Executive Director

Marine Science Institute (MSI) seeks an Executive Director to provide overall leadership and management of the organization and ensure its fiscal health and sustainability. The ED works in close partnership with the Board of Directors and provides professional, strategic leadership to achieve MSI’s mission and strategic objectives.

The ideal Executive Director is an energetic organizational leader with significant experience in experiential education or related situations. They lead with an engaging, authentic personality and the confidence, humility, and emotional intelligence to work with a talented staff and engaged board at an important time in MSI’s evolution.

The ED must have a deep history of values-based leadership, high-level fundraising and relationship skills, and the proven ability to navigate complex, changing organizational and mission delivery environments. Additionally, the ideal candidate will be creative and entrepreneurial in achieving MSI’s mission and maintaining the organization as a leader in the field of science education in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Compensation

This is a full-time, exempt, benefit-eligible position. The anticipated annual salary range for this position is $195,000–$240,000, commensurate with experience. The range provided is an estimate and will be evaluated on an individual basis, taking into consideration the candidate’s knowledge, skills, abilities, experience, and education. 

Location

The Executive Director works from the Marine Science Institute headquarters in Redwood City, California. 

The position requires the ability to be on-site on a regular basis. Travel is required to program sites and partner locations throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and coast. Occasional night and weekend work is necessary in coordination with program and operational needs. The Executive Director must be comfortable working indoors and outdoors, including on the water and along the natural coastal landscape.

The ideal candidate will have outstanding interpersonal and relational skills and excel at developing, leveraging, and advancing education and stewardship work with integrity, accountability, and humanity. The position works with a wide variety of people, including MSI staff and board members, as well as school leaders, donors, partners, government agencies, and community leaders. Additionally, the ideal candidate will be creative and entrepreneurial in achieving MSI’s mission and maintaining the organization as a leader in the field of science education in the San Francisco Bay Area.

MSI’s full-time employee benefits package includes:

• Two weeks paid time off and 10 sick days annually

• One additional week paid time off during year-end holidays

• Health insurance coverage through Kaiser Permanente and $170/month toward employee health coverages

• 403(b) retirement plan with 5% employer match

To Apply

Visit potrerogroup.com/msi and select “Apply Here.” Please include a resume and a cover letter describing your qualifications that match the position criteria.

Interested and qualified candidates should apply by January 9, 2026, for priority consideration. The position is open until filled.