Non-Profit Executive Director

Position Title : Executive Director

Status : Full-Time, Exempt

Location : Hybrid / Remote – West Coast preferred, but open to exceptional candidates elsewhere

Reports To : The 5 Gyres Board of Directors

Salary Range : $130,000 – $150,000 (commensurate with experience)

About The 5 Gyres Institute

The 5 Gyres Institute is a pioneering nonprofit organization at the forefront of the global fight against plastic pollution. For over a decade, we have driven breakthrough science, policy change, and public awareness to address one of the most urgent environmental crises of our time. With plastic production projected to triple by 2060 and microplastics now found in every ecosystem and the human body, the need for bold, science-driven solutions has never been greater.

Our work has influenced major policy wins, advanced groundbreaking research on microplastics and mobilized communities worldwide. With a current, projected annual budget of $1.7 million and a dedicated team with strong scientific credibility, we are poised to dramatically scale our impact at the precise moment when the world is waking up to the plastic crisis.

5 Gyres Core Values

Science

Collaboration

Impact

The Opportunity

This is a rare opportunity to lead a respected, science-based organization through transformative growth during a critical window for plastic pollution solutions. We seek a visionary Executive Director who will lead the strategic vision for the organization, report to the Board of Directors, and be responsible for doubling our capacity and impact over the next five years.

The successful candidate will be a bold advocate, a skilled movement builder, a proven fundraiser, and a strategic leader who can navigate complex stakeholder landscapes – from scientists and policymakers to corporate actors and grassroots activists. You will position 5 Gyres as the go‑to authority on plastic pollution solutions while building the organizational infrastructure to sustain long‑term impact.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Vision & Movement Leadership

Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive 5-year strategic plan to double organizational impact and revenue (from $1.7M to $3-3.4M annually)

Position 5 Gyres as the preeminent voice on science‑based plastic pollution solutions, ensuring we’re at the forefront of emerging issues and policy opportunities

Lead and represent the organization in national and international policy forums, including United Nations convenings, federal and state policy discussions, and multi‑stakeholder coalitions

Build cross‑sector alliances by engaging government agencies, nonprofit partners, industry stakeholders, academic institutions, and philanthropic funders to advance systemic solutions

Define what “doubling impact” means in concrete terms : policies enacted, tons of plastic prevented, communities protected, corporate practices changed

Fundraising & Strategic Partnerships

Engage high‑level partners and funders by translating complex technical and policy issues into compelling narratives that resonate across diverse audiences, from philanthropic leaders to corporate decision‑makers

Leverage experience in philanthropic or nonprofit program management to identify and expand opportunities for mission‑aligned projects and partnerships

Explore and develop earned income opportunities, such as research consulting, advisory services, or training programs, that align with the mission and diversify revenue

Science, Policy & Advocacy Leadership

Champion 5 Gyres’ scientific integrity and ensure our research maintains the highest standards and credibility

Guide advocacy strategy to translate science into policy wins at local, state, national, and international levels

Oversee Advocacy strategy to build relationships with key policymakers, agency staff, and legislative champions

Board Governance & Leadership

Work closely with the Board of Directors to align on organizational priorities, strategic direction, and governance practices

Facilitate effective board meetings that offer meaningful insight into programs, operations, and impact

Enable the board to fulfill fiduciary responsibilities through transparent financial reporting, risk management updates, and compliance assurance

Support board development by identifying and recruiting new directors with needed skills and perspectives

Organizational Excellence & Team Leadership

Build and lead a high‑performing team across science, policy, communications, development, and operations

Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, accountability, and shared mission commitment

Strengthen organizational capacity through strategic program design, effective staff mentorship, and operational efficiency, ensuring resources are maximized to support growth

Implement robust performance management, including clear goals, regular feedback, and advancement pathways

Financial & Operational Management

Ensure fiscal health and integrity through sound financial planning, monitoring, and accountability

Oversee annual budget development and following up through the year, ensuring responsible allocation of resources to maximize impact

Set strategic priorities for resource investment, risk management, and financial sustainability

Ensure competitive and equitable compensation and benefits for all staff

Requirements / Who You Must Be

Deep expertise in plastic pollution, environmental advocacy, or related fields, with credibility among scientists, policymakers, and advocates

Entrepreneurial vision with a track record of scaling organizations or initiatives

Unshakeable commitment to science‑based solutions and environmental justice

Collaborative spirit that empowers teams and builds coalitions

Political savvy to navigate complex policy environments and industry opposition

Communication excellence that translates complex science for diverse audiences

Qualifications

Required : At least 10 years of progressive leadership experience in the conservation or environmental field within nonprofit, state government, or federal government sectors

Recognized experience as a spokesperson and media representative, with a proven track record of effective public speaking and advocacy at high‑profile events, conferences, and policy forums

Proven fundraising success, including personally securing major gifts, foundation grants, or corporate partnerships; comfortable asking for and closing six‑ and seven‑figure investments

Demonstrated ability to forge partnerships and align interests across diverse stakeholders, from grassroots communities to international policymakers, industry leaders, and academic institutions

Demonstrated experience scaling organizations through significant growth phases

Experience working with boards of directors, including board development and governance

Strong capacity to translate complex scientific and policy concepts into compelling messages that inspire action from donors, policymakers, and the public

Financial acumen sufficient to oversee budgets, financial planning, and fiscal management

Strongly Preferred

Experience in controversial or high‑stakes advocacy requiring navigation of opposition

Scientific background or training that enables deep engagement with research

Crisis communications or rapid response experience

Travel Requirements

This position requires up to 40% travel, including :

Domestic and international travel for conferences, funder meetings, and partnership development

Policy advocacy trips to state capitals, Washington, DC, and potentially international venues

Field visits to sites impacted by plastic pollution or research expeditions

Speaking engagements and media appearances

Working Conditions

Working conditions are characteristic of a hybrid office / remote setting. Physical demands include :

Extended computer work and virtual meetings

Occasional physical activities associated with field visits or events

5 Gyres Commitment to Diversity

5 Gyres is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to ensuring an equitable, just, diverse, and inclusive work environment for all, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, family or parental status, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

To Apply

5 Gyres Institute is committed to building a diverse team and strongly encourages applications from people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and others from historically marginalized communities.

Application Materials

Resume, cover letter, and a two touchpoints answering the following question : “How would you communicate 5 Gyres’ mission to a major donor who’s new to the issue of microplastics?”

Record a short, iPhone‑style video answering the following, no more than 2‑3 minutes. This is not about production value, but about your communication style :

A short 3–5 minute oral pitch (present live on Zoom or record it)

A 1‑page follow‑up email or letter summarizing the ask.

Benefits

Salary : $130,000 – $150,000 commensurate with experience

Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance and generous PTO

Professional development support

Flexible hybrid / remote work arrangements

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