About the job
Job Title: Executive Director
Reports to: Board of Trustees
Employment Type: Full-Time, Salaried, Exempt
Location: Greater Cleveland Area (Cleveland, Cleveland Heights, Shaker Heights)
Salary Range: $70,000–$75,000, commensurate with experience
Benefits: Medical and dental insurance, paid time off, mileage reimbursementAbout the Doan Brook Watershed Partnership
The Doan Brook Watershed Partnership (DBWP) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to the restoration and protection of the Doan Brook watershed. Located within the Lake Erie basin, the watershed spans the cities of Cleveland, Cleveland Heights, Shaker Heights, and Beachwood. Since 2001, DBWP has engaged residents, municipalities, and partner organizations in science-based, community-centered work that supports environmental resilience, sustainability, and justice.
From hands-on restoration to education and civic engagement, DBWP serves as a regional leader in urban watershed conservation, fostering collaboration and a shared sense of responsibility for clean, healthy water.Position Overview
The Executive Director (ED) is the chief executive and public leader of DBWP, responsible for driving mission impact, building organizational strength, and stewarding strategic relationships. The ED works in partnership with the Board of Trustees, municipal partners, community organizations, and residents to implement DBWP’s vision for a healthy, just, and resilient watershed.
The ED must be equally comfortable with big-picture vision and day-to-day operations, bringing a leadership style that is collaborative, hands-on, grounded in values, and responsive to emerging opportunities and challenges.Key Responsibilities
Mission & Leadership
- Serve as the face and voice of DBWP in the community, building trust with residents, partners, and funders.
- Lead the implementation of the DBWP Strategic Plan and Watershed Action Plan.
- Cultivate a positive internal culture that aligns with DBWP’s core values and commitment to environmental and social equity.
- Promote visibility and credibility through public speaking, advocacy, and media engagement.
Organizational Management & Operations
- Oversee all day-to-day operations, including budgeting, HR, compliance, reporting, and organizational development.
- Hire, support, and supervise staff, contractors, interns, and volunteers.
- Ensure organizational accountability through accurate financial management, program reporting, and Board engagement.
Programs & Projects
- Lead development and execution of educational programs, community events, and volunteer initiatives that foster watershed stewardship.
- Coordinate with cities and regional stakeholders on stormwater and large-scale restoration projects.
- Provide technical input on land use, restoration, and sustainability plans.
Partnerships & Community Engagement
- Build and sustain collaborative relationships with municipal departments, environmental coalitions, schools, and grassroots groups.
- Represent DBWP on local and regional committees, including stormwater, sustainability, and restoration task forces.
- Ensure the organization’s efforts reflect the voices and priorities of the watershed’s diverse communities.
Fundraising & Development
- Develop and implement strategies to secure funding through grants, donations, sponsorships, and earned income.
- Write and manage grants, including tracking and reporting.
- Cultivate relationships with individual donors, foundations, and public agencies.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, biology, urban planning, natural resources, or a related field.
- At least 5–7 years of experience in nonprofit or public sector leadership, ideally in a conservation, watershed, or sustainability-focused setting.
- Proven ability to manage teams, budgets, projects, and partnerships.
- Demonstrated success in grant writing and fundraising.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with comfort presenting to diverse audiences.
- Ability to attend evening and weekend events and travel throughout the watershed.
- Ability to participate in event related, physically challenging activities like hiking on unstable surfaces, invasive species removal, and tree plantings.
- A collaborative leadership style rooted in empathy, adaptability, and trust-building.
Preferred
- Graduate degree in a related field.
- Experience in community-based restoration or environmental education.
- Familiarity with regional environmental challenges, Great Lakes watersheds, and Ohio EPA stormwater regulations.
- Demonstrated commitment to environmental justice, equity, and inclusion.
Personal Attributes and Values
We seek a leader who:
- Is mission-driven and passionate about environmental and community regeneration.
- Possesses high emotional intelligence and self-awareness, with the ability to remain steady in times of complexity.
- Builds strong, respectful relationships across differences, and brings people together toward common goals.
- Leads with humility and curiosity, recognizing the wisdom of the communities we serve.
- Brings creativity, vision, and follow-through.
- Thrives in a small but dynamic team environment.
To Apply
Please submit the following materials:
- A cover letter highlighting your qualifications and interest in the role.
- A current resume.
- Contact information for three professional references.
Send materials via email to: jobs@dbwp.org
Please include “Executive Director Application – [Your Name]” in the subject line.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
Doan Brook Watershed Partnership is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a team that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and strongly encourage applicants from historically underrepresented backgrounds to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.
