Executive Director

About the Institute for Georgia Environmental Leadership (IGEL)

The Institute for Georgia Environmental Leadership (IGEL) was founded in 2001 for the purpose of providing education and leadership training to a range of cross-sector leaders from across Georgia to cultivate collaborative solutions to the State’s most pressing environmental challenges.

Through an annual, multi-session immersive program, IGEL equips participants with the tools, networks, and perspectives to lead boldly and effectively.  Each session is designed to explore a major environmental domain, deepen leadership practice, and ground participants in place-based learning. Participants engage through site visits, dialogue, peer coaching, and exploration of Georgia’s ecological, cultural, and political diversity.  IGEL seeks to instill collaboration, trust-building, deep engagement, and lifelong commitment to environmental leadership as core values.  The following summarizes the overarching Goals of the IGEL Leadership Program.

IGEL is governed by a voluntary Board of Directors, led by the Board Chair and six Committee Chairs.  Committees are organized around Governance, Finance, Resource Development, Selections, Program, and Engagement.  Georgia State University supports IGEL with program management and part time contractors support marketing/communications, bookkeeping, and accounting for the organization.

The IGEL program is well established and well respected with more than 650 alumni.  IGEL seeks to:

• Continue to deliver an excellent annual educational and leadership program;
• Build on the reputation of the program and its financial, programmatic and operational sustainability; and
• Enhance value to alumni and the State with additional engagement of the network on relevant environmental challenges in Georgia and related leadership training.

Job Description

IGEL seeks an experienced Executive Director (ED) who can balance strategic vision with hands-on management, ensuring IGEL remains financially stable, operationally efficient, and mission focused.  The ED will report directly to the Board of Directors (BoD) and will work collaboratively in setting and implementing the organization’s long-term strategy while managing day-to-day operations, including managing all support staff and contractors. The ED will work closely with IGEL’s Committee Chairs to oversee critical functions such as fundraising, financial oversight, staff leadership, program development, and external relations, ensuring that every aspect of IGEL leadership aligns with its overarching mission.

Beyond internal operations, the ED will play a key role in community engagement, by creating and fostering strong relationships with new and existing donors, partners, and stakeholders. The ED will act as an advocate for IGEL, representing the organization’s interests as may be appropriate at local, state, and national levels and will collaborate with the Board to maintain effective governance, making sure that the organization complies with all legal, financial, and ethical obligations.

At its core, the role of the ED will be responsible for guiding IGEL toward measurable, sustainable success while ensuring that IGEL remains aligned with its mission. This will require a Leader who is passionate, strategic, driven, adaptable, and capable of making critical decisions consistent with IGEL’s core value.

Key Responsibilities

The following summarize the key responsibilities of the ED to be performed in coordination and collaboration with the Board.

1. Operational Oversight
   • Organizational Management: Oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the organization. Work closely with the Board Chair, Committee Chairs and IGEL support staff to implement priorities and any enhanced services. Direct, manage and review duties and responsibilities of support staff and contractors.
   • Compliance: Ensure that the organization adheres to all legal and regulatory requirements.
   • Policy Development: Develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure efficient operation.
2. Leadership and Management
   • Board Collaboration: Work closely with the Board to define and communicate the organization’s vision and direction.
   • Vision and Strategy: Collaborate with the Board to lead the development and implementation of strategies that align with the organization’s mission and goals.
   • Team Leadership: Foster a positive and inclusive work environment with the Board Chair, Committee Chairs, Board Members, and support staff and facilitators.
3. Financial Management
   • Budgeting: In collaboration with the Finance Chair, develop and manage the organization’s budget. Ensure financial stability and sustainability.
   • Fundraising: Lead in collaboration with the Resource Development Committee Chair to develop fundraising strategy and oversee fundraising efforts, including grant writing, donor cultivation, and fundraising events. Participate with Resource Development Committee Members and other Board members in fundraising efforts. Fundraising is key to the success of IGEL. Developing a strategy and implementation will be key to success of the ED.
   • Financial Reporting: Work closely with the Finance Committee Chair to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting to the Board and other stakeholders.
4. Community and Public Relations
   • Advocacy: Represent the organization in the community and advocate for its mission and programs.
   • Partnerships: Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, community leaders, and other nonprofit organizations.
   • Communications: Oversee the development and implementation of marketing and communications strategies to enhance the organization’s public image and outreach.
5. Strategic Planning
   • Long-term Planning: Lead the organization in the development of long-term strategic plans to ensure growth and sustainability.
   • Goal Setting: Set and monitor goals and objectives to achieve strategic priorities.
6. Board Administration and Support
   • Board Meetings: Prepare for and participate in Board meetings in collaboration with the Board Chair. Provide timely and accurate information to the board.
   • Governance: Assist the Board in the development and implementation of the best practices of governance.

Desired Skills and Qualifications

Below are the skills and qualifications IGEL desire, ensuring that the successful ED candidate can lead with confidence, drive organizational growth, and create lasting impact for IGEL.  While it is not likely that any one candidate will have all the skills and qualifications described below, an ideal candidate will display the following professional and personal qualities, skills, and characteristics:

1. Leadership Skills
   • Ability to inspire and motivate staff, volunteers, and the community.
   • Proven experience leading nonprofit strategic planning and execution.
   • Drive for organization success and financial sustainability.
2. Financial Acumen
   • Strong understanding of nonprofit financial management.
   • Direct experience with budgeting, financial reporting, and fundraising.
3. Communication Skills
   • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
   • Ability to effectively represent the organization to stakeholders and the public.
4. Problem-solving Skills
   • Strong analytical and strategic problem-solving abilities.
   • Ability to make sound decisions under pressure and in a timely manner.
5. Interpersonal Skills
   • Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong relationships with the Board, staff, donors, and community partners.
   • Strong negotiation and conflict-resolution skills.

Employment Arrangement and Compensation

 IGEL anticipates that the successful candidate will be engaged as a contract employee. Compensation will be in the $80 – 90k range, commensurate with the successful candidate’s experience and agreed-upon level of effort for the position (full time or part time).  In addition, the Executive Director will be allotted a $10k budget for work travel, meals, and other approved IGEL business related efforts. The Executive Director will submit invoices monthly or bi-monthly or some expenses may be paid directly by IGEL.  While IGEL is open to considering all compensation arrangements, no other employment benefits are anticipated currently.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit a detailed resume and letter of interest to IGEL (). Preference will be given to applications received by October 3, 2025.  A short list of potential candidates will be interviewed through October and early November 2025.  IGEL’s goal is to engage an Executive Director in Q4 2025.  Please direct all questions to IGEL via .