Local recruitment: Executive Director

Executive Director – Sound Water Stewards

Location: Whidbey and Camano Islands, WA
Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt with Benefits

Sound Water Stewards is a volunteer-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection and preservation of the ecosystems of Island County through training and supporting citizen scientists, educators and environmental stewards. We engage hundreds of volunteers annually to monitor, educate, and advocate for the health of our unique marine habitats.

We are seeking an experienced and mission-driven Executive Director (ED) to lead our organization with vision, integrity, and energy. This is a dynamic leadership opportunity for someone who is passionate about conservation, thrives in a collaborative and community-centered environment, and is inspired to grow the organization’s impact and sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising & Development (Primary Focus):

• Secure and sustain funding for the organization, including raising funds for the Executive Director’s salary.
• Develop and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies including individual donor cultivation, grant writing, corporate sponsorships, and fundraising events.
• Build and maintain relationships with foundations, community stakeholders, and major donors.
• Oversee donor database and fundraising communications, including acknowledgments and reports.

Organizational Leadership & Administration:

• Provide effective day-to-day management of the organization in alignment with Sound Water Stewards’ mission and strategic goals.
• Lead, inspire, and support a team of staff and volunteers, promoting a culture of collaboration, accountability, and empowerment.
• Work closely with the Board of Directors to develop strategic goals, ensure financial stability, and uphold the organization’s values.
• Maintain high standards of integrity and professional ethics in all aspects of operations.
• Understand and respect personal and organizational limits while maintaining clear priorities.

Volunteer & Community Engagement:

• Lead efforts to recruit, retain, and support a diverse and active volunteer base.
• Foster strong relationships with the community, partner organizations, and agencies.
• Actively represent Sound Water Stewards in public settings, coalitions, and community forums.
• Promote the mission and programs through outreach and storytelling.

Marketing & Communications:

• Oversee public communications including newsletters, press releases, and reports.
• Manage and grow the organization’s social media presence to increase visibility and community engagement.
• Serve as a positive, professional, and inspirational ambassador for the organization.

Qualifications

Required:

• 3+ years of proven success as a nonprofit Executive Director
• Proven success in nonprofit fundraising, including grants, events, and donor development.
• Demonstrated experience in leadership, team building, and effective delegation.
• Experience managing nonprofit day-to-day operations, budgets, and staff/volunteers.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with demonstrated community engagement.
• Volunteer program development or coordination experience.
• Professional, mission-driven approach with a high level of integrity and self-awareness.
• Passionate about environmental conservation and stewardship.

Preferred:

• Graduate of the Sound Water Stewards training program or familiarity with local ecosystems.
• Experience in nonprofit marketing and communications, especially via social media platforms.
• Knowledge of Island County’s environmental and community landscape.

Compensation

This is a full-time, exempt position with benefits (Vacation, Sick, holiday, and monthly stipend). Salary is commensurate with experience and dependent on fundraising success. Sound Water Stewards offers a flexible work environment and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community.

$70,000-$85,000

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If you are an applicant

Apply Today!

Send your resume, cover letter, and 3 references to:
outreach@s-caf.org
Applications will close June 30, 2025
Learn more: www.soundwaterstewards.org

Equal Employment Opportunity

• SWS is an equal-opportunity employer. Sound Water Stewards shall follow the spirit and intent of all federal, state and local employment law and is committed to equal employment opportunity. To that end, the Board of Directors of Sound Water Stewards will not discriminate against any employee or applicant in a manner that violates the law.
• Sound Water Stewards is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, political affiliation, personal appearance, family responsibilities, matriculation or any other characteristic protected under federal, state or local law. Each person is evaluated on the basis of personal skill and merit.
• SWS policy regarding equal employment opportunity applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, job assignments, promotions, working conditions, scheduling, benefits, wage and salary administration, disciplinary action, termination, and social, educational and recreational programs. The Board of Directors shall act as the responsible agent in the full implementation of the Equal Employment Opportunity policy.