Executive Director

Executive Director

Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes

Empire, Michigan

The Moran Company is pleased to partner with Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes to recruit the organization’s next Executive Director.

Organizational Background

Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes is a nonprofit organization that works to protect resources and heighten visitor experiences in partnership with Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The organization works in partnership with the National Park Service and local communities to foster stewardship and promote public understanding and appreciation of this cherished national treasure. For more information about Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes, please see their website: https://friendsofsleepingbear.org/. 

About Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, located on the northeast shore of Lake Michigan, is renowned for its towering sand dunes, pristine beaches, and diverse ecosystems. Designated a National Lakeshore in 1970, it offers unparalleled opportunities for outdoor recreation, nature appreciation, and environmental education.

Position Summary

The Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes (FOSBD) Executive Director is responsible for leading the organization in its mission of protecting resources and heightening visitor experiences in partnership with Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This individual will play a pivotal role in fostering relationships within the community, overseeing fundraising efforts, and governing the operations of the organization. The Executive Director will report directly to the Board of Directors and work closely with board members, volunteers, donors, government agencies, and community stakeholders to achieve FOSBD’s mission and goals. 

Since its formation in 1994, FOSBD has been managed exclusively by volunteers. With a strong reputation and stable finances, the organization is now ready for expansion. The Board of Directors recently made the decision to hire its first Executive Director to both sustain and grow FOSBD’s support for the National Lakeshore. The ability to lead the organization in this transition will be a key ingredient for success. The Executive Director is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about the organization’s mission and capable of managing and growing a nonprofit organization.

Key Responsibilities

Key responsibilities of this position include but are not limited to:

Fundraising and Development

• Oversee the development of the organization's fundraising strategy on an annual basis.
• Oversee the management of donor and volunteer databases to ensure responsible donor stewardship, accountability, and transparency. 
• In collaboration with the Grants Team, review grant opportunities and coordinate the submission of grant applications. 
• Articulate the mission and values of FOSBD to existing and prospective donors, communicating with all donors regularly.

Organizational Management 

• Oversee the administrative affairs of the organization, ensuring efficient operations and compliance with organizational policies and procedures. 
• Analyze the Park’s identified priorities and create a strategic plan in conjunction with the FOSBD’s Board of Directors.
• Execute Board-approved plans, providing regular reports and crucial metrics to the Board. 
• Develop an annual work plan in collaboration with National Lakeshore management and Friends program managers based on the strategic plan and needs of Lakeshore management.
• In collaboration with the Board Treasurer, develop an annual budget, oversee all organization spending, and ensure timely financial reporting. 
• Assist in the annual audit with the independent CPA firm selected by the Board of Directors. 

Partnership and Community Engagement

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with Park employees, volunteers, donors, other nonprofit organizations, and the local community. 
• Serve as a spokesperson for the organization, representing FOSBD in public forums, media appearances, and community events.
• Work with Board members and volunteers to plan and execute all special events throughout the calendar year. 

Professional Qualifications and Personal Attributes

Professional qualifications required for this role include:

• Proven fundraising skills and experience (including grant applications, donor stewardship, and special events).
• Experience reporting to or serving on a nonprofit Board of Directors. An understanding of the transition from a working board to a governing board is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to recruit, motivate and work with volunteers to accomplish goals.
• Proficiency in financial management and budgeting.
• Proven ability to create effective marketing and promotional materials.
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., nonprofit management, environmental science, business administration) required, graduate degree preferred.
• A Minimum of 5 years of experience working for a nonprofit organization, preferably in a leadership position. Candidates with experience in both profit and non-profit organizations may be considered.

Personal Attributes desired for this role include:

• Ability to serve as a spokesperson for FOSBD at public forums, media appearances, speaking engagements and community events.
• An entrepreneurial mindset with a demonstrated ability to think creatively, prioritize strategically, and grow/sustain programs. 
• Strong interpersonal skills with an energetic, engaging, and humble personality.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing circumstances. 
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders and convey complex ideas clearly and persuasively. 
• A leadership style that emphasizes encouragement, example, influence and support. 
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team-oriented environment. 
• Belief in the mission of FOSBD, an understanding of the National Park Service, and a demonstrated commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable park management.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings/weekends and travel as needed.

Work Environment 

The Executive Director will be the sole paid staff person for the organization in the near term, and the Board of Directors will look to the Executive Director to determine if and when additional paid staff are required as the organization grows. The organization is based in Empire, Michigan near the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Although the organization is currently a remote organization, plans are underway to secure physical office space in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park. Travel throughout the region is expected as needed to meet with potential and existing donors, attend applicable events, and execute other required duties. Some weekend and evening hours will be required for events.

Compensation

The annual salary range for this position is $95,000 - $110,000, plus benefits to be determined.

Statement of Non-Discrimination

Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity at all levels of its workforce. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Application Process

The search for the Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes Executive Director is being conducted by The Moran Company. Questions about the position can be directed to Mike English, The Moran Company; mike (at) morancompany.com.

To apply for this position, submit cover letter and resume to Mike English, The Moran Company, via the secure online portal. Resume should include all professional education and experience, dates of employment (month and year) and position/title and organization names. Cover letter should articulate relevant experience and fit with the stated preferences of the position. APPLY NOW