Full job description
The Musconetcong Watershed Association (MWA) is seeking an Executive Director to lead this mission-driven organization dedicated to protecting and restoring the Musconetcong Watershed. Our work focuses on addressing environmental challenges, particularly those related to agricultural runoff, septic system impacts, and water quality improvement and protection. Through advocacy, education, and collaborative partnerships, we strive to promote sustainable land-use practices and safeguard watershed health for future generations.
The Executive Director leads a team of seven staff and provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and external representation for the organization. The ED works closely with the Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, and community stakeholders to advance the MWA’s mission, ensuring effective program delivery, financial sustainability and that our science-based plans and expertise continue to protect the river and its watershed. We seek a dynamic leader who can develop and manage the organization’s $1.5M budget ensuring fiscal responsibility and diverse revenue streams to support organizational growth.
RESPONSIBILITIES
LEADERSHIP & ADMINISTRATION
•Supervise a team of seven direct and indirect reports. Maintain an inclusive environment conforming to MWA’s policies; draft, present and enforce new policies.
•Develop the annual budget ($1.5M) and personnel workplans with the assistance of staff, Board of Trustees, and the Finance Manager (FM). Work with the FM on day-to-day processing of financial transactions, and the board treasurer, FM, and accountants on annual 501(c)3 tax return filing.
•Oversee day-to-day operations of MWA, including staff and resource allocation, building and grounds, information technology, human resources, public inquiries, and volunteer opportunities.
•Coordinate the annual audit with independent auditors, including providing requested support, information, and response to inquiries to ensure a smooth audit process.
•Understand individual project and grant budgets and their integration into the organization’s annual operational budget.
•Attend monthly Board of Trustee meetings and, where appropriate, committee meetings and maintain close communication with the Board of Trustees regarding matters that may impact the overall success of the organization.
•Work with the Board on strategic planning. Translate and execute the strategic plan to annual workplans for staff which are measurable and timebound.
•Conduct and document annual staff performance reviews. Monitor the organization’s performance and achievement of goals and the strategic plan.
•Hire, supervise, develop, and evaluate staff in the performance of their assigned duties.
•Seek opportunities for service-based work opportunities utilizing existing staff expertise to address community needs in environmental services including wetlands, streams, riparian vegetation, wastewater, and stormwater.
WATERSHED PROTECTION AND RESTORATION
•Work with staff, Board of Trustees, volunteers, and key stakeholders to implement river restoration projects and sustain ongoing water quality programs.
•Take direct responsibility for managing projects as needed to ensure successful completion of project deliverables on time and on budget.
•Stay current with significant developments and trends in watershed protection and restoration.
•Understand and support MWA’s focus on science-based watershed management practices to drive our policies and engagement with the community that benefits from our work.
FUNDRAISING
•Promote the stories of MWA successes to inspire donors and funders.
•Actively engage volunteers, Board of Trustees, and members. Develop and execute plans to recruit and expand the membership base.
•Serve as a primary fundraiser, working closely with the Board’s Development Committee and the Communications and Development Manager to attract new funding sources and increase revenue.
•Oversee and assist with the preparation and submission of grant applications.
•Working with the Development Manager, create events that will meet annual fundraising objectives consistent with the approved annual budget.
COMMUNICATIONS, EDUCATION AND ADVOCACY
•Represent the MWA at critical meetings, conferences, community, and partner presentations aligned with the organization’s strategic plan and current workload.
•Develop collaborative relationships with local, regional, state, and national conservation agencies and organizations.
•Communicate effectively with the Board of Trustees, staff, volunteers, and members.
•Inform and engage people of all ages to protect and enhance the watershed through place-based and experiential learning.
•Create opportunities to conserve critical resources and advance sustainable recreational access.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $90,000.00 – $105,050.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Asbury, NJ 08802
