Fractional Chief Executive Officer

MERIS (Marine, Economic, and Research Institute for Sustainability) is an emerging nonprofit based in Blaine, WA, where marine research, education, and innovation intersect with policy, culture, and community. The Fractional CEO will lead the organisation through its initial stand-up phase on a part-time contract basis of roughly 16 to 20 hours per week, with the possibility of transitioning to full-time as the organisation matures and funding allows.

The role spans five integrated programme areas: marine economy and research, ecosystem integrity, education and workforce development, culture, and recreation. The incoming leader must be comfortable with early-stage ambiguity, adept at convening across industry, tribal, government, academic, and philanthropic sectors, and capable of moving a conceptual vision into concrete milestones, agreements, and secured funding.

• Translate the MERIS Conceptual Framework into an annual operating plan and a three-year strategic roadmap with measurable milestones
• Serve as principal staff to the Board of Directors, preparing meeting materials and ensuring transparent reporting
• Lead and grow a diversified fundraising strategy across private philanthropy, federal and state grants, tribal funders, corporate partners, and earned revenue
• Represent MERIS externally to key partners including port authorities, tribal nations, local governments, and educational institutions
• Provide executive oversight across all five programme areas, building the initial staffing plan and establishing HR, finance, and operational systems
• Partner with the Communications Committee to develop a coherent brand, website, and comprehensive communications plan

• Three to five or more years of senior leadership experience, ideally as a CEO or Executive Director, including nonprofit start-up or scale-up experience
• Demonstrated ability to manage executive-level responsibilities effectively at a fractional schedule of 16 to 20 hours per week
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience presenting to funders, legislators, and community audiences
• Substantive knowledge of one or more relevant domains such as maritime industries, the blue economy, coastal sustainability, or applied research
• Proven track record of partnering with tribal nations and indigenous-led organisations across sectors
• Self-directed, with strong prioritisation and follow-through in an early-stage, resource-constrained environment

The Whatcom Working Waterfront Foundation supports the development of MERIS, an emerging nonprofit institute in Blaine, WA. MERIS is designed as a cooperative hub where marine research, blue economy innovation, environmental stewardship, cultural programming, and workforce development converge to serve the Salish Sea region and its coastal communities.