Executive Director

Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce; City of Saratoga Springs (NY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Sustainable Saratoga (SuSa) is seeking its first full-time Executive Director to guide program, advocacy, and policy initiatives, uniting diverse priorities into a coherent strategy for Saratoga Springs and surrounding regions.

The role reports to the Board, supervises several part-time staff, and focuses on climate, urban forestry, zero waste, pollinators, and smart land use. Hybrid work in Saratoga Springs is offered.

Qualifications

• Commitment to Sustainable Saratoga's mission and local action.
• Policy or advocacy experience, ideally including campaigns and knowledge of local government.

Responsibilities

• Develop a coordinated advocacy agenda across programs.
• Represent Sustainable Saratoga at public meetings and in policy statements.
• Build relationships with local officials and leaders to promote sustainability.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Public speaking

Fundraising

Staff leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree a plus

Tools

Salesforce

Job description

Description

Do you envision sustainability as part of everyday life? Can you see how a healthy urban forest, native pollinator gardens, and a commitment to conservation, energy efficiency, and waste reduction all fit into one larger picture? Are you ready to turn big issues like climate change and plastic pollution into real local wins? If so, join us as Sustainable Saratoga's first full-time Executive Director.

About Sustainable Saratoga

We are a not-for-profit organization that promotes sustainable practices and protects natural resources through education, advocacy, and action, for the benefit of current and future generations in the Saratoga Springs area. We envision a region where nature, a vibrant and affordable community, and a healthy economy coexist.

Sustainable Saratoga (SuSa) is well known for popular events such as Pollinator Palooza, TreeToga, and Recycles Day. We also have active program committees, a large network of dedicated volunteers, and an important advocacy role. Our work focuses on five priority areas: Climate & Energy, Urban Forestry, Zero Waste/Reuse, Pollinators & Native Plants, and Smart Land Use. Please visit sustainablesaratoga.org to learn more about our current activities.

Position Overview

• Guide the organization's program, advocacy, and policy initiatives.
• Bring our diverse priorities together into a coherent strategy.
• Become a trusted voice for sustainability in Saratoga Springs and the surrounding region.

The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and supervises several part-time staff members.

Duties And Responsibilities

Advocacy and Policy

• Develop a coordinated advocacy agenda across our programs.
• Represent Sustainable Saratoga at public meetings, on advisory committees, and through position papers and policy statements.
• Build relationships with local and regional officials and community leaders to advance practices and policies that protect and enhance nature, build climate resilience, reduce waste, and promote reuse.

Education and Outreach

• Serve as our primary spokesperson to the public, the media, and officials.
• Oversee our events, workshops, and communications.
• Grow partnerships with schools, colleges, nonprofits, and businesses.

Fundraising and Financial Stability

• Maintain financial controls.
• Lead fundraising efforts in partnership with the Board and the Community Outreach & Development Committee.
• Plan and carry out the Annual Appeal and other fundraising campaigns.
• Cultivate donors, sponsors, and grant funders.
• Research, evaluate, and pursue creative new sources of revenue.
• Lead the annual budget process, working with the Treasurer and Bookkeeper.
• Keep programs and operations on budget.

Organizational Leadership

• Supervise and develop staff.
• Support committees and volunteers.
• Maintain financial controls.
• Work closely with the Board to carry out the Strategic Plan and track progress toward its goals.
• Represent SuSa to the public, peer organizations, and officials.

The Person We Hope to Find

• A confident, visible leader who can unite an organization with diverse interests and inspire supporters, partners, and officials.
• A strategic thinker who sees the links among conservation, climate, pollution, and land use, and helps others see them too.
• A bridge-builder who earns trust across different points of view and presents sustainability as good for both the community and the economy.
• A flexible, hands-on, entrepreneurial self-starter who may set strategy one day and pitch in wherever needed the next.

Qualifications

• Commitment to Sustainable Saratoga's mission and to local action as a path to sustainability, with strong knowledge of sustainability issues in Saratoga Springs and the surrounding area.
• Policy or advocacy experience, ideally including successful campaigns and knowledge of local government, land-use planning, and/or environmental review.
• A proven record of nonprofit fundraising from individuals, businesses, foundations, and the public sector.
• Experience supervising and developing staff, working with volunteers, and growing a small nonprofit or guiding one into a new stage.
• Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities; experience with Salesforce or a similar CRM platform.
• Excellent writing, public speaking, and relationship-building skills.
• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree a plus.

Location and Work Environment

This is a hybrid position with access to a shared workspace in Saratoga Springs. Some evening and weekend work is required for public meetings and events.