For over 10,000 years, the glacial lakes of Walworth County have sculpted a landscape of extraordinary beauty and ecological significance. Today, Geneva Lake Conservancy serves as the guardian of this irreplaceable natural heritage, protecting pristine waterways, rare oak savannas, and rolling scenic vistas that define one of Wisconsin’s most treasured regions.
As an accredited land trust organization, Geneva Lake Conservancy has achieved remarkable conservation milestones: 51 protected properties spanning 3,692 acres, six thriving nature preserves, and innovative programs that engage hundreds of community members in environmental stewardship. From the globally significant oak savannas of Bromley Woods to the important Water Alliance for Preserving Geneva Lake, the Conservancy operates at the intersection of scientific excellence and community engagement.
The Opportunity
Geneva Lake Conservancy seeks a visionary Executive Director who will lead the organization through its next phase of growth and impact. This is a rare opportunity for a conservation leader to shape the future of one of Wisconsin’s most dynamic land trusts while protecting some of the Midwest’s most ecologically significant landscapes.
Reporting to the Board of Directors and serving as the organization’s chief executive, the Executive Director will develop and implement comprehensive strategies encompassing land protection, advocacy, fundraising, and community engagement. They will guide a dedicated team of six staff members, steward a $1.1 million budget, and work closely with a passionate 20-member Board to advance the Conservancy’s mission of protecting and restoring the lands and waterways of Walworth County and beyond.
This role offers the unique opportunity to lead both on-the-ground conservation work and high-level strategic initiatives. The Executive Director will oversee critical land acquisitions, guide the organization’s Land Trust Alliance reaccreditation process, and build new philanthropic partnerships that fuel future growth. They will serve as the public face of conservation in the region, advocating for responsible land use while building bridges between diverse stakeholders.
With the Board’s full support, the new Executive Director will have the opportunity to shape the organization’s culture, build new partnerships, and establish Geneva Lake Conservancy as a model for effective land trust operations in the Midwest.
The salary range for this position is $130,000 – $150,000.
