Executive Director

The foundation is strong. The mission is clear. The team is engaged. What Kentucky Waterways Alliance (KWA) needs now is our next Executive Director who will lead us into a future where all Kentuckians value our lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands.

• a passion for protecting our natural resources,
• ability to connect with diverse communities across Kentucky,
• experience cultivating and retaining a high-functioning team, and
• demonstrated success growing non-profit fundraising.

KWA is seeking a full-time, self-driven and highly competent Executive Director to lead us into our next phase of growth that will build upon over 30 years of successful work protecting, restoring, and celebrating the waterways of Kentucky. KWA has grown substantially in recent years, expanding its staff, revenue, partnerships, and impact across policy and advocacy, on-the-ground restoration, and community engagement.

The next Executive Director will be charged with sustaining that momentum while ensuring that the organization's systems, structures, and capacity continue to evolve alongside its growth. The Executive Director will oversee programs that serve the KWA mission, including raising funds to support the program work. The Executive Director will also supervise KWA's highly motivated, independent, and imaginative staff. We expect competitive candidates to demonstrate a blend of the following experience: fundraising, non-profit management, policy/advocacy, on-the-ground conservation, and/or community engagement.

This list is not exhaustive, and we encourage all interested applicants to apply.

Salary commensurate with experience in the range of $90,000 to $110,000.

Founded in 1993, Kentucky Waterways Alliance, Inc. is a statewide non-profit organization with a mission to protect, restore and celebrate Kentucky's waterways. We accomplish our mission through education, community engagement, planning, on-the-ground restoration, coalition building and participation, policy work, and advocacy. KWA is the state affiliate partner of the National Wildlife Federation.

We welcome applications from qualified candidates across Kentucky. Although our primary office is located in Louisville, flexible remote work or relocation opportunities may be available based on the candidate's role, qualifications, and organizational needs. Current staffing level is 6 full-time and 3 part-time staff.

• Strong commitment and passion for the conservation, restoration, and protection of surface waters, groundwater resources, and watersheds. Preference to broad knowledge of federal and state water issues, including Clean Water Act programs, and state and federal regulatory regimes.
• Keen analytic, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with the nimbleness to respond to emerging opportunities and challenges while maintaining focus on organizational priorities.
• Outstanding written, verbal, and public communication skills, including the ability to translate complex policy, scientific, and technical issues into clear and compelling language for a range of audiences, both in person and through live and recorded media.
• Strong business acumen and savviness.
• Highly organized and ethical behavior.
• Ability to recruit, support, and retain a team.
• Coalition building and negotiation skills to work effectively with diverse partners.

• Five or more years of relevant nonprofit experience, including at least three years with staff management.
• Advanced knowledge of financial practices including experience developing and managing organizational budgets.
• Demonstrated success as a fundraiser including writing grants, securing sponsor ships, and building and maintaining relationships with donors, resulting in annual revenue growth.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a relevant field, with advanced degree preferred.

• This is a full-time, salaried position. Salary will be determined by qualifications and experience of candidate in the range of $90,000 - $110,000.
• KWA offers health insurance, an employer match on a 403(b)…