Job Description

About the Cahaba River Coalition

The Cahaba River Coalition (CRC) is a newly unified environmental organization formed through the 2025 merger of Cahaba River Society and Cahaba Riverkeeper. Together, we combine decades of scientific expertise, advocacy, water-quality monitoring, environmental education, and community stewardship to protect Alabama’s longest free-flowing river, one of the most biodiverse waterways in North America.

CRC activates thousands of students, volunteers, and community members each year through hands-on science education, river cleanups, paddling programs, and stewardship activities. As the Waterkeeper Alliance member for the Cahaba River, we hold polluters accountable and contribute to national studies on PFAS, microplastics, and emerging contaminants.

With a unified mission, committed staff, and an engaged Board of Directors, CRC is poised for a new era of impact, innovation, and statewide conservation leadership.

The Executive Director Opportunity

CRC seeks an experienced, strategic, relationship-driven Executive Director to guide this newly merged organization into its next chapter. This is a rare opportunity to lead a respected conservation nonprofit at a moment of transformation, bringing together two strong legacies, a unified mission, and a committed community of partners.

The Executive Director will guide strategic planning, fundraising growth, program integration, organizational culture, and external partnerships while inspiring a broad coalition to protect one of America’s most extraordinary rivers.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• Unite staff behind CRC’s mission, culture, and strategic direction.
• Lead development and execution of a new strategic plan.
• Represent CRC with partners, funders, policymakers, and the public.

Fundraising & External Relations

• Cultivate and secure support from individuals, foundations, corporations, and government agencies.
• Strengthen visibility and public awareness of CRC’s mission and programs.
• Serve as a compelling spokesperson for clean water and river protection.

People & Culture

• Mentor and support staff; foster an inclusive, collaborative workplace.
• Encourage shared accountability, open communication, and learning.
• Support ongoing cultural integration following the merger.

Operations & Finance

• Oversee financial planning, budgeting, compliance, and internal systems.
• Strengthen policies, processes, and infrastructure to support growth.

Board Partnership

• Collaborate with an engaged Board of Directors to advance CRC’s mission.
• Support board effectiveness and participation in fundraising.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

Essential Qualifications

• 5+ years of senior nonprofit leadership.
• Proven fundraising experience and donor stewardship.
• Strategic planning and execution experience.
• Strong team leadership and communication skills.
• Commitment to environmental stewardship and community well-being.
• High emotional intelligence, humility, and collaborative leadership.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in environmental conservation, water issues, or advocacy.
• Familiarity with Alabama or the Southeast.
• Experience leading organizations through change or growth.

Location

The organization and position are headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, with a hybrid/in-office schedule. Remote arrangements will not be considered.

Compensation

This role offers a salary range of $120,000–$150,000. The actual salary offered will depend on a variety of factors, including relevant professional experience, depth of senior leadership, and demonstrated qualifications aligned with the position

Relocation assistance for uniquely qualified candidates will be considered.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS

The Cahaba River Coalition has retained ThinkingAhead Executive Search’s Nonprofit Division. For more information or to apply please go to our website:

To ensure full consideration, please submit your application by January 31st, 2026. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

For further information or questions, please contact:

Kay Linder, Partner, Nonprofit Division

klinder@thinkingahead.com

Heather Campbell, Partner, Nonprofit Division

hcampbell@thinkingahead.com

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