What We Do - Think globally. Act locally. It starts at home.

This is the guiding mantra of Heal the Ocean (HTO), a Santa Barbara-based non-profit committed to cutting off pollution sources to the ocean, groundwater and watersheds, with a focus on upgrading wastewater disposal. Founded in 1998 as a grassroots citizen action group, HTO initially embarked on a successful 15-year project to convert seven miles of septic systems to public sewer systems along the Santa Barbara coast. Now, with a loyal membership base of over 3000 community members, HTO has grown into a trusted and responsive leader, and a powerful advocate for a cleaner, healthier ocean.

With a $1M operating budget and a passionate, dedicated team, HTO drives practical, science-based solutions to combat wastewater pollution, ocean dumping, and water contamination. Heal the Ocean advances innovative research and programs, and promotes ocean policy initiatives, with a proven track record of collaboration in spearheading major ocean health projects.

Central to HTO’s success is its focus on collaborative solutions and relationship building to reach its goals, not litigation. By partnering with government agencies and local communities, HTO continues to champion initiatives that heal the ocean and inspire lasting environmental stewardship, including:

• Summerland Seafloor: In collaboration with the State Lands Commission, this project involves advocating for funds for the capping of leaking oil wells off the Summerland Coast, as well as funding a detailed geological study to help guide a coordinated plan for the capping of the wells.
• Sea Level Rise: Tackles the risks of sea level rise by addressing its effects on coastal soil and groundwater contamination, and taking a 3-pronged approach to move back from the coast.
• Removing Boat Wrecks: Removes hazardous boat wrecks from beaches to prevent further pollution and marine habitat damage.
• Keeping Styrofoam Out of Landfills: Developed, manages, and funds a Styrofoam recycling program. Since its inception in 2021, over 50,000 lbs. of Styrofoam have been diverted from the Tajiguas Landfill, helping to reduce this toxic plastic waste in the ocean.
• Protecting Groundwater: Focuses on eliminating septic systems that pollute groundwater and endanger local drinking water supplies.
• Promoting Recycled Water: Locates funding for converting waste(d) water into usable water.
• Homeless Camp Cleanups: Organizes cleanups of abandoned homeless encampments to safeguard the ocean from pollution, especially camps located by rivers, creeks, and beaches.
• Dog Waste Bag Program: Allocates $20-$30k annually to fund dog waste bags for parks, beaches and trails across Santa Barbara, promoting cleaner public spaces and environmental health.

LEADERSHIP & CULTURE

Under the visionary leadership of Co-Founder and Executive Director Hillary Hauser, HTO is a leading non-profit in Santa Barbara and beyond. HTO’s important work has drawn accolades from the City and County of Santa Barbara, as well as the State of California, and community partners. HTO is guided by a dedicated Board of seven community members, working collaboratively with a dynamic team of three full-time staff and a network of passionate consultants.

Together, the team members of HTO share an unwavering commitment to protecting the health of our ocean and expanding HTO’s approach to tackling the problem. Looking to the future, HTO has embarked on a national search to find its next Executive Director. This presents a unique opportunity for a new leader to build upon Hillary’s remarkable 26-year legacy, further expanding HTO’s impact and ensuring a continued focus on collaborative solutions to heal the ocean .

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Salary – $150,000 - $175,000
• Health insurance stipend
• 401(k) with a 3% employer match
• PTO: 10 paid days off, 48 hours of accrued paid sick days, 11 paid holidays
• End of year bonus
• Floating holidays
• Full-time employees have 2nd and 4th Friday off each month

LOCATION

This is an in-person role with an office space in downtown Santa Barbara, CA.

POSITION SUMMARY

This is an exceptional opportunity to lead one of the region’s premier ocean health organizations. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director (ED) will build on HTO’s strong reputation and legacy of success to drive future growth and amplify its impact with innovative strategies. The ED will foster increased community and donor engagement, diversify revenue streams, and advance impactful local and state initiatives across projects, practices, and policy. He or she will oversee an annual operating budget of $1+M and lead a talented HTO team, including two direct reports: Operations Manager and Policy Analyst. In this highly visible and collaborative role, the ED will work closely with the Board, staff, local agencies, elected officials, wastewater management entities, and environmental groups to champion ocean health and drive measurable outcomes. As a respected thought leader in the community, the ED will proactively engage with the public, serve as a key liaison between the community and agencies responsible for pollution prevention, and be a bridge to promote meaningful environmental stewardship.

Strategic priorities for the ED include:

• Leadership and Community Engagement : Foster meaningful relationships with stakeholders, recognizing and honoring their roles and contributions. Actively represent HTO on committees and boards that align with the organization’s mission and strategic objectives.
• Development: Expand and diversify funding sources to ensure the long-term sustainability of HTO’s projects and programs.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide inspirational leadership, team building, and growth opportunities for the public as well as staff, while ensuring the effectiveness and efficiency of the organization’s programs and activities.
• Guide the organization through regular strategy and planning sessions to assess programmatic effectiveness, impact, and financial objectives, and to develop new strategic programs.
• Oversee programs to eliminate local sources of ocean pollution through science-based advocacy, fieldwork, and education.
• Advance strategies focused on wastewater technology, beach hazard removal, capping of leaking oil wells, groundwater protection, and strategic planning for sea level rise.
• Refine, create, and implement effective and efficient internal operational policies and procedures.
• Serve as the public advocate and spokesperson for HTO and its need for public and philanthropic investment; support fundraising activities, including grants management, donor stewardship, events, and content creation; cultivate and build relationships and partnerships that enhance programs and advance the mission.
• Work with staff to develop and implement comprehensive donor engagement and marketing and communications plans.
• Lead budget development and management at the organizational and programmatic levels.
• Develop long-term strategies for organizational staffing and structure that ensure HTO’s current and future needs are met.

BACKGROUND PROFILE

• Experience with environmental review processes, regulatory engagement and enforcement, and an understanding of California’s water laws and the roles of key agencies.
• Demonstrated senior leadership and management experience, including strategy and program development, budget development, board engagement, change management, team collaboration, and talent development.
• Capable of advancing ocean policy from strategy to solutions, with ability to develop and adapt strategy in response to evolving needs.
• Successful management experience in overall nonprofit business operations, including direct fiscal/operations, fundraising, program management, and employee and vendor relations.
• Effective communication skills, written and oral; exceptionally well-developed listening skills; ability to inspire a wide audience through public speaking.
• Track record of building effective partnerships with diverse constituencies, including businesses, elected officials, government entities, community organizations, and individuals.
• Strong organization and prioritization skills with the ability to manage several projects simultaneously, with exceptional attention to detail.
• Highly empathetic, exhibiting sound judgment, tact, and diplomacy when dealing with internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated success in driving organizational growth and creating and implementing innovative programs with a data-driven lens.
• An important trait in a successful candidate: a good sense of humor.