Executive Director

Location: Remote within Southern or Central Appalachia preferred (with regional travel)

Start Date: Summer/Fall 2026

About ACE: Appalachian Carbon Exchange (ACE) — soon to be known as the Appalachian Center for the Environment — partners with private landowners, rural communities, companies, and public agencies to reinvest in Appalachian land and people. ACE works directly with private landowners to implement active forest stewardship practices that improve forest health, enhance carbon sequestration, and restore ecosystem balance across the region. Beyond its working lands program, ACE supports workforce development through a partnership with Coalfield Development providing forestry and infrastructure skills training to individuals in post-recovery employment pathways. ACE also operates two community-facing programs — Branching Out and Pocket Forests — that extend its mission to community-scale forestry and green space development. Together, these programs deliver interconnected public benefits: healthier forests, direct landowner income, verified climate outcomes, and diversified economic opportunity in a region historically dependent on extractive industries.

ACE is at a pivotal moment—transitioning from a founder-led startup to a growth-stage nonprofit with a new identity as the Appalachian Center for the Environment. The next ED will build on strong programmatic foundations and trusted relationships while helping shape the organization’s next phase of growth and long-term impact.

The Opportunity: This is a hands-on leadership role for a strategic and execution-oriented leader who thrives in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment. The ED will guide ACE through organizational transition, revenue growth, and program expansion—while maintaining the integrity and trust at the core of its work.

This role is ideal for someone energized by building and expanding upon an organization with a proven, financially sustainable model, and who brings a healthy sense of urgency to moving work forward.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead the Organization

Set and execute strategic direction in partnership with the Board
Build systems, processes, and team culture to support growth
Guide ACE’s transition to an independent nonprofit

Drive Revenue & Financial Health

Lead diversified revenue strategy across philanthropy, grants, and earned income
Oversee carbon sales strategy, partnerships, and negotiations
Ensure strong financial management, budgeting, and reporting

Build Relationships & Represent ACE

Serve as the organization’s primary external representative
Cultivate relationships with landowners, funders, corporate partners, and public agencies
Expand ACE’s visibility and strategic partnerships

Oversee Programs & Impact

Ensure quality, integrity, and outcomes of all programs
Guide program expansion aligned with mission and financial sustainability

Strengthen Governance & Operations

Partner with the Board to support strong governance and engagement
Oversee core operations including finance, HR, compliance, and contracts
Lead and support staff, contractors, and partners

Experience & Skills:

Proven nonprofit leadership experience, particularly in growth or transition phases
Demonstrated success in fundraising and revenue development
Strong financial and operational acumen
Experience leading small, mission-driven teams
Comfort working in evolving, entrepreneurial environments
Strategic thinker with strong execution skills
Clear and compelling communicator across audiences
Background in natural resource management or similar field
Brings a healthy sense of urgency, accountability, and follow-through
Values integrity, collaboration, and continuous learning

Compensation & Benefits:

$110,000 base, commensurate with experience
Health, dental benefits
Retirement benefits (eligible after one year)
Remote work environment with flexibility and regional travel
Opportunity for professional growth in the form of regional conferences and networking, mentoring, best practice research and implementation and more.

Why This Role Matters:

ACE sits at the intersection of environmental restoration, economic opportunity, and community resilience in Appalachia. There is currently a strong financial and reputational foundation for the organization, and it is well positioned to grow. The next ED will play a defining role in shaping how this work continues to deliver lasting impact across the region.

Application Deadline: July 8, 2026.
To apply, please send cover letter & resume to: marisa@compassconsulting.work

Executive Director

About the role

Role description

Compensation