and more. The Conservancy’s guided adventures and art classes, volunteer
opportunities, wilderness services, and bookstores help people from across the country and world connect with Yosemite
National Park.
Funding High-Priority Projects
- With support from donors, the Conservancy funds grants to the park for trail and habitat restoration, wildlife
management, scientific research, visitor education, and more. Results of Conservancy-funded work is visible
throughout the park, including at renovated overlooks, such as Tunnel View and Glacier Point; at Tenaya Lake and
Lower Yosemite Fall; and in the restored Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias.
- Yosemite Conservancy receives support from a variety of sources, including: individual donations, estate gifts, and
memorial gifts; grants from foundations and corporations; Yosemite license plates (issued by California Department
of Motor Vehicles); and proceeds from our visitor programs, services, and bookstores.
- In 2023, Yosemite Conservancy supporters are funding more than 50 new grants to help repair trails, restore
wetlands and wilderness, study and protect wildlife, make Yosemite’s outreach more inclusive, inspire the next
generation of park champions, and more. Major, multiyear Conservancy-supported projects opening this year
include a new Welcome Center in Yosemite Village and restoration work at famous Bridalveil Fall.
Connecting People with Yosemite
- Visitors enjoy meaningful, memorable Yosemite experiences through the Conservancy’s volunteer programs, art
classes, and naturalist-led adventures. Our 2023 Outdoor Adventures include day hikes, backpacking trips, nature
journaling workshops, and a series of in-depth Yosemite Field School courses on subjects such as climate change,
geology, and history.
- The Conservancy’s wilderness team processes wilderness permits, rents out bear-proof food canisters to
backpackers, and helps manage the Ostrander Ski Hut.
- Bookstores online (shop.yosemite.org) and in the park offer top-quality products, including maps, guides, apparel,
and books, including many from our long-running publishing program.
- Proceeds from Yosemite Conservancy’s visitor programs, wilderness services and bookstores fund essential work
in Yosemite.
Yosemite Conservancy is the only nonprofit dedicated to supporting Yosemite National Park. As Yosemite’s official
philanthropic partner and cooperating association, YC works closely with the park to fund high-priority projects and provide
enriching educational programs. Additional information about Yosemite Conservancy can be found at yosemite.org.