5 Gyres Executive Director Position Description
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.
Who You Must Be
We seek a leader who embodies:
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
Key Responsibilities
1. 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
2. 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
3. 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
4. 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
5. 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
6. 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
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
Compensation & 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
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
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.
Interested applicants should send the following to careers@5gyres.org:
Resume
Cover Letter
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 1-page follow-up email or letter summarizing the ask.
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.