Position Title: Executive Director
Reports to: Reef Renewal USA, Inc. Board of Directors
Exemption Status: Exempt

Executive Director
Position Summary:
The Executive Director (ED) will lead RRUSA’s operational, financial, and strategic efforts.
Reporting directly to the Board and serving on the Steering Committee, the ED will oversee key initiatives, manage a team of 8-10 staff members, and work closely with the Restoration Program Director to ensure project success. This individual will play a crucial role in advancing RRUSA's mission through fundraising, fiscal management, and community engagement.

Primary Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership:

• Oversee the overall management and strategic direction of RRUSA, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission and values through interdepartmental collaboration.
• Establish and report key performance indicators (KPIs) across teams, ensuring alignment and transparency.
• Develop and refine annual and long-term strategies in collaboration with the Board and staff.

Culture and Core Values Stewardship:

• Serve as the chief custodian of RRUSA’s culture, ensuring alignment with the organization’s core values.
• Facilitate regular touchpoints with staff to maintain open communication and foster inclusivity.

Fundraising and Financial Oversight (50%):

• Lead fundraising efforts, including business development initiatives and events.
• Manage budget creation, planning, and compliance, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Oversee grant identification, writing, administration, audits, and compliance.
• Cultivate relationships with high-net-worth individuals and donors in the environmental space.
• Work collaboratively with the team to create compelling fundraising opportunities and campaigns.
• Demonstrate fundraising success by securing funding equivalent to their own salary within the first year.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of fundraising strategies to ensure continuous improvement and goal attainment.

Staff Management (50%):

• Supervise and support staff, fostering a collaborative and flexible work environment.
• Serve as defacto HR in conjunction with the accountant, handling conflict resolution, staff/contractor mediation, and healthcare inquiries.
• Ensure proper staffing needs are met and assist with recruitment and mentorship initiatives.
• Mentor and develop staff by providing opportunities for growth, professional development, and leadership within their roles.

Operations Management:

• Partner with the Restoration Program Director to oversee coral propagation, outplanting, and restoration projects.
• Ensure timelines and goals for land-based facility operations are met.
• Provide general oversight and alignment of nurseries, restoration programs, and organizational initiatives.

Board Engagement:

• Report directly to the Board, providing updates and gaining approval for strategic decisions.
• Lead and participate in meetings with the Steering Committee.
• Manage relationships with the Board of Directors, ensuring alignment between staff goals and board expectations.
• Support the board in expanding their fundraising role, including leveraging their networks for philanthropic contributions.

Community Outreach:

• Engage with individual donors, volunteers, and collaborators to build RRUSA’s visibility and strengthen its network.
• Oversee social media efforts in conjunction with staff, ensuring messaging aligns with RRUSA’s goals.
• Lead RRUSA’s role in external partnerships (e.g., Ruskin partnership) to maximize collaboration and revenue opportunities.
• Work with collaborators, including government agencies and donors, to expand RRUSA’s reach and influence.
• Act as a primary spokesperson for RRUSA at public events, conferences, and meetings to amplify the organization's mission.

Diversity and Inclusion:

• Promote an inclusive work environment and collaborate with diverse communities and collaborators, upholding RRUSA’s core values of respect and inclusivity.
• Ensure that diversity, equity, and inclusion principles are embedded across all organizational strategies and programs.

Key Metrics for Success:

• Develop and execute a 3-year plan to successfully outplant 100,000 corals by 2026.
• Raise $1 million annually in unrestricted donations.
• Establish and maintain an annual operational reserve of $100,000.
• Strengthen community partnerships and enhanced public profile of RRUSA.
• Build and sustain a collaborative relationship with Ruskin, maximizing joint opportunities for coral production and restoration projects.

Relevant Functions:

Critical Functions:

• High-level reporting requirements.
• Ensuring compliance with overall organizational goals.

Staff Management:

• Defacto HR in conjunction with the accountant.
• Assist staff with healthcare inquiries/issues.
• Staff/contractor mediation and conflict resolution (major escalations).

Grant Management:

• Identifying new grants.
• Final review and submission of grants.
• Audits and ensuring grant compliance.
• Writing grants and partnering with grant writers.
• Ensure grants are aligned with RRUSA’s strategic objectives and operational needs while meeting compliance and reporting requirements.

Budget/Accounting:

• Lead the creation of the annual budget.
• Ensure compliance with the annual budget.
• Monthly review of company-wide spending.
• Oversight of approvals for monthly expenses/reimbursements.Volunteer, Intern, JEDI Committee (Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion), Education Programs:
• Strategic oversight and alignment of all programs with organizational goals (in conjunction with Program Directors).
• Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) initiatives integrated into organizational goals and culture.

Social Media:

• Oversight in conjunction with staff (ensure alignment with organizational messaging).
• Ensure messaging resonates with key audiences, including donors, collaborators, and the broader community.

General Oversight:

• Overall coordination and alignment of nurseries, restoration programs, and organizational initiatives.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in leadership roles with a proven track record in fundraising and nonprofit management.
• Demonstrated success managing diverse teams in nonprofit or mission-driven organizations, fostering collaboration and achieving organizational goals.
• Strong financial acumen with experience in budget management and resource allocation.
• Excellent communication, partnership-building, and strategic planning skills.
• Experience working with a nonprofit board of directors.

Preferred Skills:

• Background or familiarity with marine science, conservation, or environmental programs is a plus.
• Live in the Florida Keys community or be willing to travel for meetings and engagements.
• Background in manufacturing processes.
• Strong technical background.

Management Experience:

• Experience managing diverse teams in nonprofits or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience collaborating with and reporting to a nonprofit Board of Directors.

Sector Knowledge:

• Familiarity with marine science, conservation, or coral restoration preferred but not required.

Other Skills:

• Experience with manufacturing or production processes and database management preferred.
• Certified SCUBA diver (preferred), or willingness to complete certification for active engagement in field operations.
• Experience leading or managing hybrid (remote and in-person) teams.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:

• Combination of office work, community engagement, and fieldwork, including work in water.
• Ability to travel and participate in diving activities as needed.
• Flexible Relocation Policy:
• Preferred candidates will reside in or near the Florida Keys. However, candidates able to travel regularly to the area for engagements and operations will be considered. Relocation expenses may be negotiated for the right candidate.

Compensation and Benefits:
The salary range for this position is $140,000 – $165,000. Comprehensive benefits will be discussed during the interview process. Considering RRUSA's goals (e.g., raising $1M annually in unrestricted donations, maintaining a $100K operational reserve), the anticipated annual budget responsibility could range between $1.5M and $4M, depending on the organization's operational and programmatic scope.

About RRUSA:
At RRUSA, our vision is to renew reefs for future generations in a rapidly changing world. Our mission is to produce and outplant resilient corals at an unprecedented scale. Our values guide everything we do:

• Collaboration and Communication: We foster open communication and strong partnerships with staff, volunteers, and external collaborators.
• Passionate and Committed Team Members: We seek individuals who are deeply dedicated to coral restoration and the protection of our planet’s resources.
• Respect for All People and the Planet: We value diversity, inclusivity, and respect for both human and environmental needs.
• Accountability for Positive Results: We take responsibility for delivering on our goals and achieving measurable outcomes that support coral reef restoration.
• Legacy of Hope for Future Generations: We are driven by the belief that our work creates a better future for the planet.
• Commitment to Safety: Safety is paramount in all aspects of our operations.
• Action-Oriented Approach: We value decisive actions that drive progress.
• Fiscal Responsibility: We manage our resources wisely to ensure long-term success.
• Educational Focus: We engage communities through education on coral conservation and stewardship.
• Transparency in Governance: We operate with transparency and ethical practices in decision-making.
• Agility and Innovative Approaches: We adapt and seek new solutions to challenges in coral restoration.
• Fun and Enjoyment in Our Work: We foster a positive and enthusiastic work environment.
• Commitment to Honesty and Integrity: We uphold the highest standards of honesty and integrity.

RRUSA is committed to fostering a workplace that values diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.