Executive Director

Connecticut River Coastal Conservation District (CRCCD)

Location: Middletown, CT

The Connecticut River Coastal Conservation District (CRCCD) seeks to hire a dynamic environmental professional as its Executive Director to lead the organization from its past to its future successes.  CRCCD is one of five soil and water conservation districts in Connecticut - created by state statute - that programmatically engages and provides technical assistance to farmers, municipalities, and other landowners on soil and water conservation and related natural resource management issues.  CRCCD serves 26 towns in the lower Connecticut River watershed and along the coast, near where the waterway joins Long Island Sound.

The Executive Director is a permanent, full-time position of CRCCD.  The Executive Director provides strategic leadership and management for the District to advance soil and water conservation and related natural resource management within our region. They are responsible for overall organizational management, including administration, finance, fundraising, programmatic and technical activities, partnerships, communications, and staff supervision. Additional responsibilities include a wide range of administrative, public relations/education, and programmatic and technical activities, including facilitating communication with the other four CT conservation districts, and state, federal, and local organizations that work on related natural resource programs.  (Full Job Description)

The successful candidate will be technically proficient in one or more the following: soils and soil health, erosion and sediment control, watershed management, stormwater management, wetlands protection, regenerative agriculture, farmland preservation, or other related natural resource management areas; and will have a working knowledge of the “landscape” of natural resource conservation in CT including appropriate regulations and policies.  Proficiency in the use of Geographic Information Systems and related applications is desired.  They must be a self-starter with strong administrative and supervisory skills; demonstrated success with grant writing and fundraising; excellent communication and interpersonal skills including public speaking; ability to build partnerships; proficiency with office software and digital communications; ability to work both efficiently and independently, as well as collaboratively with staff and with a governing board.  Preference will be given to applicants with certifications as a professional soil scientist, professional wetland scientist, and/or erosion and sediment control professional or the ability to obtain such certification.

Education and Experience:  A strong background in natural resource conservation/management with experience in nonprofit management is desired.  Master’s degree in soils, water resources, forestry, or related natural resource field, or a bachelor’s degree with at least five years of progressively responsible relevant experience. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.  Five years of relevant experience may be substituted for an advanced degree. 

Compensation and Benefits

• $75,000 to $90,000 annual salary based on education and work experience
• Competitive and progressive holiday and paid time off policy
•  Contribution to a 403(b) Retirement Account
• Medical benefits negotiable

Interested candidates should send their resume with a cover letter to as one pdf to: Denise Savageau, CRCCD Board Chair at dmsavageau@msn.com no later than May 15, 2026.

Conditions of employment include completion of a reference and background check.  Also, there will be a six-month probationary period with a three-month review, and thereafter an annual review by the Board of Directors.  This is an at-will employment opportunity.   

CRCCD is an equal opportunity employer.  We are committed to working for a just, equitable, diverse, and inclusive environmental movement.  CRCCD seeks to hire staff and contractors who reflect the diverse communities and perspectives that make up Connecticut as well as the rural, suburban, and urban municipalities of the District itself.  We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.