Job Summary
Since 2006, Surfrider Spirit Sessions has used surfing, mentoring, and community engagement to help adjudicated and at-risk youth build confidence, develop life and pre-employment skills, embrace healthy lifestyles, and become part of positive, productive communities.
Position Overview: Surfrider Spirit Sessions (SSS) is seeking a mission-driven Executive Director to provide strategic leadership while remaining actively engaged in programs and day-to-day operations. Working closely with the Board of Directors, Board of Advisors, staff, volunteers, and community partners, the Executive Director will lead organizational development, program effectiveness, fundraising, communications, and long-term sustainability.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Organizational Development: Guide strategic and financial planning, budgeting, operations, compliance, and organizational growth. Develop sustainable community and corporate partnerships and maintain strong relationships with board members, partners, referral agencies, and community stakeholders.
Program Leadership: Establish program goals and measurable outcomes; oversee program development and implementation; support staff training; and ensure high-quality, effective services and meaningful program evaluation.
Fundraising & Community Engagement: Lead fundraising strategy, grant research, writing, reporting, donor development, and partnership building. Serve as a key spokesperson for SSS and oversee communications, public relations, social media, newsletters, and outreach. Support the Board in fundraising activities, including the annual Surf to the Turf Golf Tournament.
Duties
- Develop and execute comprehensive strategic plans aligned with organizational goals to maximize social impact and operational efficiency
- Lead and manage the executive team, fostering a high-performance culture focused on accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement
- Oversee all aspects of business management, including financial planning, budgeting, and resource allocation to ensure fiscal health and compliance with nonprofit financial regulations
- Cultivate relationships with board members, donors, community partners, and stakeholders to enhance organizational visibility and support fundraising initiatives
- Drive marketing strategies to increase awareness, engagement, and support for programs and services offered by the organization
- Manage day-to-day operations ensuring effective program delivery while maintaining operational excellence across departments
- Lead fundraising efforts for business development through grant writing, donor engagement, sponsorships, and special campaigns to secure sustainable funding streams
- Supervise staff recruitment, development, performance evaluations, and team management to build a motivated and skilled workforce
- Collaborate with the board of directors on governance matters, strategic planning sessions, policy development, and organizational oversight
- Implement innovative solutions for operational challenges while maintaining compliance with legal standards and nonprofit best practices
Experience & Qualifications
- 10+ years of leadership experience in business or nonprofit management, including strategic planning, fundraising, budgeting, and supervision of staff and volunteers.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic nonprofit environment.
- Familiarity with Hawaiʻi's local culture and business/community networks.
- Excellent written, verbal, public speaking, and relationship-building skills.
- Bachelor's degree or higher; Marketing, Communications, Business, or a related field preferred.
- Strong commitment to the SSS mission and serving youth.
- Ability to work weekends and irregular hours as needed.
- Comfortable in an ocean-focused environment; intermediate or advanced surfing ability is a plus.
- CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is a plus.
- Previous experience as an SSS mentor, instructor, or volunteer is a plus.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Adobe Acrobat, and Mac computers.
The ideal Executive Director is a hands-on nonprofit leader, relationship builder, fundraiser, and strategic thinker who combines strong business and organizational skills with a genuine passion for youth development, community service, and the ocean.
Pay: $80,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Kailua, HI 96734
