Executive Director

Background: Georgica Pond is a 290- acre coastal salt pond located in East Hampton, NY that has been designated a locally significant Coastal Fish & Wildlife Habitat by the East Hampton Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan. Water quality impairments at Georgica Pond have included toxic blue-green algae blooms, fish kills and low oxygen levels which have developed in response to excessive nitrogen, phosphorus and other contaminants entering the pond. The poor water quality impacts people’s traditional uses of the pond including fishing, crabbing, kayaking, and sailing.  It also has an impact on the fish and wildlife that use the pond. The Friends of Georgica Pond Foundation (FOGP) works to restore and preserve the Georgica Pond ecosystem for future generations through science-based, watershed-wide policy and restoration. Founded in 2015 and supported almost entirely by private donations, FOGP collaborates with the Gobler Lab at Stony Brook University, local NGOs and local governments to advance this mission.

Position: FOGP is looking for an Executive Director to lead the day-to-day operations of the organization, including all administrative, fundraising, communications and community engagement efforts. The ED will also serve as the liaison to the Gobler Lab and other partners, including board members and donors, community residents, local government, and local/state/national organizations. The ideal candidate will be a dedicated professional, skilled at project management, with outstanding communication and government relation skills.  They will be knowledgeable about the East End of Long Island and committed to the well-being of the community and preservation of its natural resources.

Responsibilities:

• In partnership with the six-member board of directors, provide leadership, strategic direction and vision for the organization
• Guide the organization’s daily operations and efficiency of systems, processes and practices
• Build and maintain relationships with donors – individual, foundation and corporate – and create new avenues of fundraising to meet operating and project needs, including securing public funds for priority projects.
• Maintain fundraising records, spreadsheets, donor database and donor acknowledgements.
• Maintain financial oversight of the organization, including preparation of annual budget and operating plan.
• Cultivate a strong working relationship with the Board based on trust, confidence, and transparency with timely and regular communications
• Schedule and prepare bi-monthly board meetings.
• Together with the Board and key stakeholders, extend the organization’s reach into new communities by building relationships and collaborations
• Work with current Board to recruit new Board members to meet the organization’s needs and demographics of the community
• Oversee development and distribution of organization’s communications that provide a clear and concise message about FOGP, including through its website/social media, monthly e-newsletters, press releases, fundraising proposals, and annual report.
• Maintain organization records and ensure that all legal requirements are met.
• Be an authentic, trustworthy, and knowledgeable public spokesperson for the organization, building awareness about FOGP in the community
• Actively engage and energize FOGP’s scientists, advocates, partnering organizations, and community, acting as a trusted liaison to constituents, partners, and those who support FOGP’s mission, including all elected officials and public employees who have oversight of Georgica Pond
• Serve on standing or ad hoc committees related to Georgica Pond. Keep up-to-date on community needs and priorities.
• Work with the Gobler Lab and other scientific partners on ongoing pond management as they evaluate new technologies and approaches to monitoring and remediation.
• Manage all contracts with external vendors.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated leadership experience in the non-profit sector.
• Ability to interact professionally with internal and external stakeholders who have diverse backgrounds, professional skills, and perspectives. This includes donors, land owners, government officials, members of the public and the press.
• Superior writing and verbal communication skills that are clear, concise, structured, articulate and persuasive that will enhance organizational visibility and positioning
• Accomplished fundraiser at ease in the role of seeking and asking for individual and major gifts as well as developing institutional and corporate partnerships
• Solid experience working with and supporting a board of directors
• Organized and pro-active with ability to manage complex, long-term projects
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize and set and meet deadlines; strong follow-through and attention to detail a must
• Background/expertise in ecology/conservation or willingness to learn about these issues and how they affect eastern Long Island’s near shore waters and lands.
• Knowledge of the geography, social, political, and cultural environment of East Hampton Town, Village, and eastern Long Island.
• Comfort with and basic proficiency in most major social media platforms; proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Sound judgment, credibility, and integrity

Location/time:  This is a role with highly flexible work hours – with no office, the job is predominantly remote and not full-time; however, the ED must be available to make regular visits to Georgica Pond and the watershed in East Hampton, New York.  

Compensation: Salary in the range range of $100k to $110k based on experience.  In addition, a $1500/monthly health care stipend will be provided.

For more information on Friends of Georgica Pond, visit https://friendsofgeorgicapond.org