Executive Director

position: Executive Director

Position Length/Type: Full-time (40hrs/week)

Compensation: $57,000–$62,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience. Monthly bonus to supplement healthcare costs. Vacation, wellness, and paid holiday leave. 

Start Date: September 21, 2026

Background

The Nisqually Reach Nature Center (NRNC) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the understanding, appreciation, and conservation of the Nisqually Estuary through education, interpretation, and community science. NRNC is located on Luhr Beach – a destination for thousands of visitors a year who have access to one of the finest estuaries in Puget Sound. For over forty years we have offered a variety of environmental education and community science programs. 

Position description

The Executive Director provides strategic, operational, and financial leadership for the Nisqually Reach Nature Center while working closely with the Board of Directors to advance the organization’s mission and long-term sustainability. This position is responsible for the overall leadership and management of the organization, including staff supervision, financial oversight, fundraising, community partnerships, communications, and day-to-day operations.

The successful candidate will foster a culture of collaboration, transparency, mutual respect, and shared purpose while serving as the organization’s primary spokesperson and community leader. This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic leader who is passionate about the environment, community engagement, and nonprofit leadership.

Core Responsibilities Include

• Provide strategic leadership and implement organizational priorities in partnership with the Board of Directors.
• Oversee daily operations, administration, facilities, technology, and organizational systems.
• Supervise, mentor, and support staff, resident caretakers, volunteers, and interns.
• Develop and manage the annual budget while ensuring financial accountability and sustainability.
• Lead fundraising efforts, including grant writing, donor cultivation, sponsorships, membership growth, and fundraising events.
• Build and strengthen partnerships with community organizations, agencies, schools, funders, and stakeholders.
• Represent NRNC at community events, public meetings, and with media and government partners.
• Oversee marketing, public relations, social media, and organizational communications.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies and applicable legal, financial, and ethical standards.

Other

Nisqually Reach Nature Center employees are flexible and may be asked to take on additional duties according to organizational needs and individual skills. Because we are a nonprofit serving the community, this position occasionally requires evening and weekend work for Board meetings, fundraising events, community programs, and other organizational activities.

Required Qualifications – NOTE:  Experience may have been gained concurrently.

• Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, nonprofit management, environmental studies, or a related field.
• Minimum of two years of senior leadership or management experience in a nonprofit or mission-driven organization.
• Experience working effectively with a Board of Directors.
• Strong financial management, budgeting, and reporting experience.
• Demonstrated fundraising success, including grant writing and donor development.
• Excellent written, verbal, and public speaking skills.
• Proven ability to build collaborative relationships with staff, volunteers, partners, funders, and community members.
• Strong organizational, leadership, and strategic planning skills.
• Demonstrated integrity, sound judgment, and commitment to ethical leadership.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in business, public administration, nonprofit management, environmental studies, or a related field.
• Five or more years of senior nonprofit leadership experience.