Executive Director

Organizational Background

The Glen Lake Association (GLA) is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Glen Arbor, Michigan. Since 1945, it has been dedicated to preserving and protecting the water quality, natural resources, and quality of life in the Glen Lake/Crystal River Watershed. With a dedicated staff of scientists, a boat wash manager, and an office manager, the GLA strives to be the recognized leader in evidence-based watershed protection strategies. From water quality monitoring and invasive species prevention and control, to environmental education and promotion of sustainable policies, we are All About the Water!

The Glen Lake/Crystal River Watershed spans over 46 square miles. It is home to the Hatlem Creek Preserve, multiple freshwater lakes and streams, acres of dense forests, and a portion of the majestic Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (voted “The Most Beautiful Place in America” in 2011 by ABC’s Good Morning America.) The watershed drains into Glen Lake, the area’s crown jewel, which is widely recognized for its incredible color and clarity. This 6,500-acre glacial lake flows into Lake Michigan by way of Fisher Lake and the Crystal River. The Crystal River, a 6.2-mile long stream, is traversed by an estimated 15,000 paddlers each season and boasts a 1-mile section of preserved streambank recognized by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a globally rare habitat.

Glen Arbor and surrounding townships have experienced tremendous growth in tourism, development, and year-round residency over the past decade and a half, and the Sleeping Bear Dunes lakeshore now attracts over 1.5 million visitors annually. As a result, the GLA’s mission of preserving and protecting the natural resources within the watershed is more important than ever. The Executive Director will play a critical role in building upon and strengthening the GLA’s foundation – organizationally, operationally, and financially – to ensure it can continue to fulfill its mission in an increasingly challenging environment.

Position Summary

The Executive Director (“ED”) is a newly created, full-time, year-round position responsible for the leadership of the GLA’s operations, administration, and budget integrity. The ED will report to the Board of Directors and will lead the organization with the support of four part-time staff members, multiple volunteer-led committees, summer interns, a professional marketing/communications firm, and an independent technology contractor. The ED will serve as the face of the GLA to the public and will champion the organization locally and regionally, including developing strong relationships with members, donors, volunteers, local businesses, government agencies, and other watershed stakeholders. The ED will be responsible for all GLA administration, programming, marketing, communications, and outreach; oversee fundraising, member recruitment, and donor/prospect development efforts; and supervise all staff with the exception of the Watershed Biologist.

This new position reflects the GLA’s commitment to building a strong organizational and financial foundation for future growth and success. The board will look to the ED to lead the GLA’s operations, establish organizational policies and procedures as needed, identify future staffing needs, enhance the organization’s visibility and reputation within the community, and increase revenue through membership, fundraising, and grants.