Executive Director

Homeword; Soldotna (AK); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Kenai Watershed Forum seeks an Executive Director to act as CEO and chief development officer, guiding mission strategy, financial sustainability, and long-term impact. You will work closely with the Finance & Operations, Science & Research, and Education & Community Engagement teams to align programs with goals and secure support from diverse sources.

The role requires a track record of nonprofit leadership, strong fundraising capabilities, and exceptional communication with boards, donors, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible executive leadership experience in a nonprofit organization, governmental agency, foundation, conservation organization, or comparable mission-driven organization.
• Demonstrated success securing philanthropic support through major gifts, private foundations, corporate giving, government grants, or other diversified funding sources.
• Proven ability to build strategic partnerships and work effectively with governing boards.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and public communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership as the organization's CEO and chief development officer.
• Collaborate with Directors of Finance & Operations, Science & Research, and Education & Community Engagement.
• Strategically lead organizational mission, financial sustainability, and long-term success.
• Foster a collaborative culture that empowers staff to implement KWF programs and initiatives.

Skills

Executive leadership

Fundraising

Strategic partnerships

Public speaking

Written & verbal communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree (preferred)

Job description

The Executive Director serves as the organization's Chief Executive Officer and chief development officer, providing visionary leadership to advance the mission, financial sustainability, and long-term success of the Kenai Watershed Forum. Working closely with the Directors of Finance & Operations, Science & Research, and Education & Community Engagement, the Executive Director provides strategic leadership while fostering a collaborative organizational culture that empowers staff to successfully implement KWF's programs and initiatives. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university Minimum of five years of progressively responsible executive leadership experience in a nonprofit organization, governmental agency, foundation, conservation organization, or comparable mission-driven organization Demonstrated success securing philanthropic support through major gifts, private foundations, corporate giving, government grants, or other diversified funding sources Proven ability to build strategic partnerships and work effectively with governing boards. Exceptional written, verbal, and public communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or other advanced degree in natural resources, nonprofit management, public administration, business, environmental science, or a related field.
• Knowledge of watershed management, fisheries, natural resource conservation, restoration ecology, or related disciplines.
• Experience working collaboratively with Tribal governments, Alaska communities, and diverse stakeholder groups.