Together SC is hiring: The Outside Foundation Executive Director in Charleston

About The Outside Foundation

The Outside Foundation (TOF) is a small, community‑rooted nonprofit dedicated to connecting young people to the outdoors while protecting and restoring the Lowcountry’s coastal and marsh ecosystems. Through hands‑on programs such as Kids in Kayaks, oyster shell recycling, and community stewardship initiatives, TOF blends environmental education with real‑world conservation impact.

TOF operates with a lean staff, an active volunteer base, trusted contractors, and a supportive Board of Directors. The organization is focused on strengthening fundraising, deepening community relationships, and ensuring long‑term sustainability.

Position Overview

The Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief executive leader and primary community ambassador of The Outside Foundation. The ED works closely with the Board of Directors, partners with the Outside Brands team, and collaborates with staff, contractors, volunteers, and community partners to advance TOF’s mission.

This is a hands‑on, relationship‑centered leadership role designed for a leader who is comfortable balancing strategy with execution in a small‑shop environment. The ED is responsible for guiding TOF toward financial sustainability (2026 annual fundraising goal of approximately $600,000–$700,000), strengthening donor and partner relationships, supporting high‑quality programs, and maintaining organizational health.

Key Responsibilities

1. Organizational Leadership, Governance & Board Partnership

• Serve as the primary leader and public representative of The Outside Foundation.
• Partner with the Board Chair and Board to establish annual priorities aligned with organizational capacity and to optimize Board composition and contribution.
• Support effective nonprofit governance, including bylaws, policies, and committee structures.
• Prepare Board materials, support agenda development, and ensure follow‑through on Board decisions.
• Provide clear, consistent reporting on finances, fundraising, programs, and risks.
• Support, educate and inspire Board members from onboarding through engagement, with clear expectations, particularly related to fundraising, events, and community visibility.

2. Fundraising, Grant Writing & Relationship Development

• Lead and execute a realistic, diversified fundraising strategy appropriate for a small organization, with clear revenue goals and accountability for results.
• Serve as the organization’s lead grant strategist and primary grant writer, accountable for researching opportunities, developing compelling proposals, submitting applications, and ensuring timely reporting and stewardship of all grant‑funded programs.
• Establish and manage an annual grant calendar with measurable targets and deadlines to drive consistent funding growth.
• Partner with the Director of Development to execute individual giving, events, sponsorships, campaigns, in‑kind support, and donor communications strategies aligned with revenue goals.
• Personally cultivate, solicit, and steward key donors, institutional funders, and community partners.
• Share responsibility for donor CRM oversight, data integrity, forecasting, and fundraising reporting with the Director of Development.
• Oversee fundraising contractors and consultants as budget allows, ensuring clear deliverables and return on investment.

3. Program Oversight, Volunteers & Community Impact

• Support and supervise part‑time Program Managers.
• Ensure programs are safe, mission‑aligned, and delivered within capacity.
• Oversee volunteer recruitment, onboarding, training, engagement (including calendar) and recognition.
• Maintain partnerships with schools, nonprofits, agencies, and community stakeholders.
• Champion TOF’s impact story for all stakeholders - donors, volunteers, partners, funders and the broader community.

4. Operations, Marketing & Financial Stewardship

• Oversee budget, cash flow, and financial health with the Board and Treasurer/CFO.
• Ensure systems for finance, donor records, and compliance are maintained.
• Oversee external marketing and social media contractors for brand alignment and promotion, and website, newsletter and materials management.
• Collaborate with Outside Brands team to optimize messaging alignment and resource sharing.
• Engage with local and state government entities for programs, permits, funding, and visibility.
• Ensure policies, insurance, and basic risk management practices are maintained.

5. Team Leadership & Organizational Culture

• Manage and support the Director of Development and Program Managers.
• Set clear priorities within limited staff capacity.
• Foster a collaborative, mission‑driven culture.
• Support professional development within available resources.

Please apply at the link below or send your resume to Sharon Sutton, Director of HR, email sharons@outsidebrands.com.