Project Development Director Jobs in Bellingham, WA

The Northwest Straits Foundation (NWSF) is a regional marine conservation nonprofit that has spent over two decades restoring and protecting the Salish Sea through alliances with tribal nations, agencies, organizations, and donors to sustain one of the most ecologically vital and beautiful places in the Pacific Northwest. Through collaborative conservation, science‑based restoration, derelict gear removal, and scholarships for emerging environmental advocates, the Foundation works every day to ensure these waters remain healthy for the communities, species, and future generations that depend on the Salish Sea.

NWSF’s mission is to restore and preserve the long‑term health of the Salish Sea by fostering collaboration, encouraging stewardship and conservation, and implementing science‑based restoration. NWSF works on critical transboundary nearshore, habitat, and climate resilience projects to sustain the Salish Sea for marine life and people.

This is a unique opportunity to lead a well‑known and nationally recognized marine conservation organization. The incoming Executive Director will build visibility, grow and diversify funding, and deepen the community partnerships that sustain its mission and work, all while supporting the talented staff and partners who define us. This is a meaningful opportunity for a visionary, collaborative, grassroots leader who shares our vision and commitment for a vibrant and healthy Salish Sea. The Executive Director will achieve success by building on an already high‑functioning organization to expand the scope and scale of our programs.

The ED holds responsibility for organizational strategy, fundraising, board engagement, operational excellence, and cultural health, serving as NWSF’s strategic voice, and external and internal champion. Day‑to‑day program management rests with a capable and trusted team.

The preferred candidate will bring a broad perspective, vision, and the ability to translate strategic goals into actionable plans. Building upon our legacy requires someone adept at fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders, driving community engagement, and understanding the intricacies of nonprofit management, particularly within the marine conservation sector.

• Demonstrated experience in nonprofit leadership and management, particularly within environmental or marine conservation organizations.
• Skilled at cultivating donor relationships, securing funding, and managing organizational development initiatives.
• Proven ability to engage and inspire diverse stakeholders and build strong connections within the Salish Sea community.
• A strategic thinker who can envision and define long‑term goals, translating them into effective annual plans.
• Excellent communication and public relations skills, with the capacity to be an authentic and engaging representative of NWSF.
• A collaborative leadership style that empowers staff, fosters teamwork, and encourages professional growth.
• Familiarity with the unique challenges and opportunities in the marine conservation landscape of the Pacific Northwest.
• Strong understanding of public and private funding environments, including grant writing and stewardship of donor contributions.

We look forward to welcoming a leader who embodies our values and is passionate about ensuring the ongoing success of our programs and initiatives. Together, we can continue our critical work protecting and restoring the Salish Sea for generations to come.

This is a full‑time salaried position with a salary range of $115,000 - $135,000 DOE, requiring a willingness to work some evenings and weekends with occasional travel. This hybrid role requires regular in‑person presence with staff, donors, and partners across the greater Salish Sea. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

• 100% Employer paid premium for employee medical, dental, group life & LTD insurance
• 3 weeks’ vacation per year
• 96 hours of sick leave per year
• 11 paid holidays
• 3% Simple IRA match
• Up to $60 a month cell phone reimbursement

We are committed to providing equal opportunity in all of our employment practices, including selection, hiring, promotion, transfer, and compensation, to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to Race, Color, National Origin, Sex, Creed, Disability‑Sensory, Mental or Physical, HIV, AIDS, and Hepatitis C, Age, Marital Status, Pregnancy or Maternity, Sexual Orientation or Gender.

If you’re excited about this opportunity but don’t check every qualification listed, we still want to hear from you, and we encourage you to apply.