Non-Profit Executive Director

About EarthEcho International

Founded in 2005 by Philippe and Alexandra Cousteau to honor their father, Philippe Cousteau Sr., son of legendary explorer Jacques-Yves Cousteau. EarthEcho International’s mission is to build a global youth movement to protect and restore our ocean planet, a critical part of creating a sustainable and equitable future for all. With a reach of over 2 million people in 150+ countries, EarthEcho is a premier youth-focused environmental organization with ambitious growth plans to more than double its operating budget and funding in the next five years.

EarthEcho has a passionate team of nine full-time employees with the strong support of a dedicated Board of Directors and a solid network of funding and programmatic partners. EarthEcho is also supported by a network of highly engaged EarthEcho Youth Program alumni.

EarthEcho International envisions a world where every individual, from all backgrounds and experiences, has the opportunity and tools to create a healthy and thriving environment. Our mission is to build a global youth movement to protect and restore our ocean planet. Our three strategic goals are:

• Fostering Youth Leadership
• Mobilizing Communities
• Educating Teachers & Training Students

Learn more at

The Opportunity

EarthEcho seeks a visionary, results-driven Executive Director to lead the organization into its next phase of growth. Reporting to the Board of Directors and working closely with co-founder Philippe Cousteau, the Executive Director will have the autonomy to shape strategy, build high-impact partnerships, and expand funding streams. This is a unique opportunity to drive innovation in ocean, climate, and environmental literacy and policy, scale the organization’s influence, and position EarthEcho as a global leader in youth-driven sustainability efforts.

Salary & Benefits

Annual Salary : EarthEcho offers a competitive salary based on experience, with eligibility for additional variable compensation based on results.

Benefits: EarthEcho offers a generous benefits package, including health, dental, vision, and prescription, and paid leave.

Location: Remote, with a preference to the East Coast of the United States, but open to other locations for the ideal candidate.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Organizational Growth

• Set and execute a bold, future-focused vision to scale EarthEcho’s impact.
• Cultivate and maintain high-level relationships with Board members, funders, and global partners.
• Lead a high-performing, virtual team while fostering a culture of innovation and inclusion.

Operational Leadership

• Oversee and manage all operational aspects of the organization, including legal, finance, and human resources. Note: EarthEcho currently has contract/outside resources to support the ED in the performance of these operational functions.
• Lead a team of high-performing staff and consultants working remotely.
• Provide strategic guidance and support the team in executing programmatic plans.
• Seek opportunities for staff professional development.
• Maintain relationships with programmatic partners along with other EarthEcho senior staff.

Fundraising & Development

• Demonstrate a proven track record of raising a minimum of six-figure gifts through corporate, foundation, and individual fundraising.
• Develop and execute a multi-year, diversified fundraising strategy to expand revenue from foundations, corporate sponsors, and major individual donors.
• Serve as EarthEcho’s chief ambassador, forging high-value partnerships to drive financial and programmatic growth.
• Engage the Board and key stakeholders to strengthen EarthEcho’s funding network.
• Leverage the Candidate’s established network of relationships with funders to secure financial support and expand EarthEcho’s reach.

Program & Financial Management

• Oversee staff who are responsible for program execution, ensuring measurable impact and alignment with strategic goals.
• Ensure financial sustainability by creating and managing the annual budget, optimizing resources, and maintaining financial health.
• Identify and pursue growth opportunities based on emerging sustainability trends and youth engagement strategies.

Communications & Advocacy

• Elevate EarthEcho’s global brand, leveraging the Cousteau legacy to position the organization as a thought leader in youth environmental action.
• Represent EarthEcho at major conferences, policy discussions, and media engagements as a thought leader to elevate the organization’s visibility and impact
• Guide a comprehensive communications strategy to amplify EarthEcho’s reach and influence. Note: EarthEcho currently utilizes a communications consultant to support these responsibilities.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in business, communications, or a related field.
• 5+ years of not-for-profit executive leadership experience.
• Proven success in scaling organizations and securing diverse funding streams.
• Strong financial and operational acumen with the ability to drive organizational sustainability.
• Exceptional relationship-building, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Connection to EarthEcho’s mission and vision
• Ability to and interest in travel to support the organizations objectives (~25%-50%).

Preferred:

• Experience working with a founder-led organization and board leadership.
• Deep understanding of environmental and ocean issues, sustainability, and/or youth programming.
• Proven ability to lead and scale a virtual team effectively.
• Experience working within a small team with minimal administrative support and, where appropriate, some outside contractor support.
• Commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, with experience fostering engagement of underrepresented communities in environmental programs and actions.
• Thrives on innovation and problem-solving.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume. A cover letter is required to demonstrate communication skills and passion for the role. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

EarthEcho International is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work and encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.