Executive Director

Gulf Coast Center for Ecotourism & Sustainability; Gulf Shores (AL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Gulf Coast Center for Ecotourism & Sustainability seeks an Executive Director to provide nonprofit leadership and operational oversight for the Gulf Coast Eco Center in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

The role requires strategic planning, fundraising, grant writing, budget oversight, staff development, and program management to grow outdoor education initiatives.

Qualifications

• Leadership experience in nonprofit management or education required.
• Strong fundraising, grant-writing, and budget management are essential.
• Experience directing educational/community programming preferred.
• Valid driver’s license required and CPR/First Aid certification or ability to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Translate mission into actionable short- and long-term goals with the board.
• Oversee administrative operations and annual budgeting with fiscal oversight.
• Manage facilities, safety, HR, and staff development for Eco Center.
• Lead program delivery, community partnerships, and program revenue growth.
• Direct grant-writing, development efforts, and fundraising strategies.
• Supervise marketing and community outreach to raise regional awareness.

Skills

Leadership

Public speaking

Written and verbal communication

Data management and word processing

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master’s or PhD preferred

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Compensation: Salary commensurate with experience, health benefits plan provided

Location: Gulf Shores, Alabama — in-person, no remote work

Start Date: November 1, 2026 (earliest) to January 1, 2027 (latest)

Position Overview

The Gulf Coast Center for Ecotourism & Sustainability is seeking an Executive Director to bring nonprofit leadership and operational oversight to the Gulf Coast Eco Center, an outdoor education facility in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

The Executive Director will manage the daily operations of the Gulf Coast Eco Center and direct the growth and development of the Gulf Coast Center for Ecotourism & Sustainability, a nonprofit organization.

This position requires leadership experience in nonprofit management, program implementation, and staff development. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience directing educational and/or community programming, along with proven success in fundraising, grant-writing, and budget management.

Qualifications

• Leadership experience in nonprofit management, science education, recreational camps, and/or community development required.
• Preferred; Master’s Degree or PhD in nonprofit administration, resource management, environmental science, education, business management, or related field.
• Minimum; Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Valid driver's license.
• First aid/CPR certification, or ability to obtain.
• Proficiency in data management and word processing software.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.Proficient in public speaking.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

Work with the Board of Directors and Eco Center staff to translate the nonprofit’s mission into actionable short- and long-term goals. Conduct strategic planning, Board Member engagement, and staff development to expand the reach and impact of the Center’s programs, facilities, and personnel.

Administrative and Fiscal Oversight

Provide administrative oversight and sound fiscal management. Work with the Board of Directors to develop an annual budget, maintain transparent record-keeping practices, and communicate key financial information to the Board and the City of Gulf Shores Executive Office. Ensure compliance with appropriate laws and regulations.

Facilities Management

Provide operational oversight of the Gulf Coast Eco Center facilities. Act as the primary liaison to the City of Gulf Shores Department of Natural Resources. Ensure routine inspection and upkeep of facilities and equipment, including janitorial services, groundskeeping, and program facility use.

Provide dynamic leadership to Eco Center personnel. Oversee staff hiring, training, and supervision. Ensure compliance with labor laws, HR policies, and staff certifications. Provide support and inspiration to team members and volunteers.

Program Oversight

Provide leadership and oversight to all Center programs. Work with staff to develop and implement dynamic community programming, and ensure rigorous program training, safety, and risk management. Maintain strong relationships with program partners and continue growing program revenue.

Grant-Writing and Development

Oversee the Center's grant-writing and development efforts. Work with the Assistant Administrative Director to identify grant opportunities, submit applications, and fulfill grant deliverables and reporting requirements. Work with the Board of Directors to identify and implement fundraising strategies.

Marketing and Community Outreach

Oversee the Center's marketing and community outreach efforts. Ensure regional awareness of the Eco Center's programs and initiatives. Work with staff and vendors to develop brand awareness, marketing campaigns, and social media efforts. Provide opportunities for continued community stakeholder engagement.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Must be comfortable working in an outdoor environment, with exposure to changing weather conditions, heat, cold, and plant and animal life.
• Must be capable of supervising active outdoor activities such as kayaking, biking, and high ropes course.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
• Must be available to work a flexible schedule, with occasional weekend and evening obligations.
• Must be comfortable working in an office setting with periods of administrative desk work, board meetings, and professional engagements.

The Gulf Coast Center for Ecotourism & Sustainability does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. The Center complies with all federal and state laws regarding discriminatory practices.