Chapter Director

Location: Chapter Director, Gray’s Reef Chapter of the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, Savannah, GA 

Supervisor: Vice President, Development

Status: Full-time, Exempt

What We Need 

The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation (the Foundation), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and a leading voice for U.S. protected waters, is seeking a highly motivated individual to serve as Chapter Director for the Gray’s Reef Chapter of the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation. The Foundation seeks an individual with experience in fundraising and organizational development who has a strong network of relationships in communities that surround Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary (NMS), from Jacksonville, FL, to Charleston, SC, but also in Atlanta. This position can be based in the offices of Gray’s Reef NMS in Savannah, GA, however, hybrid and possibly remote work arrangements will be considered for outstanding candidates with strong ties in the communities outlined above. This position is part of a newly formed development team headquartered in Silver Spring, MD. 

Applicants should possess knowledge of non-profit organizations and experience in building a governing board.  The candidate should bring an entrepreneurial mindset and be excited about building a new fundraising strategy and program for the local foundation chapter. 

The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is committed to a culture of inclusion, equity, and belonging. We are dedicated to attracting and retaining a diverse staff. We honor experiences, perspectives, and unique identities, and welcome the contributions that you can bring to the team. With a diverse team of employees, we can grow and learn better together and achieve our mission to protect the health of the ocean, coasts, and Great Lakes for current and future generations. 

What You’ll Do  

The Chapter Director will work closely with the chapter governing board, the Superintendent of the Gray’s Reef NMS, and the Foundation’s VP, Development, to support the mission and programs of the Gray’s Reef NMS and strengthen local and regional public outreach and engagement in support of the Sanctuary.  Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:  

• Develop and implement an annual work plan that engages the chapter governing board, the Foundation, and the Gray’s Reef NMS.
• In collaboration with the chapter governing board and the VP, Development, recruit new chapter board members.
• Execute quarterly board meetings, including by developing board packets, and meeting agendas; ensure minutes are kept for each meeting.
• Create, lead, assess and manage the local chapter's fundraising strategies and activities—including events—to help support the conservation programs of Gray’s Reef NMS. 
• Work closely with the Foundation's Vice President of Development, who is based at the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation headquarters in Silver Spring, MD, to coordinate, design and implement strategies to cultivate and grow major, principal, and corporate donor programs. 
• Write grant proposals on behalf of the local foundation Chapter; provide text for grants the Foundation is submitting on behalf of the local foundation Chapter.
• Report on fundraising results to the chapter governing board and the Foundation’s VP of Development.
• Establish and maintain