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
