Executive Director

Howard County Government, DPW, Environmental Services - Alpha Ridge Landfill; New York (NY); On-site; USD 102,000 - 138,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Benefits

Paid Time Off

Professional Development

Job summary

Earth Matter NY is seeking an Executive Director to provide strategic vision and day-to-day leadership for a 14‑person team, educating thousands annually and expanding regional influence.

The role, based in New York, oversees a $1.5M budget, fundraising growth, and public engagement, while advancing policy presence and community partnerships. Bachelor’s is required; advanced environmental/nonprofit credentials are a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree a plus; equivalent lived/professional experience considered.
• Track record of fundraising and financial management.
• Experience as a public spokesperson, including media relations and public speaking.
• Real-world experience with composting, food systems, or adjacent fields.
• Experience working in NYC or NY State preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic vision and day-to-day leadership to a staff of 14 and education/training programs, volunteers, and public programming involving 15,000 participants annually.
• Manage a $1.5M budget with a focus on long-term financial sustainability.
• Foster a high-performance and inclusive work culture; partner with the Board on governance and strategic planning.
• Lead the fundraising program and cultivate relationships with major donors; expand earned revenue through programs and consulting.
• Serve as primary spokesperson and elevate Earth Matter NY's brand and impact.
• Build relationships with policymakers and advocate for sustainable, waste-free policies.

Skills

Fundraising

Public speaking

Media relations

Donor relations

Composting knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree in environmental science/public policy/nonprofit management

Job description

About Earth Matter NY:

Earth Matter NY is an environmental nonprofit based in New York City dedicated to closing the loop on organic waste through composting, education, and community engagement. Founded in 2009, Earth Matter operates one of the city’s most respected urban composting programs on historic Governors Island in New York Harbor, while running robust educational initiatives that reach thousands of students, community members, and professionals across the five boroughs and beyond.

With an annual budget of approximately $1.5 million and a team of 14 staff, Earth Matter sits at the intersection of environmental sustainability, public health, food systems, and civic life. The organization generates significant earned revenue through composting services and educational programming while building philanthropic support to deepen and expand its impact.

Earth Matter is at an important inflection point and is poised to grow its regional influence, deepen policy engagement, and scale its model. The incoming Executive Director will join at a moment of real opportunity and organizational momentum.

The Opportunity:

The Board of Directors seeks an entrepreneurial, visionary, and mission-driven leader to serve as Executive Director. This is a rare opportunity to lead a respected and financially stable organization with deep roots in New York City’s environmental movement, and to expand its reach and influence regionally and nationally.

The ideal candidate brings a distinctive combination: the ability to inspire and communicate across diverse audiences; the organizational and financial acumen to manage a growing nonprofit; and the drive to build Earth Matter’s public profile, fundraising capacity, and policy presence.

Candidate Profile

• Track record of building or transforming a mission-driven organization
• Significant fundraising and financial management experience
• Experience as a public spokesperson, including media relations and public speaking
• Real-world experience with composting, food systems, or adjacent fields
• Experience working in NYC or NY State preferred

Leadership Qualities:

• Visionary, inspirational, and entrepreneurial
• A compelling communicator with donors, policymakers, and program participants
• Collaborative and inclusive with internal and external stakeholders

Education

A bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced degree in environmental science, public policy, nonprofit management, or a related field is a plus. Equivalent lived and professional experience will be considered.

Compensation & Benefits

Earth Matter NY offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience, including:

Base Salary

$120,000

Health Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Paid Time Off

Generous vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays

Prof. Development

Support for conferences, training, and sector engagement

Key Responsibilities:

Organizational Leadership & Management:

• Provide strategic vision and day-to-day leadership to a staff of 14 and robust education and training programs, volunteer opportunities, and public programming involving 15,000 participants annually
• Manage a $1.5M budget with a focus on long-term financial sustainability
• Foster a high-performance and inclusive work culture
• Partner with the Board of Directors on governance and strategic planning
• Comfort with field-based, hands-on work required

Fundraising & Resource Development:

• Lead and grow a diversified fundraising program
• Build relationships with major donors and cultivate a pipeline of new support
• Expand earned revenue through composting, education programs, and consulting

Public Profile & Communications:

• Serve as the primary spokesperson for Earth Matter
• Build and leverage relationships with government and civic leaders
• Represent Earth Matter at regional and national events
• Lead a communications strategy that elevates Earth Matter's brand and impact

Public Policy & Advocacy:

• Build and maintain relationships with key New York City and State policymakers
• Advocate for policies that advance a sustainable, waste-free culture
• Collaborate with peer organizations and coalitions to advance environmental goals

Equal Opportunity Statement

Earth Matter NY is an equal opportunity employer. We actively seek candidates who reflect the diversity of New York City and the communities we serve. People of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and candidates from non-traditional backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.