Florida Bay Forever seeks a dynamic, entrepreneurial individual to serve as the Executive Director.

Mission:

Florida Bay Forever is a 501(c)3 that works to increase awareness of the issues that threaten Florida Bay with Florida Keys residents, visitors, and policymakers. These issues such as high salinity, harmful algae blooms, nutrient pollution, and more are directly tied to the destruction of the Everglades. Our work focus is on addressing the root causes of these issues. We employ education and awareness as tools to cultivate stewardship for Florida Bay within our local community and the millions of visitors to our island chain every year. Together, we have worked with diverse coalitions within Monroe County and beyond to join us in the fight to preserve Florida Bay and the Everglades for future generations.

Position Description

The Executive Director is the key management leader of Florida Bay Forever. The Executive Director is responsible for overseeing the administration, programs and strategic plan of the organization. Other key duties include fundraising, marketing, advocacy, and community outreach. The position reports directly to the Board of Directors.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

1) Board Governance:

• Works with board to fulfill the organization’s mission.
• Responsible for leading Florida Bay Forever in a manner that supports and guides the organization’s mission as defined by the Board of Directors.
• Responsible for communicating effectively with the Board and providing, in a timely and accurate manner, all information necessary for the Board to function properly and to make informed decisions.

2) Financial Performance and Viability:

• Develops resources sufficient to ensure the financial health of the organization.
• Responsible for fundraising and developing other revenues necessary to support Florida Bay Forever’s mission.
• Responsible for the fiscal integrity of Florida Bay Forever, to include submission to the Board of a proposed annual budget and bi-monthly financial statements.
• Responsible for fiscal management that generally anticipates operating within the approved budget, ensures maximum resource utilization, and maintenance of the organization in a positive financial position.

3) Organization Mission and Strategy:

• Works with board and staff to ensure that the mission is fulfilled through programs and community outreach.
• Responsible for implementation of Florida Bay Forever’s programs that carry out the organization’s mission.
• Responsible for the enhancement of Florida Bay Forever’s image by being active and visible in the community and by working closely with other professional, civic, NGO and private organizations.

4) Organization Operations:

• Oversees and implements appropriate resources to ensure that the operations of the organization are appropriate.
• Responsible for the hiring and retention of competent, qualified staff.
• Responsible effective administration of Florida Bay Forever’s operations.
• Responsible for signing all notes, agreements, and other instruments made and entered into and on behalf of the organization.
• Actual Job Responsibilities
• Supervise and collaborate with organization staff.
• Strategic planning and implementation.
• Planning and operation of annual budget.
• Serve as Florida Bay Forever’s primary spokesperson to the organization’s constituents, the media, restoration stakeholders and the general public.
• Establish and maintain relationships with various organizations and stakeholders and utilize those relationships to strategically enhance Florida Bay Forever’s mission.
•  Engage in fundraising and developing other revenues.
• Oversee marketing and other communications efforts.
• Oversee organization Board and committee meetings.
• Follow standard 501c3 policies and procedures for all functions and for the day-to-day operation of the nonprofit.
• Review and approve contracts for services.
•  Other duties as assigned by the Board of Directors.

Desired Qualifications

• Master’s degree (or equivalent experience) in environmental science, environmental law/policy, natural resources management, hydrology, sustainability, ecology, scientific storytelling, or related discipline
• Working knowledge of Florida state politics and legislature
• Working knowledge of ecological, social, economic, and political issues surrounding restoration for the Everglades, Florida Bay, and clean water initiatives
• Experience with program development and management
• Experience serving and managing a non-profit board of directors
• Experience with fundraising and donor development
• Experience in environmental policy a plus
• Excellent communication skills, public speaking experience a plus
• Excellent writing skills, grant-writing experience a plus
• Understanding of processes and policies to maintain 501c3 compliance

This is a full-time exempt position. Salary is negotiable, dependent on qualifications