Chief Executive Officer

Arizona Sustainability Alliance (AZSA)
Hybrid | Phoenix Metro Area Residency Required

About AZSA

Arizona Sustainability Alliance (AZSA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to create and support cutting-edge, project-based sustainability solutions in Arizona. AZSA empowers Arizona communities to build a more verdant, equitable, and resilient future through civic engagement, cross-sector partnerships, and youth-centered education.

Focus Areas & Values

What We Work On

AZSA leads community-powered solutions across four main focus areas:

• Urban Forestry – Greening neighborhoods through tree equity and community forestry programs.
• Conservation – Protecting natural habitats, supporting biodiversity, and promoting nature-based climate solutions.
• Clean Energy – Expanding clean and renewable energy access through education, partnerships, and infrastructure innovation.
• Sustainable Food Systems – Advancing food justice and resilience through school gardens, urban farming, and local food initiatives.

What We Believe In

Our work is guided by a deep commitment to the following values:

• Collaboration – We thrive by working together and fostering partnerships that create lasting impact.
• Passion & Joy – We bring enthusiasm, adventure, and a love for nature into everything we do.
• Community – We build authentic relationships and foster local leadership in sustainability.
• Stewardship – We protect Arizona’s natural resources for future generations.
• Empowerment – Through education, we equip people to lead environmental change.
• Innovation – We embrace creativity and bold solutions to address sustainability challenges.
• Equity & Inclusion – We prioritize environmental justice and ensure our work benefits all communities.

Our Team Culture

AZSA is powered by a passionate team of educators, organizers, and environmental advocates who genuinely love nature and believe that sustainability should be purposeful and joyful. We celebrate curiosity, collaboration, and community impact in everything we do.

Learn more at: www.azsustain.org

The Opportunity

AZSA seeks a visionary, impact-driven Chief Executive Officer to lead our next chapter of growth. The CEO will champion bold sustainability efforts, grow high-impact partnerships, and expand our funding portfolio. This role is ideal for a strategic and collaborative leader who brings entrepreneurial energy, a deep commitment to climate equity, and a strong track record in nonprofit or public-interest leadership.

The CEO reports to the Board of Directors and leads a passionate, multi-disciplinary team.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Vision

• Lead AZSA’s long-term strategy focusing on community-rooted impact, climate equity, and organizational sustainability.
• Serve as AZSA’s primary spokesperson, convener, and connector across civic, corporate, education, and government sectors.
• Champion an organizational culture rooted in collaboration, equity, and continuous learning.

Community Outreach & Fund Development

• Secure and steward diverse funding relationships, including grants, philanthropic contributions, and earned revenue, working closely with AZSA’s Fundraising & Events Manager.
• Cultivate meaningful relationships with funders, donors, partners, and government agencies to foster effective collaboration and support.
• Work with staff and board to align funding strategies with program growth and innovation.

Operations & Organizational Management

• Oversee day-to-day operations, team leadership, budgeting, compliance, and program delivery. Marketing & Communications, Operations Director, Programs Director, and Fundraising & Events Manager report to the CEO.
• Ensure operational excellence in finance, HR, communications, and impact measurement.
• Lead hiring, management, and development of a growing team of full-time staff, contractors, and volunteers.

Board & Strategic Alignment

• Engage and grow the Board of Directors to provide governance, support, and accountability.
• Collaborate with the Board to update and implement strategic plans and KPIs.
• Provide clear and timely updates on performance, risks, and opportunities.

What We’re Looking For

Must-Haves

• At least 5 years of senior nonprofit, civic, or public sector leadership.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, organizational growth, and team leadership.
• Deep knowledge or lived experience in sustainability, conservation, or climate justice fields.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, networking, and public speaking skills.
• Strong financial management experience, including budgeting and compliance.
• Reside in the Phoenix Metro Area or be willing to relocate (AZSA does not cover relocation costs).

Nice-to-Haves

• Experience leading multi-stakeholder programs.
• Knowledge of and/or experience in urban forestry, sustainable agriculture/food systems, clean energy, conservation, ecology, water resilience, climate-adaptive infrastructure, and/or other sustainability fields.
• Master’s degree in a related field (nonprofit leadership, sustainability, public administration).
• Experience working in a startup or growth-phase nonprofit environment.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary Range: $90,000 – $110,000
• Benefits: 100% paid employee health, dental, and vision insurance; paid holidays and generous PTO.

How to Apply

Submit a PDF of your cover letter and résumé to hrapply@azsustain.org.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and the deadline is June 2nd. Incomplete or non-PDF submissions will not be considered. No phone calls, please.