Description

Executive Director / Chief Executive Officer

Sutton Avian Research Center

Bartlesville, Oklahoma

Lead the Next Chapter of Conservation Impact

Sutton Avian Research Center is seeking a visionary, entrepreneurial, and mission-driven Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer to lead one of Oklahoma's most respected conservation organizations through its next era of impact and growth.

For decades, Sutton has played a vital role in bird conservation, scientific research, and environmental education. Its work helped contribute to one of America's greatest conservation success stories—the recovery of the Southern Bald Eagle—while establishing a legacy of science-based conservation recognized throughout Oklahoma and beyond.

Today, Sutton stands at an important inflection point. The organization possesses a strong scientific foundation, a respected reputation, and a mission that remains as relevant as ever. At the same time, changing funding environments, evolving conservation challenges, and increasing competition for public attention require a renewed focus on organizational visibility, financial sustainability, strategic partnerships, and measurable impact.

This opportunity is ideal for a leader who is energized by building, transforming, and creating momentum. The next Executive Director will help guide Sutton through a strategic reset—reaffirming its identity, strengthening its organizational capacity, expanding its reach, and positioning the organization for long-term success.

The work will be demanding. It will require strategic leadership, fundraising excellence, relationship building, and a willingness to navigate complexity and change. But for the right leader, it also represents a rare opportunity to shape the future of a respected conservation institution and help write the next chapter of Oklahoma's conservation story.

If you are motivated by mission, inspired by impact, and excited by the opportunity to lead meaningful transformation, Sutton offers a platform to make a lasting difference for wildlife, conservation, and future generations.

Position Summary

The Executive Director/CEO serves as the chief executive and public-facing leader of the organization, responsible for strategic leadership, fundraising, partnership development, financial sustainability, and organizational management. Working closely with the Board of Directors, staff, donors, conservation partners, and community stakeholders, the Executive Director will help establish priorities, strengthen organizational sustainability, and elevate awareness of Sutton's mission and impact. A successful candidate will bring an entrepreneurial mindset and the ability to translate mission into action, strengthening support, expanding partnerships, and advancing long-term sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Entrepreneurial Leadership

•  Lead implementation of the organization's strategic vision and priorities
•  Evaluate and prioritize opportunities that align with mission, capacity, and long-term sustainability
•  Identify innovative approaches to strengthen organizational impact, visibility, and financial stability
•  Foster a culture of initiative, accountability, and continuous improvement
•  Balance mission aspirations with available resources to maximize organizational effectiveness

Fundraising & Resource Development

•  Serve as the organization's lead fundraiser and ambassador
•  Establishes and cultivate relationships with donors, foundations, corporations, and community partners
•  Expand philanthropic support and explore new revenue-generating opportunities
•  Develop and execute a sustainable fundraising strategy that includes donor engagement, grants, partnerships, events, and other revenue sources
•  Strengthen the organization's ability to communicate impact and inspire support

External Relations & Partnerships

•  Increase public awareness and visibility of Sutton's mission and accomplishments
•  Build strategic partnerships with conservation organizations, educational institutions, tribal entities, businesses, and community stakeholders
•  Represent the organization throughout Oklahoma and the broader region
•  Serve as the primary spokesperson and advocate for the organization

Organizational Leadership

•  Lead and develop a dedicated team of staff and volunteers
•  Promote a collaborative, mission-focused culture
•  Ensure sound financial management and operational stewardship
•  Partner effectively with the Board of Directors to advance organizational goals

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess:

•  Demonstrated leadership experience in a nonprofit, mission-driven, entrepreneurial, or community-focused organization
•  Strong fundraising, donor development, and relationship management experience
•  Experience building partnerships and engaging diverse stakeholders
•  Strategic planning and organizational leadership experience
•  Strong communication, storytelling, and public speaking abilities
•  Financial management and budgeting experience
•  Ability to inspire confidence among staff, board members, donors, and community partners
•  Experience in conservation, environmental education, wildlife, science, or other mission-driven organizations is preferred but not required

Location Requirement

This position is based in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.

The Executive Director is expected to maintain a strong and visible presence within the organization and community. Candidates must reside within commuting distance of Bartlesville, commit to maintaining a regular on-site presence, or be willing to relocate to the area. This is not a fully remote position. Relocation assistance may be available for the selected candidate.

Why This Opportunity

This is a unique opportunity to lead a respected conservation organization with a strong legacy and meaningful mission. The next Executive Director will play a key role in shaping the organization's future, expanding its reach, and strengthening its long-term sustainability.

Application Process

Sutton Avian Research Center has partnered with The Persimmon Group to conduct this search. Interested candidates should submit a resume to:

Amanda Sanderson
The Persimmon Group
amandasanderson@thepersimmongroup.com

Please include "Executive Director Candidate for Sutton Avian Research Center" in the subject line of your email. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.