Northwest Straits Foundation Executive Director

Comprehensive Position Profile

PARTNERS IN MARINE CONSERVATION

The Northwest Straits Foundation (NWSF) is a regional marine conservation nonprofit that has spent over two decades restoring and protecting the Salish Sea through alliances with tribal nations agencies organizations and donors to sustain one of the most ecologically vital and beautiful places in the Pacific Northwest. Through collaborative conservation science-based restoration derelict gear removal and scholarships for emerging environmental advocates the Foundation works every day to ensure these waters remain healthy for the communities species and future generations that depend on the Salish Sea.

NWSFs mission is torestore and preserve the long-term health of the Salish Sea by fostering collaboration encouraging stewardship and conservation and implementing science-based restoration. NWSF works on critical transboundary nearshore habitat and climate resilience projects to sustain the Salish Sea for marine life and people.

Executive Director Opportunity

This is a unique opportunity to lead a well-known and nationally recognized marine conservation organization. The incoming Executive Director will build visibility grow and diversify funding and deepen the community partnerships that sustain its mission and work all while supporting the talented staff and partners who define us. This is a meaningful opportunity for a visionary collaborative grassroots leader who shares our vision and commitment for a vibrant and healthy Salish Sea. The Executive Director will achieve success by building on an already high-functioning organization to expand the scope and scale of our programs.

The ED holds responsibility for organizational strategy fundraising board engagement operational excellence and cultural health serving as NWSFs strategic voice and external and internal champion. Day-to-day program management rests with a capable and trusted team.

The preferred candidate will bring a broad perspective vision and the ability to translate strategic goals into actionable plans. Building upon our legacy requires someone adept at fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders driving community engagement and understanding the intricacies of nonprofit management particularly within the marine conservation sector.

Leadership Abilities

To fulfill NWSFs mission we invite candidates to apply for the Executive Director position. The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience in nonprofit leadership and management particularly within environmental or marine conservation organizations.
• Skilled at cultivating donor relationships securing funding and managing organizational development initiatives.
• Proven ability to engage and inspire diverse stakeholders and build strong connections within the Salish Sea community.
• A strategic thinker who can envision and define long-term goals translating them into effective annual plans.
• Excellent communication and public relations skills with the capacity to be an authentic and engaging representative of NWSF.
• A collaborative leadership style that empowers staff fosters teamwork and encourages professional growth.
• Familiarity with the unique challenges and opportunities in the marine conservation landscape of the Pacific Northwest.
• Strong understanding of public and private funding environments including grant writing and stewardship of donor contributions.

We look forward to welcoming a leader who embodies our values and is passionate about ensuring the ongoing success of our programs and initiatives. Together we can continue our critical work protecting and restoring the Salish Sea for generations to come.

This is a full-time salaried position with a salary range of $115000 - $135000 DOE requiring a willingness to work some evenings and weekends with occasional travel. This hybrid role requires regular in-person presence with staff donors and partners across the greater Salish Sea. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

Benefits

NWSF offers generous employee benefits including:

100% Employer paid premium for employee medical dental group life & LTD insurance

3 weeks vacation per year

96 hours of sick leave per year

11 paid holidays

3% Simple IRA match

Up to $60 a month cell phone reimbursement

We are committed to providing equal opportunity in all of our employment practices including selection hiring promotion transfer and compensation to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to Race Color National Origin Sex Creed Disability-Sensory Mental or PhysicalHIV AIDS and Hepatitis C Age Marital Status Pregnancy or Maternity Sexual Orientation orGender.

To Be Considered

If youre excited about this opportunity but dont check every qualification listed we still want to hear from you and we encourage you to apply.

This role will remain open until filled with a priority deadline of July 31 2026. Candidate materials are reviewed continuously and screening interviews with Valtas will begin on a rolling basis in June. Cover letters (two pages or less) addressed to the Board of Directors and a resume (uploaded as one combined document) can be submitted to Valtas here.

You may direct questions to Amy Burton at