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Ocean Career: SSCW Executive Director

ECO Magazine, Florida, New York, United States

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Salem Sound Coastwatch (SSCW) is a nonprofit environmental organization committed to coastal resiliency, field research, and watershed education across the North Shore of Massachusetts. Since 1990, we have collaborated with residents and municipalities in Beverly, Danvers, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem, and surrounding communities to protect and improve the environmental quality of Massachusetts Bay, Salem Sound, and the watershed. Through science-based advocacy, hands-on education programs, and collaborative partnerships, SSCW protects and restores coastal wildlife habitat while building a community of informed environmental stewards.

Position Overview Salem Sound Coastwatch seeks a self-directed, goal-oriented, strategically minded 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 strategic initiatives that drive science-based watershed conservation, restoration, education, advocacy, and stewardship programs.

The Executive Director will work closely with a committed Board of Directors, skilled staff, and an extensive network of volunteers, municipal partners, and community stakeholders. This position requires a strategic leader who can advance SSCW’s mission through strong organizational management, effective fundraising, community engagement, and thoughtful stewardship of our environmental programs while maintaining financial sustainability and programmatic excellence.

Qualifications Education

Degree in Environmental Science, Marine Science, Education, Environmental Management, Business Management, Communications, Law, or related field is required for consideration. Advanced degree in a related field is preferred. Comparable level of progressive and related work experience may be considered in lieu of degree.

Experience

Minimum 7 years of leadership experience in nonprofit management, environmental organizations, or related fields. Significant fundraising experience with a demonstrated level of success, with particular focus on individual donors at the major gift level. Nonprofit management experience including budgeting, staff management, and general administration. Demonstrated success with grant management, individual donors, and diverse revenue streams. Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop staff.

Preferred Background, Skills, and Attributes

Enthusiastic, positive attitude and a passion for serving the community and building and enhancing relationships across that community. Strong understanding and appreciation of local and state government policies, practices, and procedures. Thorough understanding of basic ecological and watershed principles, particularly coastal ecosystems and marine environments. Knowledge of Massachusetts North Shore communities and environmental issues. Experience leading coastal resilience projects. Strong communication skills and public speaking experience. Demonstrated record of collaboration and coalition building. Significant experience and strong commitment to work with, leverage, mentor, and inspire staff, partners, volunteers, and donors. Experience in environmental education or ocean literacy programs. Track record of successful grant writing for environmental organizations. Experience with volunteer management and citizen science programs. Background in strategic planning and organizational development. Strong financial management skills including budget development and oversight. Knowledge of nonprofit governance, compliance, and best practices. Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in organizational culture and programming. Comfort using standard office-place technologies; a working knowledge of specific computer programs such as Microsoft Office 365.

Salary : $90,000 – $110,000 commensurate with experience.

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