Job Title: Executive Director
Location: Phoenix, AZ

Workplace Type: Hybrid – remote/in-office
Reports To: Board of Directors
Status: Full-Time | Exempt
Salary Range: $155,000 - $175,000, commensurate with experience

BlueCommons, Inc. seeks a dynamic and experienced leader to serve as Executive Director.

About BlueCommons

BlueCommons, Inc. is a nonprofit organization established in 2021 to deploy innovative financing to local partners implementing sustainable water solutions in and around the Colorado River Basin.  As a first-of-its-kind “blue bank,” BlueCommons offers innovative conservation finance tools and new sources of funding to local partners in water-stressed communities through the operation of revolving funds, providing timely and flexible financing to accelerate water conservation and climate resilience. Visit bluecommons.org to learn more.

Position Summary

BlueCommons is seeking its first Executive Director (ED) to lead the organization in its next phase of growth. The ED will oversee operations, strategic planning, program development, and team management, while prioritizing revenue growth through fundraising, cultivating partnerships, and engaging donors. We require a leader with the financial expertise necessary to navigate innovative funding structures and manage revolving funds, coupled with the ability to tell compelling stories and build understanding and enthusiasm for the work of the Blue Bank. This leader will need to raise significant new capital to scale and expand the scope of BlueCommons’ revolving funds, as well as build diverse revenue streams through philanthropy, partnerships, and the sale of verifiable water benefits and similar project outcomes. The ED will serve as the public face of the organization, working closely with the Board of Directors and staff to deliver on BlueCommons’ mission to finance and scale innovative, community-led water solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Organizational Leadership & Strategic Vision

• Identify emerging trends affecting water in the Colorado River Basin and surrounding regions facing similar challenges, and develop funding, programs, strategies, and communication tactics to position the organization to meet challenges and capitalize on opportunities that promote mission, strategic direction, and funding goals.
• Lead and execute BlueCommons’ strategic direction in partnership with the Board of Directors.
• Forge partnerships that fuel BlueCommons’ mission.
• Lead and support a small, high-impact team to align daily operations with BlueCommons’ long-term goals.
• Foster a collaborative, mission-driven culture that promotes innovation, transparency, and equity.
• Create and promote a positive, diverse work environment that results in high-functioning organizational strategy, operations, and management among the staff and board.
• Represent, explain, and tell compelling stories about the work of BlueCommons in public forums, conferences, media, and other outreach as the organization's primary spokesperson.

Financial Management

• Apply financing expertise gained in previous roles to design, structure, and manage revolving funds, financing agreements, and various innovative financing instruments being developed and deployed by BlueCommons.
• Provide executive oversight of all financial systems, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Ensure the sustainability and transparency of BlueCommons’ financial operations and ensure appropriate diligence in connection with proposed financing, while bringing the creativity and flexibility needed to deploy financing solutions in economically disadvantaged communities and the broader conservation sector.
• Collaborate with the Operations Manager to manage fiscal operations, grant budgets, and reporting.

Fundraising & Development

• Design and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy to better capitalize and scale BlueCommons’ revolving funds, including philanthropic giving, program-related investments, institutional grants, and corporate partnerships.
• Build and maintain relationships with current and prospective funders, with a focus on long-term sustainability.
• Lead staff to leverage opportunities to implement programs, strategies, and communication that attract and maintain funding.
• Lead grant proposal efforts and donor communications in collaboration with staff.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for new revenue generation, including innovative finance models and investment partnerships.

Board Relations

• Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors; develop meeting agendas, materials, and strategic updates.
• Cultivate a strong and transparent working relationship with the Board of Directors while working collaboratively to strengthen governance and ensure alignment on mission and goals.

Qualifications

• MBA or similar advanced degree in a finance-related field preferred; minimum bachelor’s degree required in a finance-related field.
• Experienced leader with a minimum of 12 years’ experience, including responsibility for organizational finances.
• Proven track record in leading and sustaining significant fundraising initiatives that result in sustained revenues and growth.
• Skilled in cultivating relationships, navigating diverse cultures, perspectives, and contexts (e.g., the farm and ranch communities, Tribal communities, NGOs, and urban and utility interests with whom BlueCommons partners) and persuading, convening, facilitating, and building consensus among diverse stakeholders and project partners.
• Strong knowledge of water sustainability, climate resilience, environmental finance, or related sectors preferred.
• Strong organizational skills with an ability to articulate and execute a clear, compelling, and inspiring vision in writing and verbally.
• Strong critical thinking skills and track record of building strategies, identifying solutions, and addressing organizational issues.
• Passion for equity, innovation, and addressing environmental justice issues.
• Ability to coach and support the staff’s career growth.
• Live within 2 hours (driving time) of the city of Phoenix, AZ preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary is commensurate with experience. BlueCommons offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance; a Flexible Spending Account for medical expenses; life insurance; a 401 (k) retirement plan with employer match; generous paid time off; a monthly fitness benefit; and more.

BlueCommons is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse workforce. BlueCommons is committed to building and maintaining a diverse staff and an inclusive workplace that values equity.