Executive Director

Executive Director at MEarth

The Executive Director at MEarth is an eco-leader and community-builder who is dedicated to educating and inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards and science adventurers.

The Executive Director guides programming, marketing, operations and fundraising efforts, while overseeing the property stewardship of our award-winning 10-acre Hilton Bialek Habitat and production gardens. The Executive Director leads and collaborates with all levels of staff, school districts, funders, community partners, grantors, donors, and clients. Essential responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Leadership/Management

MEarth’s ED is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the organization as well as the long-term vision and sustainability, supported by a current staff of 8 people.

• Lead the organization’s strategic planning and managing implementation
• Develop and maintaining operational policies and procedures
• Direct, manage, and mentor staff
• Oversee the management of the Hilton Bialek Habitat facility

Oversee continuous improvement of all program activities

Partnerships, Public Relations, and Marketing

• Maintain strong, working relationships with MEarth’s key partner and client, Carmel Unified School District
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships within the community to support MEarth’s mission and long-term fiscal and programmatic sustainability
• Increase MEarth’s public visibility by promoting awareness of MEarth’s programs and impact via various forms of marketing and communications including social media, email communications, community presentations and speaking engagements
• Ensure timely dissemination of information about MEarth to donors, partners, stakeholders, the community, local businesses and the media

Fund & Donor Development

• Serve as MEarth’s chief fundraiser, partnering with the Board, staff and volunteers on all organizational fund development activities
• Partner closely with MEarth’s external grant-writer, managing grant-related research, proposal development, writing, submission, fiscal management, implementation and reporting
• Develop and monitor implementation of MEarth’s fund development plan in concert with MEarth’s Board of Directors
• Utilize MEarth’s Neon CRM (customer relationship management) database and ensure quality donor data management
• Guide implementation of fundraising goals and strategies, including overseeing annual appeals and fundraising events such as MEarth Day and The Glass Pumpkin Patch
• Cultivate new donors and nurture existing donor relationships
• Cultivate and establish new partnerships for MEarth in terms of program offerings and sponsorship/fundraising events

Financial Management

• Prepare and propose an annual operating budget to the Board of Directors
• Develop department budgets with appropriate team leads
• Monitor income and expenditures on a monthly basis
• Work closely with MEarth’s external bookkeeper and accountant to ensure fiduciary responsibilities are addressed and in support of all legal requirements utilizing Quickbooks Online
• Oversee timely financial reports and maintaining financial controls
• Manage all banking responsibilities, invoice payment/creation, payroll, etc.

Board Management

• Serve as the primary liaison between the board of directors and staff, ensuring clear and consistent communication
• Schedule, organize, and prepare materials for board meetings, including agendas, minutes, and action items, ensuring productive and effective meetings
• Champion the strategic plan by keeping priorities front and center both internally and externally, collaborating with the board to implement and monitor the strategic plan, ensuring alignment between board priorities and organizational objectives
• Support the board’s fund development activities with clear expectations and streamlined requests
• Ensure the board is aware of and compliant with relevant legal, regulatory, and ethical standards governing nonprofit organizations
• Support efforts to identify, recruit, and onboard new board members, ensuring diverse representation and alignment with the organization’s mission and needs

Skills, Experience and Mindsets:

Required Qualifications

• Experience as Executive Director of a nonprofit organization, or similar relevant life/work experience
• Demonstrated organizational leadership building an inclusive and positive culture, exemplifying organizational values, and building a collaborative, effective team
• Action-oriented, entrepreneurial and adaptable
• A strong commitment to nature and the importance of environmental education
• A strong commitment to as well as experience in culturally relevant programming and community building
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; a persuasive and passionate communicator with excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated experience engaging a wide range of stakeholders
• Awareness of and experience with some science and environmental education, STEM initiatives, Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and California’s K-12 educational requirements
• Awareness of sustainability, localized food systems/farming, land stewardship/conservation, and culinary/hospitality/event production
• Demonstrated success across a variety of fundraising strategies, including grant writing or working closely and successfully with a grant writer, individual and major donor programs, fundraising events, etc.
• Demonstrated organizational leadership abilities and experience including:
• sound fiscal management of an organization
• a track record of effectively leading a fast-paced, outcomes-based organization and diverse staff
• external contract negotiation experience
• Proficiency in or the capacity to learn a variety of software and web-based tools including QBO, Gusto, Google Workspace, Microsoft Office Suites, and NeonCRM

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in education, science, agricultural or non-profit leadership and management, or similar relevant life/work experience
• A familiarity with facility management, to include ecological design, construction, landscaping, native plant and organic gardening

About MEarth:

MEarth (pronounced me-earth) is an environmental education nonprofit in Carmel, California with the mission to educate and inspire through environmental stewardship. MEarth engages approximately 10,000 local children, youth, and families each year. The majority of MEarth’s programming takes place at the Hilton Bialek Habitat, a ten-acre nature center adjacent to Carmel Middle School. At the Habitat, MEarth offers a wide range of programs in collaboration with Carmel Unified School District (CUSD) and community partners, covering topics such as science, botany, world languages, English/language arts, sustainability, ecoliteracy, culinary arts (including healthy lifestyle choices), and history/social science. As the steward of the Hilton Bialek Habitat, MEarth works in partnership with the CUSD to maintain and utilize this unique educational space.

PROFESSIONAL LEVEL

Executive

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Salary Range: $100,000 - $115,000 annually

At MEarth (pronounced me-earth), we care about the well-being of our employees. We offer comprehensive benefits, including health, vision, and dental coverage, retirement plans, paid holidays, and generous time off, ensuring you have the support you need to thrive both personally and professionally.

HOW TO APPLY

You will be asked to submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references in order to apply for the position.

Background Check

Successful completion of the hiring process is contingent upon the applicant passing a multi-agency livescan fingerprint/background check and TB test (paid for by MEarth).

MEarth is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

MEarth is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, intersectionality or any other characteristic protected by law. We value the unique perspectives and experiences that each individual brings to our organization and strive to create an environment where everyone feels respected, supported, and empowered to thrive. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply and join us in our mission to educate and inspire through environmental stewardship.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $100,000.00 - $115,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $100,000 - $115,000