Director

DIRECTOR


Who We Are

Mobile Bay National Estuary Program (MBNEP) is a non-regulatory program of the U.S. EPA and a division of the Dauphin Island Sea Lab. It is one of 28 programs around the country working to safeguard and improve the health of some of the nation’s most important coastal waters.

For more than a quarter century, the MBNEP has worked promote the wise stewardship of Alabama’s estuaries and coast. To achieve this, MBNEP brings together community members, government agencies, businesses, nonprofits, academics, and other key partners to develop and implement a management plan--a scientific blueprint or long-term plan (the CCMP) prescribing specific actions to address water quality, living resource, and community resilience challenges of Coastal Alabama. MBNEP is guided by a Management Conference of more than 300 local leaders and stakeholders.

From large-scale watershed restorations to scientific monitoring, citizen input, local capacity building, invasive species eradication, scientific monitoring, pollution prevention and reduction, and citizen education—MBNEP focuses on protecting what people value about living on the Alabama coast: Access; shorelines; fish and wildlife; heritage and culture; ecosystem resilience, and water quality.

Job Description

The Director is responsible for the successful leadership and management of the MBNEP, guided by the strategic direction set by the Management Conference. This pivotal role encompasses three primary responsibilities:

  1. Elevate MBNEP’s Influence: Enhance MBNEP’s importance across coastal Alabama, the state, and the Gulf Coast region through leadership of its Management Conference and Executive Committee, fostering increased commitment and investment in coastal management.
  2. Lead CCMP Implementation: Oversee the creation, effective implementation, and ongoing updating of the CCMP through program office activities and Management Conference engagement.
  3. Ensure Programmatic Excellence: Direct the financial, grants, and overall programmatic management to ensure MBNEP’s work is timely, science-based, and supported by adequate human and financial resources.
  4. Status: Administrative Exempt - Salary
  5. Reports to: DISL Executive Director, Management Conference Executive Committee Co-chairs
  6. Supervisory Responsibility: The Director directly supervises nine employees.

Essential Functions

Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy: Build and maintain strong relationships with community groups, elected officials, private industry, and other National Estuary Programs. Serve as key liaison to the Executive Committee, facilitating meetings and ensuring members are informed and engaged. Represent MBNEP externally to partners, media, political leaders, and the public, participating in regional and national environmental coordination efforts.

Strategic Planning & Implementation: Facilitate the vision and strategic plan for CCMP development and updates. Oversee CCMP publication, annual progress reports, and leverage successful implementation for policy changes.

Financial & Grant Management: Lead relations with EPA and other funders, direct grant administration and reporting, and develop long-term finance strategies. Oversee budget preparation, fundraising efforts, and expenditure approval.

Program & Operations Oversight: Ensure programs align with MBNEP’s mission and Management Conference priorities. Monitor day-to-day program delivery, oversee special projects, and direct overall program administration (personnel, planning, contracts).

Human Resources Leadership: Determine staffing needs, oversee HR policies, recruit, train, and manage staff performance, including coaching and disciplinary actions.

This is a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact on the future of Alabama’s coast, working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders from government agencies, businesses, non-profits, and community members.

Qualifications

  • A Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Business Administration, Political Science, or a related field (PhD a plus).
  • 10+ years of professional experience in environmental engineering, science, land-use planning, or natural resource management, with at least 5 years in a supervisory or managerial capacity.
  • Deep understanding of the National Estuary Program and relevant environmental policies and regulations.
  • Proven strategic leadership and experience in managing complex, multi-stakeholder environmental initiatives.
  • Exceptional communication, analytical, and decision-making skills, with a track record of building strong relationships and securing funding.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Join a dedicated team committed to protecting what people value about living on the Alabama coast: access, shorelines, fish and wildlife, heritage and culture, ecosystem resilience, and water quality.

For additional details about the job or the Dauphin Island Sea Lab reach out to Human Resources - Chris Shaw at hrjobs@disl.edu.

Resume/CV with a letter of interest can be submitted to hrjobs@disl.edu.

Resume review will begin on August 29, 2025 and continue until a suitable applicant is selected.


The Mobile Bay National Estuary Program/Dauphin Island Sea Lab is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. DISL does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.