Executive Director

The Elkhorn Slough Foundation seeks a dynamic, experienced Executive Director to lead its land conservation, restoration, education, and partnership efforts within the Elkhorn Slough watershed and surrounding communities.

The Executive Director is responsible for the overall leadership and management of the organization and ensures its fiscal health and sustainability. The Executive Director will guide ESF into its next era following the retirement of a long‑term leader who has built a strong foundation of partnerships, conservation impact, and fundraising success.

The Executive Director sets ESF’s core strategic vision and oversees operations, resource development, and partnerships. The Executive Director is the face, voice, and heart of the organization and ESF’s ambassador to local, regional, and national conservation communities, including the National Estuarine Research Reserve System.

ESF seeks a leader with high‑level fundraising and relationship skills and a proven ability to navigate complex, changing organizational and mission delivery environments. The ideal candidate will demonstrate values‑based leadership, possess an engaging personality, and bring the confidence, humility, and emotional intelligence necessary to work effectively with a talented staff, an engaged board, and essential partners at a pivotal time in ESF’s history.

This is a full‑time, exempt, benefit‑eligible position. The anticipated annual salary range for this position is $185,000–$225,000, commensurate with experience.

The Executive Director works from Elkhorn Slough Foundation’s headquarters in Moss Landing, CA. The position requires the ability to be on‑site on a regular basis. Travel will be required to manage partnerships and organizational needs across the region. Occasional night and weekend work will be required in coordination with program and operational needs.

Spring 2026

Visit  and select “Apply Here.” Please include a resume and a cover letter describing your qualifications that match the position criteria.

Interested candidates should apply by January 23, 2026, for priority consideration. The position is open until filled.

For additional information regarding this opportunity, please contact Andrew Leider, Managing Director and Search Lead at Potrero Group, at .

More information about Elkhorn Slough Foundation can be found .