KLR Executive Search Group is proud to partner with The Nashua River Watershed Association (NRWA) to recruit the organization’s next Executive Director. The NRWA (https://www.nashuariverwatershed.org/) is an environmental nonprofit serving 32 communities in north central Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire. Founded in 1969, this organization provides a comprehensive range of programs including water & land protection, ecological restoration, climate resilience, and environmental education.
NRWA’s programs include water resource protection, ecological restoration, conservation of priority lands, climate resilience with Nature-based Solutions, and environmental education in schools, community centers, and on rivers and trails. This highly respected organization has an annual budget of $1.5M, an endowment of approximately $1M and total assets of approximately $3M.
NRWA’s 150+ volunteers, staff of 12, and dedicated Board, are ready to embrace an accomplished nonprofit leader as the next Executive Director to lead a committed team and achieve the goals set forth in the 5-Year Strategic Plan.
About the Opportunity:
Reporting to the Board, the Executive Director is the key management leader and the public face of the Association. Core responsibilities include:
- Manage the staff and programs, fulfill fiduciary responsibilities, and oversee day to day operations.
- Strengthen and build programs to positively impact water and land resources in the watershed, working with staff to determine objectives, identify funding opportunities, secure grants and contracts, and ensure compliance with parameters and deliverables.
- Ensure sound financial practices, including accurate financial reporting and adherence to regulations.
- Work with the staff, comptroller, and Treasurer to oversee the preparation and management of the annual budget ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with goals.
- Provide oversight of fundraising activities. Work with the Development Director and all stakeholders to grow a diversified stream of revenue from government and foundation grants, major gifts, annual support from individuals and businesses, benefit events, planned gifts, and growth of the Endowment.
- Work closely with the Board to keep Directors informed of activities and finances; support their governance and strategic initiatives; and inspire engagement and continued support of the organization.
- Serve as the chief spokesperson for the Association, stewarding and developing positive working relationships with constituents, conservation colleagues, and local, state, and federal agencies.
Desired Experience:
An ideal candidate will have professional experience leading a team in a nonprofit organization and an unwavering commitment to protecting the environment’s natural resources as evidenced by their vocational path or volunteerism.
NRWA deserves an individual with a servant leader mindset, collaborative approach and refined communication skills to listen, learn, and lead. Preferred qualifications we seek include:
- A strong leader with the interpersonal skills needed to build relationships with internal and external stakeholders,
- Ability to consider all perspectives when making decisions,
- Experience growing and leading organizations in pursuit of an overall Strategic Plan, building on existing strengths, and developing new capabilities,
- Program design, development, and administration experience,
- Fundraising experience with grants, major gifts, and annual support,
- Strong financial and accounting skills and ability to track and communicate a P&L statement for an organization of this size.
- The personal polish and confidence to represent the Association in a variety of settings, audiences, and agendas.
- The ability to simultaneously have a strategic vision and operational skills.
