Organization: Coastal QuestPosition Type: Full-timeLocation: San Diego, CA at Coastal Quest office Organization Description:Coastal Quest is a 501(c)3 nonprofit working collaboratively with communities to build a more resilient coast by increasing inclusive, science-based planning, governance, financing, and project implementation for a just, prosperous, and sustainable future. Coastal Quest works around the world, from white water to blue water, on lakes and shorelines, and at the land-water connection. We provide project management, science and technical expertise, connect partners with financial and human resources, contract management, grantmaking, and facilitate public-private partnerships. We are purposefully nimble, designed to solve multifaceted and complex coastal issues. We are here to achieve resilience goals, reduce threats, and implement solutions. Essential Functions:The coastal ecosystems focused Director will support Coastal Quest’s goals to build multi-benefit solutions for healthy and resilient coasts and increase coastal resiliency for vulnerable communities and economies. The Director will lead and deliver work with the Coastal Quest team and partners to strengthen capacity and enhance coastal management for people, nature, and climate; oversee and implement existing projects and partnerships; spend ~50% time working with California State Parks San Diego Coast District on adaptation planning solutions, including coastal ecosystem restoration and nature-based and grey-green climate adaptation projects for public access and park infrastructure; lead other projects in Southern California; help develop new projects; establish and staff Coastal Quest’s new office in San Diego; represent Coastal Quest; and manage a wide range of projects and programs. Expertise valued includes project management for design and implementation projects, coastal permitting, procurement for public projects, construction contracting, working in coastal habitats with sensitive species, climate adaptation and resilience, water quality, protection, community engagement, and related areas. Programmatic Partner and Grant Management:- Perform partner and program/project area oversight (scoping, work planning, budgeting).- Manage programs and projects to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery.- Design and run workshops and webinars; lead effective community and California Tribe engagement for complex planning; manage grant programs; develop planning documents; conduct research and writing; oversee and provide technical assistance with partners.- Present project findings and provide technical facilitation to stakeholders.- Perform and coordinate QA/QC to ensure high-quality deliverables for grant reporting and funding.- Manage contracts and grants, government invoicing, reporting, and oversight (with Finance Department). Staff Development and Management:- Manage and develop junior- and mid-level staff.- Coordinate with Finance and Operations on project operations; with Communications and Outreach on engagement and education needs.- Demonstrate leadership and uphold Coastal Quest’s core values. Development:- Work and project planning and implementation.- Grow and manage program areas and team.- Develop and achieve financial and fundraising targets.- Cultivate new donors and project opportunities, including fiscally sponsored projects.- Develop and implement winning proposals and report on impact.- Represent Coastal Quest and provide thought leadership.- Establish and maintain strategic relationships to enhance the Mission. Organizational Development:- Support the Executive Director and team in developing culture and implementing systems to professionalize and scale the organization.- Support the Communications Department with content and input (as needed).- Build a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice within programs and organization-wide. Primary Responsibilities:- Provide leadership, subject matter expertise, and project management support for complex climate resilience and adaptation projects; drive successful technical grant proposals; coordinate cross-sector partnerships and engagement with cities, counties, tribes, public agencies, non-profits, community-based organizations, and communities in need of environment and climate justice.- Write technical grant proposals for public and non-profit partners; drive budget development; coordinate multiple proposals; package and submit proposals; perform post-award agreement functions.- Develop workplans; guide and manage multiple proposals, projects and workstreams; set deadlines; manage relationships; ensure accountability.- Ensure programmatic commitments, policies and procedures, financial standards, and legal requirements are met.- Provide fundraising, program, and administrative technical assistance and capacity building for partners and fiscally sponsored projects. Qualifications:- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.- Strong facilitation and conflict management skills; experience working with diverse stakeholders.- Demonstrated project and contract management skills.- Experience winning and managing large public grants.- Excellent verbal and written communication; partnership building skills.- Experience leading complex projects and diverse partners through project development.- Proven track record writing winning grant proposals, workplanning, managing multiple workstreams, delivering programs, and reporting.- Subject matter expertise in climate resilience sectors (e.g., ecosystems, built environment, air and water quality, disaster resilience, wildfire management, etc.).- Experience drafting contracts and grant agreements and management.- Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel basic statistical functions).- Self-starter with sound judgment and problem-solving; able to balance competing priorities and deadlines.- Analytical, strategic, and creative problem-solving approach.- Ability to produce products on time through collaborative processes.- Experience helping teams organize, track, and manage work through work planning.- Experience manipulating, analyzing, and interpreting financial data. Knowledge and Experience:- Interdisciplinary training in natural and social science, resource conservation and management, and/or policy. PhD with 7+ years relevant experience or Masters/MBA with 10+ years relevant experience.- Critical analytical thinking; quantitative/analytical skills; problem-solving; adaptability; significant area of expertise related to Coastal Quest programs and strategies.- Experience managing complex or multiple projects and timelines, including workloads, contracts, budgets, and finances under deadlines.- Experience running and facilitating meetings.- Experience researching, analyzing, and evaluating information from divergent sources; compiling cohesive reports and recommendations.- Experience in partnership development with Tribal nations, business, nonprofit partners, community groups, and/or government agencies.- Demonstrated experience writing winning proposals and reporting on impact.- Applicable experience with grants and contract management; experience using accounting and financial reporting systems; experience with government regulations related to grants and contracts; training with U.S. Federal Uniform Guidance, state/local regulations, and standard contract clauses.- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experiences appreciated. Application Instructions:Please submit a resume along with the following in 1 PDF to info@coastal-quest.org: 1 page cover letter and resume; 1 writing sample; 3 references. Salary: $95,000-$135,000 depending on qualifications and experienceBenefits: Competitive package, including health, eye, dental, 401k, paid time off, holidays and sick leaveClosing Date: Open until filled and start reviewing resumes June 5, 2026Location: San Diego, CA in-person office hours expected with travel across region and to Coastal Quest headquarters in Oakland, CA.