Executive Director

Norfolk, VA

The Elizabeth River Project's mission is to restore the Elizabeth River through equitable collaboration with diverse communities, businesses, and governments.

The Elizabeth River Project (ERP), Norfolk, VA, leads a community-wide collaboration to restore the environmental health of the Elizabeth River. Once presumed dead, this urban river encompasses one of the largest maritime ports on the East Coast of the United States.

The Elizabeth River Project seeks an exceptional leader who is passionate about the organization's mission, committed to its standards of excellence, and optimistic about its potential. The position calls for vision, breadth, and good judgment; proven intellectual leadership skills; a passion for a clean environment; an enthusiasm and proven experience with raising major gifts from the private sector; demonstrated financial and staff management experience; and a collaborative leadership style that can inspire and motivate all participants within a mission-driven culture.

No single candidate will possess all of the ideal qualifications, but Elizabeth River seeks an Executive Director who has a track record of experience and the personal talent to lead and build an exceptionally effective organization. The following qualifications are of particular interest:

At least five years of experience at the executive level in leading a nonprofit organization or a comparable organization
A high level of integrity, the ability to find common ground and keen interpersonal skills are important to institutionalize and deploy Elizabeth River Project's collaboration model to bring together diverse river stakeholders often presenting conflicting interests
Experience working with a nonprofit Board of Directors, as a direct report, indirect report, or member of such a Board
Significant fundraising experience with demonstrated success in cultivating donor relations, securing and stewarding large private and public gifts
Intellectual curiosity and creativity; a certain broad mindedness that enjoys "out-of-the-box" thinking
Commitment to advancing DEIJ efforts, both internally and externally
A sense of urgency about the Elizabeth River Project's mission, along with a sense of fun and excitement in doing the work
A sound understanding relevant to the Elizabeth River's problems and priority solutions is essential including a working understanding in the realms of both of environmental science and environmental education
The capacity to bring diverse individuals and groups together to craft solutions and strategies
Excellent public relations and communications skills
A firm commitment to equity, inclusivity, and environmental justice and proven experience implementing sound initiatives in these areas
Experience mentoring staff to assume larger roles in the organization
Familiarity and experience in supporting excellence in digital marketing and technology and using it to communicate with and strengthen Elizabeth River Project's constituency, to fundraise, and to advance the mission of ERP

The annual salary range for this position is between $125,000 and $135,000 and will be commensurate with experience. Based upon the discretion of the Board and the overall financial health of the Elizabeth River Project, successful performance against key performance indicators may result in a salary increase or bonus. The comprehensive benefits package includes health and dental insurance, life insurance, long-term disability coverage, 2.5% match on 403(b) plan, employee assistance program, medical and family leave, personal leave, generous paid time off, and 12 paid holidays.

Elizabeth River Project Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Statement:

At Elizabeth River Project, we embrace diversity, inclusion, equity, and environmental justice as fundamental values of our river restoration work. Through active listening and intentional involvement, we seek to diversify our staff, Board, and partners as we appreciate the unique perspectives and experiences of our diverse community. Our commitment extends to advocating for environmental justice, recognizing the intersectionality of social and environmental challenges. Together, we work towards a brighter future for the river and its people where everyone feels a sense of belonging and purpose within our organization and beyond.

At the Elizabeth River Project, we are committed to integrating DEI principles into all aspects of our work. By embracing diversity, promoting equity, and fostering inclusion, we believe we can restore the Elizabeth River in a way that benefits all communities and creates a healthier, more equitable future for both people and nature.

Applications and nominations are being received by Kittleman & Associates, LLC. To apply, please send a current resume and letter of interest by October 25, 2024 to https://bit.ly/erpexecdir (click on the Apply button at the bottom of the page).

To learn more about the Elizabeth River Project, please go to the following link: https://elizabethriver.org/.

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Elizabeth River Project

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