Executive Director

Position Description for Executive Director of the Chesapeake Research Consortium

Although this position will remain open until filled,please submit your applicationby December 7, 2025 for full consideration.

Please use the form below to apply and note that you will be asked to upload the following 3 documents, preferably as PDFs :

• Single sheet with names and contact information of three references. ( Note : A Search Committee memberwillnotify you and request permission before contacting references.)

The Chesapeake Research Consortium (CRC, www.chesapeake.org), a regional 501(c)(3) located near Annapolis, MD, seeks an experienced environmental scientist and leader to serve as its next Executive Director.

Established in 1972, CRC represents some of the most active research institutions in the U.S., including Old Dominion University, Smithsonian Institution, The Johns Hopkins University, University System of Maryland, Penn State, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, and Virginia Tech. CRC’s primary mission is to support long-term basic and applied research addressing coastal issues, ranging from land-based watershed considerations to rigorous investigation of water quality and living resources in its aquatic ecosystems. CRC fully enables its member institutions and broader scientific community in the region to inspire and implement solutions for understanding and managing of the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed. This is achieved through defining, coordinating, and disseminating the research and education that inform science-based management. To translate this mission into strategic action, CRC embraces four enabling roles : (1) convening managers and science providers, (2) creating pathways for emerging environmental professionals, (3) building platforms for sharing knowledge and developing solutions, and (4) supporting member institutions in the research and education efforts relevant to Chesapeake Bay partnership efforts.

Roles and Responsibilities

Below are some specific responsibilities of CRC’s Executive Director. Interested candidates should review the CRC website for more information about our organization and the full range of activities associated with the position.

Organizational Leadership

Partnerships and Program Support

Organizational Growth / Resource Development

The Executive Director is not expected to maintain an active research program. Frequent regional and occasional national / international meeting participation is expected. Continued affiliation within a partnering institution is possible, or alternatively employment and benefits may be provided directly through the CRC.

Desired Skills and Background

The ideal candidate would possess the following skills and background. If you meet at least 4 of the 6 items listed below, we strongly encourage you to apply. We welcome inclusion of nontraditional or nonformal education and experiences, volunteer, and lived experience that contribute to your fit for this role.

Additional Information

The position will remain open until filled. To apply, please submit your application through our website ( https : / / chesrescon.typeform.com / to / KvaN7JUM ) by December 7, 2025 for full consideration. A completed application includes a cover letter, resume / CV, and a separate document with the names and contact information of three references. A Search Committee member will notify you and request permission before contacting references.

Questions about the position?

Please contact Bill Dennison ( dennison@umces.edu ), Chair, CRC Board of Directors, or Melissa Fagan ( faganm@chesapeake.org ), CRC Interim Executive Director.

The Chesapeake Research Consortium recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, gender identity (including gender nonconformity and status as a transgender individual), sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

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