The Environmental Director will develop and oversee Surfrider’s national environmental strategy, advancing local, regional, state and national campaigns and programs to improve coastal and ocean protection. This position will work in a coordinated effort with Surfrider Foundation staff at all levels of the organization providing leadership for 10 national and regional staff. The Director manages, develops, and implements regional strategies that align with organization-wide strategic plans and programmatic and policy priorities. They also drive efforts to build and maintain effective working relationships with chapters, community members, and partners, as well as government officials, and donors. The Environmental Director can be based remotely.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Devise and implement advocacy and organizing strategies to advance Surfrider Foundation’s mission in the United States.
• Lead and manage a dynamic team of regional and issue-focused science and policy experts who work remotely throughout the United States.
• Develop, maintain and advance relevant volunteer chapter driven programs, including Blue Water Task Force and Ocean Friendly Gardens.
• Act as staff liaison to the Board of Director’s Environmental Policy Committee to establish and maintain Surfrider Foundation’s environmental positions and policies.
• Ensure that Surfrider Foundation positions and policies are scientifically based and within the scope of the Surfrider mission, policies and principles.
• Work in partnership with senior leadership to develop and implement Surfrider Foundation’s annual and multi-year strategic plans.
• Act as Foundation spokesperson on environmental policy issues with the media.
• Develop and maintain annual and multi-year environmental department budgets in coordination with the Chief Operating Officer.
• Stay current with science, policy, and political developments relevant to the Surfrider Foundation’s mission.
• Work in collaboration with local, state, and federal NGO partners, agencies, and others in supporting coastal and ocean campaigns and policy initiatives.
• Further Surfrider’s Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion commitment internally and with external partners.
• Assist in promoting Surfrider’s federal legislative priorities and campaigns in collaboration with the Legal Director and other legal and environmental staff.
• Develop and lead Surfrider’s climate change adaptation program in collaboration with other staff and partners.
• Represent Surfrider Foundation on national advisory boards and coalitions.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with the funding community and identify new opportunities to support Surfrider’s environmental work.