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Melanie Erquiaga
Melanie Erquiaga
00:52

Melanie Erquiaga

Nevada Outdoor School

Winnemucca, NV USA

"Don’t be afraid to initiate a conversation because if you sit back and wait for others, you’re going to be sitting there for a long time."

Career Roadmap

Melanie's work combines: Environment & Nature, Non-Profit Organizations, and Working with Others

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Day In The Life

Executive Director

I lead an organization that inspires exploration and responsible stewardship of the natural world.

02:06

Day In The Life Of An Executive Director Of An Outdoor School

My Day to Day

My typical day is full of multitasking and a lot of variety. I'm responsible for the financial success of the organization. I write grants and funding requests, and handle reporting requirements. I manage a staff of 10 as well as an AmeriCorps crew. I make sure our programs are delivered to the highest quality. I also work closely with our Board members to ensure the organization is well run and working transparently. Fortunately, I have a really stellar staff to support me.

Skills & Education

Advice for getting started

I recommend gaining supervisory and personnel management education before taking on the role of executive director. Colleges now offer degrees in public administration and management, which would be helpful to have.

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

  • Vocational

    Automation Secretary

    ITT Technical School

Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be an Executive Director:

Bachelor's Degree: Public Administration and Management

Learn more about different paths to this career

Life & Career Milestones

My path in life took a while to figure out

  • 1.

    I moved to Nevada when I was 13 years old.

  • 2.

    I found a lifelong connection to the state through outdoor activities with my husband, who introduced me to the beauty of nature.

  • 3.

    After losing my job during the 2008 recession, I found a new path at Nevada Outdoor School where I started as a financial manager with no prior experience in education.

  • 4.

    My team and I rescued Nevada Outdoor School from financial instability, and within two years, we doubled our budget and expanded our reach into new communities.

  • 5.

    Taking on the role of Executive Director allowed me to combine my love for the outdoors with my skills in finance.

  • 6.

    We have since transformed Nevada Outdoor School into a premier outdoor education provider.

  • 7.

    We've grown to serve multiple rural counties, offering programs that teach kids to connect with nature, practice stewardship, and explore the outdoors.

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