President and CEO

About the Waterfront Alliance

The Waterfront Alliance is a U.S.-based 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, mission driven organization with a growing alliance of more than 1,100 partners who have a shared goal: to bring about real change to shorelines, waterfronts, and coastlines in the New York-New Jersey region and across the nation. We advocate for resilience (environmental and economic), increased waterfront access, and water and science-based education for everyone. With our partners, we build, transform, revitalize, and protect accessible waterfronts by providing tools and resources to all communities so that they can shape their future.

Position Description

We seek an experienced, dynamic, and thoughtful leader who will partner with the board of trustees to manage the day-to-day work of the organization, provide strategic leadership and effective fundraising, and lead a diverse team of staff and consultants who work across a spectrum of specialties. The next President and CEO will join an organization that has doubled its revenue over the past five years to over $3 million and is implementing a recently released strategic plan.

The mission of the Waterfront Alliance is more critical than ever, and the next President and CEO will guide the organization to have greater impact on hundreds of communities in the New York-New Jersey region and beyond, through our direct programs, which include youth education, community climate and emergency preparedness planning, resilience advocacy, maritime and working waterfront support, and public events including an annual Waterfront Conference. We impact hundreds of communities nationwide through our Waterfront Edge Design Guidelines (WEDG®) program, an unparalleled plan that offers waterfront and coastal solutions to the private and public sectors through community focused solutions that address climate resilience, ecology, and community access.

The Waterfront Alliance’s strength lies in its unique combination of deep community work and technical solutions. This sets the Waterfront Alliance apart and allows us to implement a mission that spans multiple sectors, geographies, and strategic approaches that ultimately protect and enhance lives, livelihoods, and property now and in the future.

Classification: Fulltime, exempt

Location: New York, NY

Reports to: Board of Trustees

Responsibilities

Strategic Vision and Leadership

• Implement the newly released 2025-2029 Waterfront Alliance strategic plan through a forward-thinking development and fundraising approach that leverages Waterfront Alliance fundraising assets, including the annual Waterfront Conference, the Corporate Council, the annual Heroes of the Harbor Gala, and corporate and individual donors and the board.
• Cultivate a strong and transparent working relationship with the board of trustees on strategies and mission, and ensure open communication about the measurement of financial, programmatic, and impact performance against stated milestones and goals.
• Provide inspirational leadership and direction to the staff, supporting and motivating them to assist with the implementation of the strategic plan.
• Ensure the continued development and management of a professional, financially sound, and efficient organization by delivering the highest quality services while managing for growth.
• Facilitate cross-departmental and cross-specialty collaboration, one of the core strengths of the organization.
• Support strong internal communications; create and promote a positive, diverse work environment that supports high functioning organizational strategy, operations, and management.
• Provide direction for multi-sector content and offerings at the annual Waterfront Conference and Heroes of the Harbor events.
• Lead a high-performing senior leadership team and promote a strong organizational culture.

Development

• Lead all Waterfront Alliance development and fundraising activities.
• Maintain and expand relationships with existing individual, corporate, foundation, and governmental donors.
• Work with staff to create and implement programs, strategies, and communications that will cultivate and secure new donors for Waterfront Alliance.
• Work with the Board of Trustees to help implement fundraising strategies.
• Maintain and continue to grow opportunities for WEDG leadership and Waterfront Alliance to impact communities across the country through the WEDG Professionals, WEDG Verification, and related policy initiatives.

Governance and Operations

• Maintain regular and ongoing communication with the board chair and board members, to build strong relationships and to advance the mission of Waterfront Alliance.
• Communicate effectively with the board chair and the board by providing members with all of the information necessary to support their making informed decisions in a timely and accurate manner.
• Oversee finances and operations in concert with the board treasurer, lead financial staff, accountant, and finance consultants. Lead the annual budgeting process and provide regular financial supervision to the staff.
• Support the board chair and governance committee in nominating board candidates and onboarding new board members.
• Provide leadership and hands-on management for the administrative and operational functions of the organization in accordance with the mission, objectives, and policies.

External Relations and Communications

• Serve as an articulate and effective spokesperson for the organization, both in person and through writing and submission of op-eds, letters to the editor, public testimony, etc.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with a variety of key leadership stakeholders, including institutional and individual funders, government agencies, elected officials, and community partners.
• Work with the Director of Communications to ensure brand continuity and high-quality print and digital materials.

Required Qualifications and Attributes:

• Advanced degree preferred, Bachelor’s degree required.
• Experienced leader with a minimum of 10 years of senior management experience.
• Proven track record in leading and sustaining significant fundraising initiatives that result in sustained revenues and growth.
• Natural affinity for cultivating relationships and persuading, convening, facilitating, and building consensus among diverse stakeholders and funders.
• Track record of overseeing and leveraging opportunities to produce high quality communications and written materials.
• Strong analytical financial management and nonprofit operational skills.
• Experience leading staff and maintaining high staff retention.
• Strong organizational leadership and management skills, with an ability to articulate and execute a clear and inspiring vision while motivating staff.
• Strong critical thinking skills and track record of building strategy, identifying solutions, and addressing organizational issues.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

Salary and Benefits

Salary range is $190,000 to $205,000. Waterfront Alliance offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurances; life insurance; 401K retirement plan with employer match; commuter and FSA benefits, paid time off, professional development opportunities, and more.

How to Apply

Submit resume and cover letter. Only complete applications will be considered. Position is open until it is filled. No phone calls please.

As an equal opportunity employer, Waterfront Alliance encourages applications from all individuals regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, marital status, physical ability or any other legally protected basis.