Executive Director

Careerwebsite; Raleigh, Northern (NC, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Careerwebsite seeks an Executive Director to lead the CREF foundation's strategic vision, educational programs, research, and financial operations. The role balances executive leadership with hands-on management to grow impact and advance the mission.

Reporting to the Board of Trustees, this leader will oversee fundraising, external relations, and program management while guiding budgeting, compliance, and partnerships with federal agencies and USCC.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (science or related degree preferred) and 4-6 years of leadership experience in non-profit or trade association settings.
• Experience in organizational budgeting, external relationship building, and working with a non-profit board.

Responsibilities

• Execute board policies, maintain registrations, and ensure 501(c)(3) compliance.
• Guide annual operational planning aligned with strategic plan and project lists.
• Organize monthly Board of Trustees meetings and present annual performance reviews.
• Serve as primary spokesperson for public relations, events, and negotiations.
• Oversee training programs and research grant initiatives, including fee-based courses.
• Direct public outreach, marketing campaigns, and digital communications.
• Maintain strategic alliances with federal agencies and non-profits, including MOUs and alignment meetings.
• Lead fund development through grant writing and sponsorship growth.

Skills

Public speaking

Persuasive writing

Leadership

Project management

Relationship building

Fundraising

Education

Bachelor's degree (science or related degree preferred)

Tools

Google Suite

MS Office

Job description

Position Summary

The Executive Director leads CREF's strategic vision, educational programs, research initiatives, and financial operations. Reporting to the Board of Trustees, this role balances executive leadership, relationship building, and hands-on management to grow the Foundation's impact and advance our mission.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Governance

• Execute board policies, maintain corporate registrations, and ensure 501(c)(3) compliance.
• Guide annual operational planning aligned with CREF's strategic plan and CREF's and USCC's annual key projects lists.
• Organize monthly Board of Trustees meetings, report progress, and present annual organizational performance reviews.
• Serve as the primary spokesperson for public relations, industry events, and negotiations.

Research, Education, & Program Management

• Oversee the national Compost Operations Training Course (COTC), other fee-based training initiatives, and research grant programs.
• Spearhead innovation and research initiatives addressing key environmental and industry issues.
• Direct public outreach, marketing campaigns (including annual International Compost Awareness Week campaign), website content, newsletters, and digital communications.
• Maintain strategic alliances with federal agencies, non-profit organizations, and USCC, including managing the active MOU and monthly alignment meetings.

Revenue Generation & Fundraising

• Lead fund development through grant writing, fee-based education, and strategic sponsorship growth.
• Build cause-marketing partnerships and social initiatives to expand corporate and donor support.

Operations & Administration

• Create an annual workplan with a supportive budget.
• Manage organizational budgets, financial reporting (including 990 preparation), asset protection, and historical archiving.
• Facilitate monthly committee activities, work plans, and budget tracking.
• Hire, mentor, and evaluate three or more staff and three or more external contractors.

• Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree (science or related degree preferred) and 4-6 years of leadership experience, preferably in a non-profit or trade association setting. Prefer applicable experience in organizational budgets, external relationship building, and working with a non-profit board.
• Industry Alignment:Deep interest or experience in composting, organics recycling, regenerative agriculture, or environmental science.
• Fundraising & Grants: Proven background in grant writing, fee-based program development, or non-profit revenue growth.
• Communication: Outstanding public speaking ability and persuasive written communication skills.
• Operations & Tech: Strong project management, team leadership, and proficiency in Google Suite and MS Office. Experiential knowledge of social impact campaigns is a plus.
• Travel: Ability to travel annually to the national USCC Conference and represent CREF.