Lead a trusted watershed organization into its next chapter

Tillamook Estuaries Partnership is seeking its next Executive Director: a mission-enabling, people-centered, externally credible leader  to help TEP stay focused, well-resourced, trusted, and effective as it advances conservation and restoration work across Tillamook County’s estuaries and watersheds.

TEP is the National Estuary Program for Tillamook County, Oregon. We conserve and restore the county’s estuaries and watersheds through science, restoration, monitoring, education, and partnership. The organization is respected, effective, and deeply rooted in place, with expert staff, strong partner relationships, and a reputation built on credible, science-based work.

The organization is entering an important and exciting chapter in a shifting funding landscape. It’s  public visibility is increasing, and the Estuary Science Center is moving from vision toward reality — a new facility for estuary research, education, and community connection on Tillamook Bay.

The next Executive Director will build upon what already makes TEP trusted and effective, while strengthening the strategy, funding, systems, partnerships, staff support, and public presence needed for the next stage of impact.

This is also a place-based leadership opportunity on the Oregon Coast, where the mission is visible in the landscape every day: estuaries, bays, rivers, working lands, coastal forests, small towns, and the Pacific Ocean. For the right candidate, Tillamook County offers far more than a beautiful setting. The new director will find life shaped by beautiful landscapes, close community ties, and daily connection to land and water.

The opportunity

This role is for a leader  energized by both people and mission. TEP already has strong technical expertise. The Executive Director’s job is not to be the lead scientist or sole technical authority. The job creates conditions for expert staff to thrive, protect the credibility of the science, strengthen the organization’s resources, and help more people understand why TEP’s work matters.

The right leader will be visible outside the organization and trusted inside it. They will be comfortable building relationships with funders, agencies, local governments, donors, landowners, partners, and community members. They will also stay close enough to the staff and work to make sound decisions, support the team well, and understand the realities behind the mission.  He or she will recognize and capitalize upon individual staff strengths, avoid micromanagement and skillfully delegate.

TEP needs a leader who can listen deeply, learn before acting, work across different perspectives, and help the organization make disciplined choices. This is a role for someone who leads with humility and credibility, builds trust patiently, and understands that in a rural, relationship-driven community, presence and follow-through matter.

What you will lead

Vision, focus, and mission alignment

You will help TEP clarify and carry forward its long-term vision, multi-year priorities, CCMP alignment, and operational focus. You will help the organization decide what to pursue, what to delay, and how to keep major initiatives aligned with the core watershed mission.

A thriving expert team

You will create the conditions for staff to do excellent work: clarity, trust, support, accountability, strong communication, and operating rhythms that help people stay aligned and bring their best thinking forward.

Funding strategy and financial sustainability

You will lead a durable, mission-aligned funding strategy that protects TEP’s public and federal funding base while growing major donor, corporate, foundation, and philanthropic support.

Science-based trust and partnerships

You will protect and strengthen TEP’s reputation as a trusted, science-based resource. You will represent the organization with credibility, communicate complex work clearly, and convene people and groups with different interests around shared watershed priorities.

Board partnership and governance effectiveness

You will work closely with the Board so it has the information, role clarity, strategic context, and decision-ready support needed to govern well and partner effectively with the Executive Director.

How to apply

Application Process:  

To apply, please submit the following documents as either .pdf or Word files by email: 

1. A resume.  Applicant’s contact information must include mailing address, phone number, and email address.  
2. A statement of qualifications and interest that does not exceed two full, single-spaced pages.
   •  Page 1 – Describe your relevant experience and why you want to work for TEP.  This should include the size of the organization(s) where you have worked (e.g. number of employees, annual operating budget(s), and how long you have been in leadership roles). 
   • Page 2 – Respond to the following three questions: 
     • How would you describe your leadership style? 
     • What has been your fundraising experience? 
     • What strategies would you use for building trust in a community new to you? 
   • Three professional references.  Each reference must include the person’s name, email address, phone number (if within this United States), and the person’s affiliation (link to your resume).  
3. Three professional references.  Each reference must include the person’s name, email address, phone number (if within this United States), and the person’s affiliation (link to your resume).  

Please send your application materials to TEP Board of Directors at info@tbnep.org. In your application email, please share how you found the job opening.   Applications will be accepted until 5:00pm (Pacific Time), Sunday, August 2nd, 2026.  Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.  

 TEP will review applications in early August.  All applicants will be contacted by email and advised whether or not they are proceeding to the interview phase of the selection process.  Interviews will be conducted in person or via Zoom, depending on the applicant’s location.  The preferred start date for this position is October 1, 2026; the exact date shall be agreed upon by the successful candidate and TEP.  

TEP is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome candidates of all backgrounds and encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every preferred qualification.

Click the button for more information on the Executive Director Position and more details on how to apply.