Executive Director

Overview

Salem Sound Coastwatch seeks an Executive Director (ED) to lead our organization into its next chapter. You will be joining at a key moment in SSCW's history as we build on decades of conservation success and expand our impact across the North Shore. As the leader of our dedicated staff team, the ED is responsible for overall organizational management, staff development, and implementing programs and initiatives.

• Drive effective implementation of science-driven watershed conservation, restoration, education, advocacy, and community engagement programs.
• Provide visionary leadership and strategic direction in collaboration with the Board of Directors.
• Lead staff in developing and implementing work plans that advance SSCW's mission and organizational goals.
• Foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, and innovation among staff and volunteers.
• Serve as the chief spokesperson and public face of the organization.
• Monitor and assess program effectiveness and organizational impact.
• Identify opportunities for program expansion and innovation that align with mission and community needs.

• Work with the Development Director and relevant Board committees to establish and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies to ensure long-term financial sustainability of the organization.
• Strategize and execute SSCW's fundraising activities alongside the Development Director to foster relationships with individual donors, foundation officers, and corporate sponsors.
• Cultivate and steward deep relationships with current and prospective donors to secure major gifts.
• Oversee fundraising events, annual giving and special campaigns, and donor communications.

• Direct the day-to-day management of SSCW and ensure the effective and efficient administration of all internal operations.
• Supervise staff members and evaluate their performance.
• Provide ongoing professional guidance, development, and coaching.
• Administer personnel policies; recruit, hire, and retain staff needed to advance the strategic plan.
• Ensure scientific integrity and quality in research and monitoring programs.
• Undertake direct program work in special projects as appropriate (e.g. coastal resilience grants).
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and inclusive workplace culture.
• Manage employee compensation, benefits, and compliance. Ensure organizational compliance with all legal, regulatory, and contractual obligations.

• Proactively engage Board, staff, and partner organizations to analyze, develop, and advocate for positions on relevant legislation, legal challenges, regulations, policies, and plans at the municipal, state, regional or national level, as appropriate and in coordination with the Board.
• Present SSCW's position in comment letters, public meetings, and hearings.
• Ensure that any SSCW advocacy efforts are grounded in sound science and aligned with organizational mission.

• As the chief spokesperson for SSCW, represent the organization at private and public forums.
• Develop strong relationships with people and communities who represent the demographic diversity within the watershed.
• Communicate SSCW's work and successes through multiple channels.
• Ensure that SSCW maintains strong relations with and is properly represented among various constituencies, including local, state, and federal officials and agencies.

• Work with the Board’s Treasurer, Finance Committee, and relevant staff to develop an annual budget and track the budget over the fiscal year.
• Oversee all financial operations, records, and reports, including managing relevant contractors.
• Ensure proper operational management of investments, funds, and assets; control costs responsibly.
• Authorize purchases and disbursements.
• Ensure timely completion of annual audit and tax filings, legal compliance, and annual reporting to the Board.

• Manage all grant, contract, and vendor relationships, and relevant insurance requirements.
• Provide oversight to staff in the development of high-quality grant applications. Prepare grant proposals and reports in partnership with staff and Board as relevant.
• Execu…