Surfrider Spirit Sessions Executive Director

Job Description

Job Description

Executive Director Job Posting

About Surfrider Spirit Sessions 

Since 2006, Surfrider Spirit Sessions has used surfing, mentoring, and community engagement to help adjudicated and at-risk youth build confidence, develop life and pre-employment skills, embrace healthy lifestyles, and become part of positive, productive communities.

Position Overview: SSS is seeking a mission-driven Executive Director to provide strategic leadership while remaining actively engaged in programs and day-to-day operations. Working closely with the Board of Directors, Board of Advisors, staff, volunteers, and community partners, the Executive Director will lead organizational development, program effectiveness, fundraising, communications, and long-term sustainability.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Organizational Development: Guide strategic and financial planning, budgeting, operations, compliance, and organizational growth. Develop sustainable community and corporate partnerships and maintain strong relationships with board members, partners, referral agencies, and community stakeholders.

Program Leadership: Establish program goals and measurable outcomes; oversee program development and implementation; support staff training; and ensure high-quality, effective services and meaningful program evaluation.

Fundraising & Community Engagement: Lead fundraising strategy, grant research, writing, reporting, donor development, and partnership building. Serve as a key spokesperson for SSS and oversee communications, public relations, social media, newsletters, and outreach. Support the Board in fundraising activities, including the annual Surf to the Turf Golf Tournament .

Qualifications:

• 10+ years of leadership experience in business or nonprofit management, including strategic planning, fundraising, budgeting, and supervision of staff and volunteers.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic nonprofit environment.
• Familiarity with Hawaiʻi's local culture and business/community networks.
• Excellent written, verbal, public speaking, and relationship-building skills.
• Bachelor's degree or higher; Marketing, Communications, Business, or a related field preferred.
• Strong commitment to the SSS mission and serving youth.
• Ability to work weekends and irregular hours as needed.
• Comfortable in an ocean-focused environment; intermediate or advanced surfing ability is a plus.
• CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is a plus.
• Previous experience as an SSS mentor, instructor, or volunteer is a plus.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Adobe Acrobat, and Mac computers.

The ideal Executive Director is a hands-on nonprofit leader, relationship builder, fundraiser, and strategic thinker who combines strong business and organizational skills with a genuine passion for youth development, community service, and the ocean.