THE ORGANIZATION
Wild Ops is a Christ-centered nonprofit organization focusing on a segment of the veteran community who are withdrawn and at risk of self-harm. Entering their tenth year of operations with an annual budget of $800K, their program is designed to establish trust and initiate the healing of trauma. Each Operation, or “Op,” is intentionally structured to take place over six days with a small group of ten veterans in a carefully selected venue that includes a physical challenge.
THE OPPORTUNITY
With the support of the Board of Directors and under the direction of the current CEO, Wild Ops is seeking a President/Chief Operating Officer to serve as a successor in this ministry. The organization is looking for a dedicated servant leader and follower of Christ with a background in executive leadership and development. The ideal candidate will be instrumental in advancing the mission of healing warriors.
THEIR STORY
Wild Ops began in 2016 with its first Operation (“Op”) in Montana after founder, Jeff Morris, felt God’s calling to reach veterans struggling with PTSD. As the ministry evolved, its leadership began focusing specifically on the “isolated combat veteran,” recognizing that this group of warriors was not being reached. In 2017, Wild Ops received official nonprofit status, and it quickly In the year that followed, it became clear that year-round operations and multiple venues would be necessary to meet the growing need.
By 2019, their third year Wild Ops had expanded its operations to include Ops in Tennessee, California, and Arkansas. In 2021, they implemented a full 12-month calendar, conducting an “Op” every month.
In the early years, Jeff Morris personally facilitated all the Ops with assistance from veteran alumni leaders. Recognizing that this approach was not sustainable long-term, the organization developed an in-depth facilitator training program called Summit and built a highly capable leadership team. Two clinical therapy veterans—both program alumni—were also added to the staff, one specializing in addiction counseling and the other in trauma care.
In 2021, Wild Ops implemented a full 12-month calendar, conducting an “Op” (a six-day outdoor adventure mixed with this unique program of the organization) every month.
Since its inception Wild Ops recognized that financial struggles are common in the veteran community. For this reason, it has been the organization’s policy to offer the program free of charge to all participants. Fundraising has been—and continues to be—a challenge. The organization maintains a strong culture of financial accountability, however, understanding that many donors make personal sacrifices to support the mission. In 2021, Wild Ops received recognition from ECFA.
WHAT THEY DO
Wild Ops identifies and builds rapport with “at-risk” combat veterans, inviting them to participate in a six-day program designed to help them begin transforming trauma and develop a greater capacity for relationships and life in general. Through the serenity of fly fishing, the bond of brotherhood with fellow veterans, and the transparency and vulnerability of leadership, trust is established. In this environment, participants are able to share their life stories and begin the process of healing emotional wounds.
Within this setting, the love and forgiveness of Christ are demonstrated. Participants are guided toward the One who offers true forgiveness, helping them move from isolation to meaningful connection.
Within the ranks of Wild Ops leadership and those who serve are many veterans who have experienced the transformational power of the gospel and have returned to volunteer at all levels of the organization.
OPPORTUNITIES & CHALLENGES
Opportunities
Join an excellent and committed group who boldly serve and humbly minister by operating at high-levels of execution to achieve the goals of cultivating life-transformative Ops.
Scale a growing ministry to achieve broader impact by demonstrating leadership skills through service and consistent levels of care.
Challenges
Raising funds for a little-known yet proven organization by informing and highlighting the transformational work of the organization. Assist them in moving the geographic location of the operation's headquarters.
Executing rewarding efforts by engaging at-risk veterans who are often facing difficulties.
POSITION PROFILE
The President of Wild Ops will also serve as the Chief Operating Officer, with the goal to succeed the Founder. They will provide visionary and operational leadership to advance the organization's mission: to facilitate healing for at-risk combat veterans in the United States through gospel-centered outdoor adventures, faith-based brotherhood, and enduring relationships rooted in evangelical Christian values.
POSITION OVERVIEW
As a principal advisor to the Wild Ops Founder and Board of Directors, the President recommends changes in operations, policy, staffing, and fiscal priorities. The President executes the strategic vision and mission of Wild Ops, ensuring the organization remains laser-focused on serving at-risk combat veterans while preventing mission drift and upholding core evangelical principles.
As a condition of employment this full-time, on-site executive leadership role requires regular presence in the Wild Ops Nashville, TN office.
Key Responsibilities
Serve as an advisor to the Founder and Board of Directors, offering strategic counsel and forward-thinking guidance.
Drive advancement through relational and development opportunities to drive for the long-term sustainability of the organization and carry out the mission of Wild Ops.
Recommend and implement enhancements in internal operations, policy, staffing, and financial priorities to drive sustainable growth and impact.
Carry out and champion the mission, vision, and values of Wild Ops, while maintaining unwavering alignment with its faith-based, outdoor-centered approach to veteran healing.
Provide quarterly reports to the Founder and Board of Directors on performance, finances, program outcomes, and progress toward strategic goals.
Oversee high-level organizational leadership, fostering collaboration across teams and ensuring resources support direct veteran service.
Cultivate a culture of biblical stewardship, integrity, and relentless focus on at-risk veterans.
QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS
The successful candidate will bring executive-level experience in business leadership or Christian nonprofit leadership, a proven track record of substantial fundraising, and a genuine personal passion for the outdoors that aligns with Wild Ops' wilderness-based healing model.
CHARACTER
Personal Alignment: Must fully embrace and personally model evangelical Christian faith, living out biblical principles in leadership and daily life.
Outdoors Affinity: A genuine proclivity for being an outdoorsman, with personal experience and enthusiasm for wilderness activities, adventure, and nature immersion—essential to authentically leading and representing an organization centered on faith-based healing through outdoor experiences.
COMPETENCIES
Resource Development: Demonstrated history of successful fundraising, including a strong necessity and proven ability to raise and sustain hundreds of thousands of dollars (or more) annually in donor support for the organization.
Networking: Exceptional networking skills with an established, wide-ranging network of donor contacts within Christian nonprofit and evangelical circles.
Financial Stewardship: Be ready to embrace and execute the gold standard for evangelical ministry accountability, Seven Standards of Responsible Stewardship™ of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA).
Organizational Scale: Experience managing organizations with more than 20 personnel (including paid staff and/or substantial volunteer teams).
Donor Discernment: A consistent record of discernment, accepting donations from sources fully aligned with evangelical Christian values.
Volunteer Leadership: Expertise in human resource development, including recruiting, training, and sustaining volunteer support staff to amplify organizational capacity.
Communication Skills: Strong expertise in public speaking, marketing, and compellingly communicating the organization's mission, methods, and values to donors, supporters, veterans, and the public.
Board Experience: Proven experience working collaboratively with Boards of Directors, including preparing materials and delivering quarterly reports and recommendations.
Additional Expectations: Willingness to travel as needed for donor cultivation, program oversight, or organizational events; strong strategic discernment to guide Wild Ops through its next chapter of growth and transition.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Prior executive leadership (e.g., President, CEO or Executive Director) in a faith-based nonprofit serving veterans, military personnel, or similar at-risk populations or executive leadership in a marketplace setting with a personal affinity for veterans and those who have sacrificially served our nation.
Demonstrated ability to scale an organization while protecting the culture of an organization or business.
Familiarity with combat veteran challenges, including PTSD, transition difficulties, and the transformative role of faith and outdoor brotherhood in healing.
Hands-on experience with outdoor programs, adventure facilitation, or wilderness-based ministry initiatives is preferred but not a necessity.
Prior leadership of an organization that regularly met the Seven Standards of Responsible Stewardship™ of the ECFA.
Wild Ops is an ECFA-accredited organization committed to the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and biblical stewardship. The President will be instrumental in preserving and expanding this legacy during this pivotal transition beyond the founding era.
NEXT STEPS
If, after prayerfully reviewing this information, you believe this role fits you well, please APPLY below. If you know someone you would like to recommend, please contact:
Yale Kim
Executive Search Consultant
email :: yale@missionleadership.org