Executive Director

Executive Director for AccesSurf HawaiiExecutive Director for AccesSurf Hawaii is a mission-driven leader, with strategic planning and fundraising experience, a strong background in nonprofit and community-based organizations, and a commitment to disability advocacy and inclusive program development.About AccesSurfAccesSurf is a pioneering nonprofit dedicated to making the beach and ocean accessible to individuals with physical, cognitive, and psychosocial disabilities. Founded in 2006 in Honolulu, Hawai’i, it has grown from humble beginnings—“a few pickup trucks, lots of duct tape”—to a leading adaptive water-sports organization that delivers over 90 program days and more than 4,000 life‑changing experiences annually.AccesSurf’s signature monthly event, “Day at the Beach,” enables participants to surf and enjoy the ocean safely with the help of trained volunteers, adaptive equipment, and accessible infrastructure.The organization also offers programs such as Wounded Warrior Day at the Beach, adaptive swim and surf clinics, adaptive outrigger canoeing, multi‑day surf camps, corporate engagement events, and the Hawai’I Adaptive Surfing Championships. Recently added partnership program on Maui with Kahākūkahi Foundation.Leadership has evolved steadily: Mark Marble served as Executive Director until 2013, followed by Cara Short, who has led an era of rapid growth. AccesSurf has emerged as a respected adaptive sports nonprofit, with a strong volunteer structure and leadership committee guiding logistics and expansion.Position SummaryThe Executive Director (ED) is the visionary leader and operational head of AccesSurf, responsible for advancing the organization’s mission of providing life‑changing accessible water programs for people with disabilities. This role combines strategic vision with day‑to‑day management, ensuring program excellence, financial sustainability, community impact, and the preservation of AccesSurf’s core values—Share the Aloha, Ride the Wave, and Ocean of Possibilities.Key Responsibilities1. Board Governance & Strategic LeadershipPartner with the Board of Directors, staff, and leadership committees to define and execute a strategic vision for growth and long‑term sustainability.Provide timely, transparent communication to the Board to support informed governance and decision‑making.Lead AccesSurf in a manner that supports and guides its mission, values, and strategic plan.2. Program Oversight & Mission FulfillmentOversee design, quality, and evaluation of all programsEnsure consistent safety, training, volunteer coordination, and use of adaptive equipment.Supervise program staff and provide mentorship to ensure mission‑driven, participant‑centered delivery.Ensure programs remain responsive, innovative, and impactful.3. Fundraising, Financial Management & SustainabilityLead and oversee all fundraising activities including grants, sponsorships, special events, donor cultivation, and retail initiatives.Ensure financial integrity, including preparation and submission of annual budgets, monthly financial reports, and compliance with Board‑approved fiscal policies.Develop diverse and sustainable revenue streams to ensure AccesSurf’s long‑term financial health.Optimize resource utilization while maintaining transparent and responsible stewardship.4. Staff, Volunteer & Leadership DevelopmentBuild and sustain a culture of ‘ohana across staff, volunteers, and stakeholders.Oversee the hiring, supervision, and retention of competent, qualified staff.Provide mentorship and leadership to program managers, staff, and volunteer leaders.5. Community Relations, Advocacy & External EngagementServe as the public face of AccesSurf, representing the organization with participants, families, funders, government partners, and media.Enhance AccesSurf’s image by being active and visible in the community.Build and steward partnerships with community organizations, government agencies, corporations, and philanthropic partners.Advocate for accessibility, inclusion, and infrastructure improvements that expand AccesSurf’s reach and impact.6. Board Governance & CollaborationCommunicate effectively with the Board, providing timely, accurate information to enable sound decision‑making.Support and guide the Board in fulfilling its governance responsibilities.Partner with the Board on strategic planning, organizational growth, and community positioning.7. Organizational OperationsEnsure appropriate resources and systems are in place for effective operations.Oversee administrative, financial, and program functions to ensure accountability and efficiency.Collaborate with the Operations Director to optimize day‑to‑day operations while keeping a focus on long‑term goals.QualificationsExperience: Minimum 5–7 years in nonprofit leadership with demonstrated success in organizational growth, ideally within programs serving diverse communities, disability services, or community‑based initiatives (experience with adaptive sports a plus but not required).Programmatic Understanding: Quick study with ability to learn AccesSurf programs, culture, and community while setting clear goals for program growth and sustainability.Strategic & Program Management: Skilled in long‑term planning, program development, and evaluation of community impact.Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills across diverse audiences, with a commitment to inclusion and accessibility.Fundraising Acumen: Skilled in fundraising strategies, grant writing, corporate appeal, donor stewardship.Financial & Operational Management: Proficient in budget planning, resource allocation, financial oversight.Volunteer & Event Operations Management: Experience working with large volunteer bases (AccesSurf has 1,000) and coordinating monthly event logistics.Authenticity & Values Alignment: A collaborative, heartfelt approach that embodies AccesSurf’s spirit of aloha, adaptability, and possibility.Location: Reside in or relocate to the island of Oahu, Hawai’i with deep knowledge of local communities and cultural respect.Education: Bachelor’s degree preferred; advanced degree in nonprofit management, public administration, business, or related field a plus. In lieu of a bachelor’s, an additional 2–4 years of nonprofit management experience may be considered.Compensation: Competitive salary and benefits offered. #J-18808-Ljbffr