Executive Director

~ Peconic Baykeeper is the only independent, not-for-profit advocate solely dedicated to the protection and improvement of the aquatic ecosystems of the Peconic and South Shore estuaries of Long Island. ~

Its clean water mission is advanced through conservation and management initiatives, public education, research, monitoring and participation in the public environmental review of projects and activities that may adversely impact the ecological health of the region's estuarine waters.

Where violations of the law threaten water quality or undermine protection of natural resources, our advocacy may include plaintiff litigation. In 1997, Peconic Baykeeper became the 19th keeper organization to be sanctioned by Waterkeeper Alliance. Click here to learn more.  

Position Overview

Peconic Baykeeper (PBK) is seeking a qualified, highly motivated individual to fill the full-time Executive Director (ED) position, currently based out of Quogue, NY. The ED is responsible for daily management of Peconic Baykeeper, Inc., staff and mission including the oversight of all daily operations pursuant to the direction of the Board of Directors (BOD).

Responsibilities include the oversight of all projects, programs, litigation issues, public outreach to donors, stakeholders and the general public, maintaining and strengthening relationships within the Waterkeeper movement and the Long Island environmental & civic communities. The ED shall be responsible for the management, development and implementation of Peconic Baykeeper's mission, strategic plan and budget on behalf of the Board of Directors.

The ideal candidate is a visionary with excellent management communications, interpersonal and organizational skills, with business/nonprofit experience and an educational background and practical experience in land use, marine sciences and environmental law along with a detailed knowledge and understanding of local, regional, state and federal regulatory programs related to both ground and surface water quality.

Responsibilities 

Organizational Planning and Management 

• Work closely with the BOD and staff to develop an advocacy agenda and outreach programs, and to establish water protection and organizational goals and plans to implement the organization's mission.
• Work with the Baykeeper to conduct ongoing reviews of local, state and federal authorities and permitting processes, relevant scientific research, reports and other documentation of water quality and water impacts.
• Work with the Baykeeper to routinely track and monitor the development of issues that impact the health of the waterbodies within the Peconic and South Shore Estuaries, assessing the need for possible action or involvement by Peconic Baykeeper.
• Integrate programs with fundraising, outreach, development and other activities.
• Establish and direct legal strategies.
• Conduct regular evaluation of program implementation and provide regular progress reports to the BOD.
• Responsible for fiscal management and developing and implementing fundraising plan/activities.
• Oversee day-to-day activities. Establish clear goals and standards for staff performance and systems of accountability. Recruit, retain and supervise qualified staff and interns.
• Work with staff to develop and maintain a membership base, including volunteers and water stewards.
• Create and implement an organizational development plan in cooperation with the BOD.
• Identify grant opportunities, submit applications and manage all grants.
• Aggressively seek out new funding sources and innovative ideas for revenue generation, including individual donors, fundraising events and other opportunities.
• Work with staff to organize and manage special events.
• Maintain positive, professional relationships with potential and current funders.
• Prepare regular fiscal reports including financial statements, cash flow projections, balance sheets and budget to actual statements. Present organizational budgets at regular quarterly Board meetings and as requested by the BOD.
• Implement sound fiscal practices and ensure accurate recordkeeping.
• Negotiate, execute and manage all contracts in accordance with the by-laws and under supervision of the BOD. 

Board Relations 

• Work collegially and collaboratively to accomplish organizational goals and support Board governance and oversight.
• Support, prepare for and attend Board and committee meetings as requested.
• Assist with recruiting, managing and supporting members of BOD and committees. 

Communications and Partnerships 

• Strengthen relationships within the Waterkeeper movement and the Long Island environmental and civic communities.
• Support the Baykeeper in maintaining positive relationships with current and potential partners including community based organizations, recreation and sporting organizations, environmental groups, and local agencies, authorities and officials.
• Support the Baykeeper in identifying and collaborating with the many stakeholder groups in eastern Long Island to build support for Peconic Baykeeper's programs and to increase public awareness of key water issues.
• Develop and implement a proactive public relations plan to support program objectives and build brand recognition.
• Oversee regular updates and maintenance of the website and social media outlets.
• Work with the Baykeeper to routinely inform the public about water related issues through press conferences and releases, media interviews, letters to the editor, emails to members, blog posts and speaking engagements. 

Qualifications and Expectations 

• Demonstrated passion and commitment for preserving the environment.
• Bachelors or advanced degree from an accredited college or university. Law degree and experience in land use planning preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years professional experience and background with watershed science, stream ecology, Clean Water Act enforcement, or other equivalent and relevant areas such as conservation, water access and recreation or water advocacy.
• Demonstrated management and leadership experience, preferably within a nonprofit.
• Strong understanding of legal and regulatory framework surrounding water issues.
• Familiarity with Waterkeeper grassroots model and movement preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, engaging public speaker.
• A demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and effectively with a variety of agencies and diverse groups, including local, regional, state, and federal agencies, NGO's, business interests, elected officials, and private citizens.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically and to align resources based on organizational needs.
• Prior experience in successfully hiring, managing and leading staff.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and within a team environment and ability to develop open communication with the Board, donors, staff, volunteers, partners and others.
• Experience boating and paddling with a passion for being on the water.
• Must have the ability to attend evening and weekend meetings and events, as well as occasionally work nontraditional, but flexible work hours in order to fulfill position responsibilities.
• Must have the ability to communicate with individuals by phone, email and in person.
• Must have the ability to attend the Annual Waterkeeper Conference.
• Achieve high impact, tangible, and measurable success towards water preservation in line with the organization's mission.
• Increase revenue for the organization.
• Build organizational capacity by developing a strategic plan that integrates programs with development and communications goals, increase staff and/or volunteer capacity, develop at least one new, strategic and long-term partnership.
• Be comfortable with general office equipment, Mac operating systems and a variety of computer software including MS Office, shared networks and online communications tools. 

Compensation: Competitive salary (commensurate with experience), health benefits, a flexible work schedule and vacation time.

To Apply 

Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to send a cover letter (no longer than two pages) and résumé. Type "Executive Director" into the subject line. 

Note: Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through June 14, 2014.