Director, Mobile Bay National Estuary Program

Posted on: August 1, 2025

Are you a seasoned environmental leader passionate about safeguarding Alabama’s precious coastal resources? The Mobile Bay National Estuary Program (MBNEP), a division of the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, seeks an experienced Director to spearhead our mission of protecting and improving the health of Mobile Bay and its estuaries.

About the Role

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.

  • Status: Administrative Exempt - Salary
  • Reports to: DISL Executive Director, Management Conference Executive Committee Co-chairs
  • Supervisory Responsibility: The Director directly supervises nine employees.

Essential Job Duties

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.

We’re Looking for

  • 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. Check out our website at www.mobilebaynep.com.

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.