Executive Director

The Skagit Watershed Council (SWC), a non-profit community partnership for salmon in the Skagit and Samish Watersheds of Washington State, is seeking an experienced professional to be its Executive Director and support its member organizations in their efforts to voluntarily conserve and restore habitats for the benefit of sustainable fisheries.  The successful candidate will have a strong background in managing programs or organizations as well as in natural resource science and delivering on-the-ground results. 

The Executive Director reports to the SWC Board of Directors.  This position works closely with the SWC Board of Directors, Council of Members, committees, and other watershed interests to achieve priority outcomes for salmon habitat recovery.  The position is responsible for all day-to-day activities of the organization and supervising SWC staff.  It requires excellent communication and procedural skills, including the ability to work collaboratively with diverse individuals and interests.    

Salary Range:  $80,000 to $90,000 for full-time employment depending on qualifications, with a competitive benefits package (generous annual and sick leave, federal holidays, retirement plan, personal benefit, professional development budget, relocation expenses, and flexible working hours and locations)

Essential Duties:

• Acts as the chief executive officer of the Skagit Watershed Council responsible for all aspects of day-to-day operations on behalf of the Council of Members and the Board of Directors.
• Reports operations and policies to the Council of Members, Board of Directors and their committees and implements the Board of Directors’ strategic policy direction for the organization.
• Administers and supports internal organizational structures and functions including but not limited to the Council of Members, Board of Directors, and committees.
• Manages all personnel and personnel matters including hiring, supervising, evaluating, and compensating staff.
• Manages all fiscal matters including bookkeeping, accounting, banking, budgeting, fundraising, contracting, invoicing, auditing, and tax preparation.
• Proposes and implements annual staff and committee work plans to meet critical needs as recommended by committees and adopted by the Board of Directors.
• Maintains and ensures compliance with written SWC and other relevant governance, financial, personnel, communication, and relevant program policies.
• Communicates effectively between internal organizational structures and external parties of interest and the general public as guided by SWC’s mission and policies.
• Tracks and strategically analyzes how Skagit-specific habitat strategies and community needs are benefitted and impacted by regional, state, and federal habitat programs to advise the Board of Directors and local partners.
• Administers the Skagit salmon recovery lead entity process and supports implementation of voluntary habitat protection and restoration measures in the Skagit Chinook Salmon Recovery Plan and other relevant habitat plans.
• As directed by the Board, works with fisheries co-managers, local elected officials and other Board member organizations to facilitate outreach and communication about salmon recovery science to the Council of Members and the general public.
• Develops and manages projects and contracts.
• Other administrative tasks as necessary or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in natural resource related fields (environmental sciences, fisheries science, watershed management, planning, geomorphology, biology, etc).
• Eight (8) years of experience showing progressive leadership in natural resource project, program, or organizational management.
• Demonstrated ability in managing budgets and fundraising.
• Demonstrated ability in supervising staff and/or contractors.
• Proven success in working independently and with diverse individuals.
• Proven success in facilitating multi-stakeholder, decision-making processes.
• Demonstrated computer skills including MS Office and spreadsheets.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Valid driver’s license and insured, personal vehicle.

Preferred Qualifications

• An advanced degree in natural resource related fields.
• Familiarity with the Skagit Watershed and salmon recovery efforts in WA State.
• Familiarity with Native American and rural culture, customs, and traditions.

The work location is at the organization’s office at 815 Cleveland Avenue, Suite 201, Mount Vernon, WA and at various field locations throughout the Skagit Watershed.  The successful candidate would typically report daily to the work location five days and 40 hours per week.

SWC employees value the superb quality of life in northwest Washington, with outstanding access to outdoor recreation in nearby mountains and waterways and the rural lifestyle and local food in Skagit County.  The cultural attractions of Seattle and Vancouver Canada are both roughly an hour drive away.  Most employees reside in or near the small towns and cities of Burlington, Mount Vernon, Bellingham, La Conner, or Anacortes.

SWC is an equal opportunity employer.