executive director

Alaskajobs; Soldotna, Northern (AK, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Kenai Watershed Forum seeks an Executive Director to serve as CEO and chief development officer, guiding strategic leadership, fundraising, and external relations to advance its mission and long-term sustainability.

Working with Directors across Finance, Science, Education, and Community Engagement, the ED leads partnerships with Tribal and nonprofit entities, government agencies, and Alaska communities, while ensuring organizational priorities and board governance are strong.

Qualifications

• Experience leading nonprofit organizations or senior-level management in civic/environmental sectors.
• Fundraising and development experience including grants, philanthropic giving, corporate partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership that advances the mission, vision, and long-term sustainability of the organization.
• Serve as the principal spokesperson and public representative with professionalism and credibility.
• Foster collaboration and a culture of innovation, accountability, and scientific excellence across the team.

Job description

Position Summary

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.

The Executive Director's primary responsibilities focus on organizational leadership, fundraising, partnership development, board governance, strategic planning, and external relations. Day-to-day administrative and operational functions are managed by the Director of Finance & Operations in collaboration with the Executive Director and leadership team.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership that advances KWF's mission, vision, and long-term sustainability.
• Serve as the organization's principal fundraiser and lead efforts to diversify revenue through grants, philanthropic giving, corporate partnerships, endowments, and unrestricted funding.
• Build and strengthen partnerships with Tribal organizations, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, educational institutions, businesses, and philanthropic organizations throughout Alaska and beyond.
• Support and advise the Board of Directors in governance, strategic planning, policy development, and organizational priorities.
• Serve as KWF's primary spokesperson and represent the organization with professionalism, integrity, and credibility throughout Alaska and nationally.
• Foster an organizational culture grounded in collaboration, innovation, accountability, scientific excellence, and community service.
• Work collaboratively with the leadership team to ensure organizational goals are achieved while supporting staff success.