Executive Director

The Ipswich River Watershed Association (IRWA) seeks a self-directed, goal-oriented, strategically minded Executive Director (ED) to lead our organization into the future. The Association is an inclusive, member-driven, and highly collaborative organization working on behalf of our natural environment and the more than 350,000 residents and the businesses on the North Shore who rely on the Ipswich for their source of drinking water. We use science, education, storytelling, and advocacy tools to develop and implement effective programs that protect the Ipswich River watershed and inspire our communities to take action and provide support.

As the leader of a skilled and experienced staff of twelve, the ED is responsible for overall organizational management, staff development, and implementing strategic initiatives. The ED is also responsible for the organization’s $1.25 Million annual operating budget, as well as its reserves budgets and a variable restoration project implementation budget that can be in the millions of dollars annually. This position is also responsible for overseeing our 25-acre public reservation and headquarters facility on the banks of the Ipswich River known as Riverbend. You will be joining at a key moment in our organization’s 48-year history, as we implement a new five-year Strategic Plan, to dramatically increase the pace of our active restoration and resiliency efforts, and improve our ability to serve communities across the North Shore. The ED will play a key leadership role in engaging Board members and major donors in meeting the financial goals of the organization. This position reports to the Board of Directors and has three direct reports: The Directors of Resiliency, Science & Restoration, and Development & Engagement. 

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership: Drive implementation of strategic, innovative, effective, science-driven watershed conservation, restoration, education, advocacy, stewardship and recreation programs, projects, and policies to improve the river for people and wildlife. Lead staff in implementing the strategic plan.
• Development: In an environment where individual and corporate donations (including major gifts) account for more than 70% of the organization’s annual operating budget, serve as the organization’s lead development officer in partnership with the Development & Engagement Director (DDE) to foster a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization; strategize and execute IRWA’s fundraising activities; be the chief fundraiser amongst major donors; work with the Board’s Development and Engagement Committee and DDE to establish and execute fundraising plans and develop fundraising materials; work to secure major gifts, support fundraising events and special campaigns.
• Management: Direct the day-to-day management of IRWA and ensure the effective and efficient administration of all internal operations. Supervise direct staff reports, evaluate their performance; provide on-going professional guidance and development as well as coaching, as needed, administer personnel policies; recruit, hire and retain staff needed to advance the strategic plan. Formulate projects with staff members in their program areas (currently: River Science, Ecological Restoration, Education, Advocacy, Resiliency, Development and Engagement, and Administration and Finance). Undertake direct program work in special projects as appropriate; coordinate annual work plans.
• Policy, Planning and Advocacy: Proactively engage our Board, staff, and partner organizations to analyze, develop, and advocate for positions on relevant legislation, legal challenges, regulations, policies and plans; present IRWA’s position in comment letters, public meetings, and hearings.
• Community Relations: As the chief spokesperson for IRWA; represent IRWA at private and public forums across a wide range of partnerships; develop strong relationships with people and communities representing the demographic diversity within the watershed; communicate IRWA’s work and successes; ensure that IRWA is properly represented and known to its various constituencies, including local, state, and federal officials and agencies.
• Finance and Budgeting: Work with our Treasurer, Finance Committee, and staff to develop the annual budget, and track the budget over the fiscal year. Oversee all financial operations, records and reports. Ensure proper management of investments, funds and assets; control costs responsibly; authorize purchases and disbursements. Ensure timely completion of annual audit and tax filings, legal compliance, and annual reporting to IRWA members at our Annual Meeting.
• Grants and Contracts: With the DDE, provide oversight to staff in the development of high-quality grant applications; execute grant and contract agreements, ensuring fulfillment of all requirements; ensure timely reporting to all donors.
• Board Coordination: Actively engage and work closely with our Board of Directors; keep Board of Directors informed in a timely manner of all relevant organizational activities; work with the President of the Board to develop agendas for Board and Executive Committee meetings; assist other Board committees as needed; assure optimal communication between Board and staff.
• Other duties as may be assigned by the Board of Directors

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in Environmental Science, Education, Environmental Management, Business Management, Communications, Legal or related field, or comparable level of progressive and related work experience is required for consideration.
• Advanced degree in a related field is preferred.

Preferred Background, Skills, Attributes

• Significant fundraising experience with a demonstrated level of success with a focus individual donors at the major gift level.
• Enthusiastic, positive attitude and a passion for serving the community and building and enhancing relationships across that community
• Progressive non-profit management experience including budgeting, staff management, and general administration.
• Strong understanding and appreciation of local and state government policies, practices, and procedures.
• Thorough understanding of basic ecological and watershed principles.
• Proven ability to work proactively and strategically with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing advocacy campaigns.
• Strong communication skills and public speaking experience.
• Demonstrated record of collaboration and coalition building
• Previous experience working with a Board of Directors.
• Significant experience and strong commitment to work with, leverage, mentor and inspire partners, volunteers, and donors.
• Comfort using standard office-place technologies; a working knowledge of specific computer programs such as Google Suite and Microsoft Office Suite.

Hours, Schedule, and Compensation

This is a full-time position with a salary commensurate with your demonstrated abilities and experience. Benefits include generous paid time off, health insurance, HSA and a 401k retirement plan. Schedule is flexible but requires some evening and occasional weekend work. This is not a remote work position; however, some remote work may be acceptable.

Organization & Opportunity

The Ipswich River Watershed Association, Inc. (IRWA) is a 501(c)(3) organization formed in 1977 by concerned citizens and regional conservation partners. Our mission is to protect and restore the Ipswich River for people and nature. We are the primary advocate for the River and its watershed; we are “The Voice of the River.” IRWA is considered one of the most effective and respected watershed associations in the country having received more EPA Environmental Merit Awards than any other organization. The organization is fiscally strong, stable and well positioned to provide an ideal opportunity to be only its third Executive Director in its history. 

The Ipswich River has been declared one of the Most Endangered Rivers in America by American Rivers due primarily because of excessive water withdrawals. This said, its water quality is among the highest in the State with nearly 50% of its watershed being permanently conserved land. The River is a tributary to the Great Marsh, the largest salt marsh in New England and an internationally recognized outstanding natural resource. Located within a half hour of Boston and an hour’s drive to over four million people, the Ipswich River is one of the most cherished recreational and natural resources in the Northeast.  executive director job description