Plant With Purpose is a $14.4 million, 40+ year-old Christian organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty, reversing deforestation, and restoring hope through the power of Jesus Christ, working through partners in nine countries.
Under the direction of its Board of Directors, the new Chief Executive Officer will lead this growing organization into its envisioned future. Responsibilities include operations planning and evaluation, policy development and administration, personnel and fiscal management, fund development, public relations, and ensuring that international programs are resourced and effective.
HISTORY OF THE ORGANIZATION
Plant With Purpose was founded in 1984 under the name, Floresta. Founder Tom Woodard, a San Diego-based, former Food for the Hungry volunteer, saw a direct connection between rural poverty and land degradation. Floresta was incorporated independently in both the Dominican Republic and the United States, each with local boards of directors. This became the model for subsequent international partners, many of whom still operate under the name Floresta.
In 1987 Floresta began using microfinance as a tool to encourage agroforestry and sustainable agriculture. The current CEO was hired in 1993, when the organization served 80 Dominican families, with an annual budget of $250,000 and only one other employee.
In 1996, Floresta expanded operations into Mexico and, in 1997, Haiti. In 2004 Floresta began to work in Africa, setting up Floresta Tanzania. The next year, the budget exceeded $1 million for the first time.
Between 2005 and 2010, the program became more standardized, with a unified theory of change, and migrated from microfinance to savings-led local programs. Additionally, an emphasis was placed on multilateral collaboration and learning between all of the partners. This led to the collaborative creation of a shared agriculture curriculum and a Biblically-based curriculum for church partners and savings group participants.
Starting in 2008, the organization began conducting comprehensive triennial impact evaluations, with the goal of continually improving program effectiveness.
In 2010, Floresta USA rebranded as Plant With Purpose to better champion their mission to a growing community in the United States. As their multilateral partnerships grew and more countries were added, the global partnership has become ever more tightly knit, sharing lessons learned, a common Theory of Change, Common Operating Standards, unified planning cycles, and curriculum that has been developed collaboratively by the entire partnership.
In 2015, with the expansion into eastern DRC, Plant With Purpose began using a model that focused on organizing work around sub-watersheds to maximize downstream environmental impact. This experiment led to the discovery of a spillover effect, such that even nonparticipants received significant economic and social benefits. Since then, every Plant With Purpose partner has adopted the integrated watershed model, incorporating (1) economic empowerment via savings groups, (2) environmental restoration via regenerative agriculture, and (3) spiritual renewal via close collaboration with local churches.
In 2020, the results of their impact evaluations were noticed by a large funder, and over the course of the next five years, led to increasing interest from institutional funders and multiple seven-figure grants. And in recent years, Plant With Purpose has collaborated closely with organizations like Hope International and Compassion International, and has also received a grant from the Lilly Endowment to engage US churches in creation care.
Since those hopeful beginnings in the Dominican Republic, Plant With Purpose has expanded its program to walk alongside rural communities in Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Ethiopia, Malawi, Mexico, Tanzania, and Thailand.
THE ORGANIZATION TODAY
Since 1984, Plant With Purpose has quietly become a global leader, operating at the nexus of spiritual renewal, environmental restoration, and poverty alleviation. The organization has planted nearly 80 million trees and has direct partnership with more than 650,000 people in nine countries, including almost 1,400 global churches. With exceptional and documented development outcomes, the organization is poised for continued growth and now seeks a Chief Executive Officer to lead it to a new level of national leadership and international impact.
Plant With Purpose has been led for the past 33 years by CEO Scott Sabin, who is retiring at the end of 2025. The 12-member Board of Directors employs a policy governance model, is very committed to the mission and work of the ministry, and has been recognized for their excellence in nonprofit leadership. There are currently 43 team members in the U.S., about half of whom reside in the San Diego area.
Revenues have experienced strong growth over the years— from $7.4 million in FY2020 to $14.4 million in FY2025. These are mainly derived from foundations (approx. 60%) and major gifts from individuals (approx. 33%). Increased funding has been driven by the strong endorsements they have received from key funders due to their comprehensive Impact Reports. The organization does not accept GIK or U.S. government support.
HOW THEY ACCOMPLISH THEIR MISSION
Plant With Purpose believes that poverty and environmental damage are deeply connected and require a connected solution. That’s why they take a holistic approach to solving these problems, working hand in hand with communities to restore the land, lift families out of poverty, and renew hope through faith. Their vision is a world where people and planet flourish.
A Complete Solution to Poverty and Environmental Destruction
Many charities focus on poverty or the environment. The truth is that you can’t fix one without addressing the other. That’s why their program tackles both, together.
When land is restored, families grow more food. When families have savings, they invest in their future. When faith is strengthened, communities find unity and resilience. This interconnected approach creates a ripple effect—stronger farms, thriving families, and a restored environment. Their mission is:
TOGETHER…
Reversing rural poverty. Restoring watersheds. Renewing hope. Rooted in faith.
Global Impact
Plant With Purpose operates in nine countries around the world. Their international work is 100% locally-led, with global offices operating both as independent agencies within their country, and alliance partners with Plant With Purpose U.S., which supports their ongoing work.
Partners, Not Projects
The heart of their mission is restoring relationships—between people and planet, between people and one another, and between people and Creator. Broken relationships are at the root of oppression, inequality, and poverty. Plant With Purpose believes in the inherent value, equality, and agency of all people, that the rural farmers they work with can solve the problems of poverty and environmental damage in their region with the right tools and support. They work with people as partners, not projects. This sense of mutual respect and collaboration is at the core of their work and reflected in everything they do.
How is Plant With Purpose Different?
Their work takes a holistic approach to addressing rural poverty and environmental degradation in a way that equips and empowers local communities to create their own change. Rather than focusing on economic development, ecological restoration, or spiritual renewal alone, Plant With Purpose’s approach integrates all three, simultaneously addressing the root causes of poverty and deforestation within a watershed.
Locally Led. Globally Transformative.
Plant With Purpose's Community Designed Restoration (CDR) is about more than just fixing problems—it’s about restoring hope. By combining economic development, environmental restoration, and community empowerment, CDR addresses the deep, connected roots of poverty and deforestation within a watershed.
The Purpose of CDR
Thriving People. Plant With Purpose helps rural farming families improve their long-term economic and social well-being.
More Food, More Security—Increased crop production through agroforestry, tree planting, and regenerative farming.
Local Leadership Matters—Communities take ownership and drive change based on their values and needs.
Healthy Ecosystems. Restoring land means more biodiversity, stronger environmental resilience, and cleaner water and soil. Planting the right trees improves soil health, protects water sources, and brings balance back to nature.
Climate Resilience. Stronger land and stronger communities mean better protection against climate change.
Restored Relationships. True change happens when people reconnect—with each other, their environment, and their Creator.
Purpose Groups: THE CORE OF CDR
CDR works through Purpose Groups—small, locally led groups that are the heart of their watershed model. When neighbors work together, they create real, lasting change.
Farmer Field School
Farmers improve soil health and increase yields by learning and sharing regenerative farming techniques. Farmer Field School are hands-on, peer-to-peer learning environments. Learn more about their regenerative agriculture training.
Savings Groups
Families build economic strength and self-reliance by pooling savings and investing in their future. Learn more about their economic empowerment model.
Reforestation
Tree planting restores ecosystems, prevents erosion, and protects water sources. Learn more about their global reforestation efforts.
Spiritual Encouragement
Faith-based teachings and partnerships with local churches strengthen values and relationships. Learn more about their approach to spiritual renewal.
The Watershed Model
Life in a watershed is linked—what happens upstream affects those downstream. While their program reaches about 60% of watershed residents, the benefits impact 100% of the community and even neighboring communities. Poverty declines, ecosystems heal, and communities grow stronger together. Churches and schools also play a key role in driving and sustaining change.
CDR delivers real, practical solutions—and hope where it’s needed most.
OPPORTUNITIES & CHALLENGES
Between 2020 and 2024, Plant With Purpose nearly tripled in size, with most of its growth coming from institutional funders, responding positively to the organization’s commitment to measuring impact. However, the growth has been uneven, leading to some years that have felt leaner than others.
There has been enormous stability in the senior leadership—most have been with the organization for more than 15 years. The leadership team is extremely capable and highly committed to the mission. The upcoming CEO transition has been received with optimism but also the uncertainty that comes with being in a moment of change. The relationship between the staff and the board is unusually healthy.
The culture is highly collaborative, inclusive, and features highly capable individuals with longevity and demonstrated commitment. They are blessed with a workforce that is mission-driven, passionate, and engaged, with both strong opinions and strong sense of ownership.
Strengths
Singular, unwavering focus on economic, environmental, and spiritual renewal for rural people in watersheds who are experiencing poverty.
A Christ-centered approach and focus.
Deep relationships with international partners based on mutual respect and a commitment to participatory development that facilitates empowerment and provides dignity for farmers.
Challenges
Avoiding culture wars; the opportunity is to be a bridge, uniting people around a mission that can be embraced by people on all sides of the cultural divide.
Scaling programs without losing the importance of respect and relationships, which have contributed to their impact in the field.
Growing funding in a rapidly changing funding environment; securing funding for programs that fall outside of short-term funding cycles.
Successfully transitioning to the next generation while remaining faithful to God and to their mission.
Plant With Purpose is known for addressing environmental and human needs in a holistic, faith-driven way. The organization demonstrates excellence in delivering programs; integrity in the use of resources, and the ability to innovate through the farmers themselves, who are the most knowledgeable about their lands, crops, resources and needs. The donor community knows the organization for its ability to monitor, evaluate and demonstrate impact. Those they serve see respect, and experience local leadership and effective, empowering solutions. And the churches they work together with understand Plant With Purpose as a true partner, working alongside them in a supportive, noncompetitive way.
POSITION PROFILE
The new CEO of Plant With Purpose will be a “next generation” executive leader for a well-established, thriving organization. He or she will be strategically-minded, administratively-gifted, highly collaborative, and able to inspire and motivate in a challenging nonprofit space. This leader needs to be able to navigate a relatively complex organization with domestic operations and governance and, currently, nine international partners with their own governance boards and staff (these are not direct reporting relationships).
This will require humility, an unwavering Christian faith, commitment to the mission’s three dimensions (environmental restoration, economic development for small farmer shareholders in underserved watersheds, and spiritual renewal in communities and individuals), demonstration of an inclusive, relational leadership style, financial acumen, decisiveness, and the ability to gain followership. He or she must possess a very high cultural EQ, build upon a culture of mutual trust and respect, and be capable of innovating around the organization’s already-established mission.
Success will be measured by healthy, productive relationships with the Board, staff, international partners, and funding partners, as well as the accomplishment of strategic plan goals (see the 2026-2028 Purpose Plan) regarding revenue growth, program growth, overseas capacity-building and systems strengthening, and successful implementation of Tend, a church engagement program currently in development and beta testing.
This new leader may currently be serving in a senior role in a medium-sized Christian nonprofit organization, preferably with an international mission; as the executive director of a similarly-sized nonprofit organization on the cusp of growth; or as a proven corporate leader with a demonstrated heart for both missions and the environment.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Chief Executive Officer
Reports to: Board of Directors
Supervises: VP International Programs, VP Development & Marketing, VP Finance & Administration, Executive Assistant, Global Ambassador
Department: Executive
Job Status: Exempt
Location: Remote (USA), Southern California a plus
POSITION SUMMARY
The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for the overall management and administration of Plant With Purpose. The CEO oversees and advances the mission and vision of the organization. CEO responsibilities include operations planning and evaluation, policy development and administration, personnel and fiscal management, fund development and public relations. The CEO is responsible for ensuring the international programs are professionally designed, adequately resourced, and achieving the desired results.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Target: Strategic Direction—20%, Fundraising—15%, Partnerships & External Relationships—20%, Board Governance & Executive Management—45%
Strategic Direction—20%
Responsible for being attuned to external opportunities and trends and up to date on industry best practices
Responsible for working with the Board of Directors to determine the strategic direction of the organization, within the parameters of the Mission Statement
Responsible for leading the organization to achieve the strategic plan objectives and annual, board approved goals
Fundraising—15%
Responsible for raising the money necessary to fund field programs and support staff
Meeting with key donors and maintaining a personal portfolio of donor contacts
Supporting the development team in their fundraising efforts
Nurturing the Board’s fundraising and development capacity and responsibilities
Partnerships & External Relationships—20%
Responsible for representing the organization publicly
Represent Plant With Purpose to our field partners
Represent Plant With Purpose to governments, other nongovernmental organizations and international donors
Establish and maintain relationships with external organizations to enhance the organization’s mission and vision
Is in a learning and collaborative relationship with other nonprofit CEOs
Public speaking, writing and acting as a thought leader in relevant fields
Board Governance & Executive Management—45%
Ex Officio, non-voting member of the board, partners with the board to:
Provide timely and accurate information to the Board
Respond to new client serving initiatives and partnership ventures
Foster best of breed Board governance practices
Maintain a comprehensive Board Policy Manual
Recruit new Board Members
Mitigate threats and risks to the vision and mission of the organization.
Oversee the US team and ensure that the organization is staffed adequately to fulfill its mission
Ensure departments run effectively/efficiently and meet goals while maintaining a productive culture and work environment
Ensure that funds are managed appropriately according to the budget, internal controls are in place and observed, and donor intent is honored
Ensure that the organization is in compliance with all applicable laws and annual financial audit guidance
Ensure that the program we deliver to our constituents in the field is the best possible product with the greatest possible beneficial impact
Uphold and model organizational Core Values and supporting behaviors and actions
Other duties as assigned by the Board of Directors
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
The above duties are not exclusive and with consideration of the job requirements and employee skills, this job description can be added to or taken away from at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
MA or MBA in international development or related field
At least ten (10) years of experience in developing and overseeing a nonprofit organization
Experience in international development
A high level of strategic thinking and planning
Experience living and/or working overseas is desirable
Experience and skill working with a Board of Directors
REQUIREMENTS
A Christian servant leader and agreement with their Statement of Faith.
Transparent and high integrity leadership skills
A history of successfully generating new donors and revenue resources
Demonstrated success in establishing relationships with individuals and organizations of influence including funders, partner agencies and volunteers
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
Ability to manage multiple projects and numerous deadlines
Motivation, creativity, and willingness to initiate, self-start, and seek out solutions
Highly attentive to detail and highly organized
Ability to maintain a professional demeanor and discreetly handle confidential information
Ability to work and learn cross-culturally
Experience with major gift and foundation fundraising preferred
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) on Mac-based operating systems
CULTURAL COMPETENCIES
Demonstrate a sincere commitment to the holistic mission of Plant With Purpose and the diverse communities we seek to empower
Possess a love for people living in conditions of poverty, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, or culture; and a burden to connect them with God's love and the compassion of supporters in the United States
Ability to be a genuine team player and work in collaboration with team members from a wide variety of backgrounds and cultures
Embody a commitment to the organizational values of Plant With Purpose—Faith, Collaboration, Empowerment, Innovation, Stewardship, Integrity, Respect, Sustainability
PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
Ability to work and travel under physically demanding conditions, such as no electricity or running water, political instability, etc.
Ability to stand and walk long hours at a time.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Salary: In the $200,000 range, depending on qualifications and experience.
Benefits: Medical, dental and vision insurance (paid 100% for employee, family may be added at additional charge), 401(k) plan (8% matching after 6 months), life and AD&D insurance.
Vacation: Twenty (20) days, plus twelve (12) paid holidays and up to eight (8) sick days.
Relocation: Not applicable.
Travel: Up to 35%, both domestic and international, perhaps a bit more at first.
To learn more about the work of Plant With Purpose, please visit their website at www.plantwithpurpose.org. You may also view or download their:
Most recent Annual Report
If after prayerfully reviewing this information, you sense this role and organization could be a good fit for you, please click on the APPLY NOW button below. If you know someone who may have an interest, please use the social media share and email buttons at the top.