Executive Director

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Coastal Conservation Association (“CCA”) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving and enhancing marine resources while protecting the future of coastal fisheries.  The organization is seeking a dynamic Executive Director to lead statewide operations, fundraising, membership growth, communications, and board engagement.   This role serves as the chief staff leader for the state organization and is responsible for advancing the mission through strategic leadership, strong operational execution, and meaningful partnerships with staff, volunteers, chapter leaders, and the Board. 

Position Summary

• Fundraising (40%): Lead the organization’s statewide fundraising strategy and execution to support the annual business plan and long-term sustainability.
• Organizational Management (40%): Serve as the chief staff leader for the state organization, overseeing staff, day-to-day operations, business planning, board support, and chapter alignment.
• Membership, Communications, and Advocacy (20%): Drive membership growth, oversee key communications, and support advocacy-related priorities that advance mission impact across the state.

What You’ll Do

• Lead statewide fundraising strategy and execution, including events, donor development, sponsorships, corporate support, membership-related fundraising, and other revenue-generating initiatives.
• Oversee all staff and daily operations, including hiring, performance management, staff development, goal setting, and organizational planning.
• Develop the annual business plan, help prepare and manage the budget, and provide regular operational updates and recommendations to Board leadership and committees.
• Support effective Board and committee operations by coordinating meetings, maintaining communication flow, and ensuring timely reporting and follow-through.
• Drive statewide membership recruitment and retention strategies that strengthen engagement, increase participation, and support long-term growth.
• Oversee communications that promote the mission, priorities, and achievements of the organization across newsletters, web content, press outreach, and stakeholder updates.
• Lead chapter development and revitalization efforts while strengthening alignment among local chapters, volunteers, staff, and statewide leadership.
• Collaborate closely with CCA National and advocacy leadership to support policy alignment, communications, and mission-related priorities.

What You Bring

• Proven executive or senior leadership experience in a nonprofit, association, membership-based, or mission-driven organization.
• Demonstrated success leading fundraising strategy and delivering measurable revenue growth through events, sponsorships, donor development, or membership programs.
• Strong leadership in staff management, volunteer engagement, board relations, and organizational operations.
• Experience building and sustaining strong chapter networks, local leadership structures, or distributed volunteer communities.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and public-facing leadership skills.
• Ability to work both strategically and hands-on in a fast-paced, mission-focused environment.
• Commitment to conservation, advocacy, and community engagement.

Why Join Us

This is an exciting opportunity for a collaborative and purpose-driven leader to help shape the future of the Coastal Conservation Association.  The Executive Director will play a pivotal role in advancing statewide impact, strengthening connections across chapters, members, and volunteers, and building the momentum needed to protect marine resources for generations to come. For the right leader, this role offers the chance to inspire communities, unite people around a shared mission, and make a lasting difference through conservation, advocacy, and engagement.

This is a full-time salaried position. Compensation will be in the range of $140,000–$160,000 with bonus potential, depending on experience.