Position Overview
Founded in 1982, Downeast Salmon Federation (DSF) is a nonprofit environmental organization and accredited land trust working to conserve and restore wild sea-run fish and their habitats throughout Downeast Maine. The new Executive Director (ED) will join a team of 18 full-time staff members and an active Board of Directors, currently with 11 members. Together, the team brings expertise in fisheries science, habitat restoration, conservation hatcheries, land conservation, coastal resilience, advocacy, community engagement, development and communications, finance, and administration. DSF values lived experience, local knowledge, and a diversity of perspectives, and we strive to create a workplace where all staff feel respected and supported.  DSF is seeking a dynamic collaborative leader to succeed its founding Executive Director. The ED works closely with the Chief of Staff, Director of Development & Communications, Program Managers, Staff, and Board to develop and implement strategies that support and advance DSF’s mission and goals.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Provide strategic and organizational leadership.

• Grounded in DSF’s mission and vision, inspire DSF Staff, Board, partners, funders, and communities to join together in serving the greater good.
• Exemplify and foster a healthy, inclusive, and collaborative organizational culture in all DSF activities and interactions.
• Advance implementation of DSF’s strategic plan while remaining adaptive and responsive to changing conditions. Identify and pursue opportunities that align with DSF’s mission and goals.
• Partner with the Chief of Staff to manage, guide, and support Staff in fulfilling responsibilities and organizational commitments.
• Support Board of Directors governance roles, and partner with the Board and its Committees to carry out strategic priorities.
• Build and strengthen organizational relationships to advance common goals with regional partners, allied organizations, and municipal, state, federal, and Tribal entities. 
• Determine strategic roles and resources for DSF to contribute to projects and partnerships.

Secure funding for ongoing programs, core operations, and strategic plan fulfillment.

• Collaborate with board members and staff to build a diversified fundraising strategy, anticipating current and future needs.
• Partner with development staff to lead implementation of fundraising strategy.
• Steward and cultivate relationships with current and prospective major donors, land owners, foundations, and government agencies; solicit gifts and grants.

Serve as DSF’s primary external representative and public face.

• Act as DSF’s leading spokesperson to build public understanding of DSF’s work and support for key initiatives.
• Build local relationships and operate as a day-to-day partner in Downeast Maine.
• Advocate with municipal, state, federal, and Tribal entities and officials to advance DSF mission and goals.
• Represent DSF in regional, national, and international forums to expand collective knowledge and advance the mission of sea-run fish restoration. 

Perform key administrative duties.

• Partner with Board Committees, Chief of Staff, and others to develop DSF policies and perform fiduciary duties.
• Head the Leadership Team and supervise the Director of Development & Communications and Program Managers.
• Work collaboratively with the Chief of Staff to assure:
• Fulfillment of organizational commitments while ensuring sustainable resources.
• Ongoing staff professional growth, development, and life-work balance.
• Exemplary human resources, financial, and operational management.
• Compliance with all relevant legal requirements and professional standards.

Qualities and Qualifications

Successful candidates will bring a passion for conservation and fisheries restoration, community development, and many of the following skills, experience, and attributes.

• Accomplished executive and strategic thinker skilled in nonprofit leadership.
• Ability to foster a positive organizational culture rooted in transparency, respect, and mutual accountability.
• Collaborative leadership: the ability to listen and positively engage all team members; clearly communicate; steward resources; and empower individuals to be successful and grow in their work.
• Appreciation for the intersections of conservation, people, and place.
• Professional experience in habitat restoration, applied fisheries science, land conservation, coastal resilience, or environmental advocacy.
• Proven track record of successful fundraising to include major donors, foundations, and government grants; financial management and budget acumen.
• Tenacity, diplomacy, and community engagement skills necessary to achieve positive outcomes.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communications skills with the ability to connect with people from all walks of life.
• Proficiency with technology, standard software and databases, and project management tools.
• Resourcefulness with an entrepreneurial spirit.

Location: Washington County, Maine; East Machias and Columbia Falls headquarters. Substantial time in the community, preserves, and at worksites in the field.

Travel: Regular travel throughout the region and state, with occasional national and international travel to attend meetings and conferences.