LightHawk is seeking an exceptional leader to serve as its next Chief Executive Officer and guide the organization into its next chapter of growth and conservation impact.

About LightHawk

LightHawk is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization that advances conservation through aviation. By leveraging 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.

Since 1979, LightHawk has provided thousands of conservation flights across North America, supporting efforts that range from endangered species recovery to documenting environmental change. Today, LightHawk continues to work alongside partners across the continent to ensure that conservation decisions are informed by the powerful perspective of flight.

The Opportunity

LightHawk’s next CEO will lead a mission-driven organization at a unique intersection of aviation, conservation, and philanthropy.

Working closely with a dedicated staff, volunteer pilots, and conservation partners, the CEO will guide the organization’s strategic direction while expanding financial support and strengthening LightHawk’s national presence.

The role requires a leader who can inspire donors, engage partners across conservation and aviation communities, and translate LightHawk’s unique model into compelling impact.

Key Responsibilities

The CEO will provide leadership across four key areas:

Strategic Leadership

• Lead the organization’s strategic direction in partnership with the Board of Directors
• Ensure LightHawk delivers measurable conservation outcomes
• Identify emerging opportunities to expand conservation impact through aviation

Fundraising and External Leadership

• Personally engage in major gift fundraising and foundation partnerships
• Strengthen LightHawk’s relationships across aviation, conservation, and philanthropic communities
• Serve as a compelling public ambassador for LightHawk’s mission

Organizational Leadership

• Lead and develop a high-performing team across conservation planning, development, communications, marketing, human resources, and finance
• Ensure financial sustainability through sound budgeting and long-term planning
• Maintain a collaborative and mission-driven organizational culture

Program and Safety Oversight

• Support LightHawk’s conservation flight programs and partnerships
• Maintain strong relationships with volunteer pilots and aviation partners
• Uphold the highest standards of aviation safety and operational stewardship

The Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will bring:

• A strong track record of nonprofit leadership and fundraising success
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills
• The ability to engage effectively with donors, pilots, conservation partners, and board members
• The ability to translate LightHawk’s aviation-based model into compelling mission impact
• Passion for conservation and environmental stewardship

A pilot’s license and experience in environmental conservation are valuable but not required.

Location and Travel

This role may be based remotely within the United States. The CEO should expect to travel regularly for donor engagement, board meetings, conservation partner visits, and organizational events.

Compensation

Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience and includes a comprehensive benefits package.

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 [email protected]. 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.