Executive Director / General Manager

Executive Director / General Manager – Job Description
Lopez Swim Center
Location: Lopez Island, Washington
Status: Full-time, Exempt
Reports to: Board of Directors

About the Organization

Friends of Lopez Island Pool, doing business as the Lopez Swim Center (LSC), is a nonprofit organization designed to operate as a financially self-sustaining community business, with approximately 90% of its revenue generated from memberships, programs, and facility use. Opening in late 2025, the Center will be a year-round hub for health, safety, and community connection, offering inclusive aquatic programs for all ages and abilities. Now in the final stages of construction, LSC is preparing to launch operations, presenting a unique opportunity to provide strategic leadership and bring a mission-driven organization to life, building it into a sustainable and impactful community asset.

Position Summary

We are seeking a dynamic leader to serve as our Executive Director/General Manager. This person will be responsible for overseeing the development of a high-performing aquatic facility, while also advancing our mission, engaging the community, managing staff, and working closely with the Board of Directors. This unique role blends the entrepreneurial skills needed to operate a planned $1M+ revenue-generating business with the nonprofit expertise required for board governance, fundraising, and mission impact. The ED will be responsible for executing robust membership strategies to ensure the organization's long-term financial viability and mission delivery. This position requires a hands-on, entrepreneurial leader with strong nonprofit management skills, business acumen, and a passion for building an asset of lasting value. While aquatics experience is not required, the ability to lead a team that delivers high-quality aquatic programming is essential.

Location

On-site presence is essential to the role. Familiarity with the San Juan Islands community is preferred but we welcome applicants from outside the area. Modest relocation assistance and community integration support are available to help make the move to Lopez Island.

Key Responsibilities

Organizational Leadership & Operational Excellence

• Lead the transition from founding to start-up and full-scale, sustainable operations.
• Develop and implement short- and long-term strategic plans aligned with the organization's mission and community needs.
• Support the Aquatic Director in the oversight of Swim Center operations.
• Serve as the primary external representative of the Swim Center, building community trust and enthusiasm.

Strategic Financial Management

• Oversee budgeting, financial planning, forecasting, and reporting.
• Monitor revenue and expense trends to ensure fiscal discipline and transparency.
• Oversee earned income strategies to ensure financial sustainability through memberships, programs, and partnerships.
• Work with outsourced organizational support firms (Outsourced CFO/Accounting, Legal, and HR) to ensure compliance with legal, accounting, employment laws, health and safety regulations, and best-practice HR policies.

Board & Committee Governance

• Manage the transition of the founding board into a governance-oriented body focused on operational sustainability.
• Support the recruitment and development of new board and committee members.
• Provide timely and accurate information to facilitate informed Board decisions and strategic direction.

Swim Center Operations & Staff Leadership

• Provide leadership, set clear performance expectations, and ensure operational alignment across all departments.
• Oversee management staff to develop and meet KPIs and organizational standards.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and mission-driven work culture.
• Collaborate with the Aquatics Director, staff, Board, and outsourced support firms to develop, implement, and oversee operational and safety procedures, manuals, and risk management practices—including compliance with health, safety, and regulatory requirements, staff certifications, emergency preparedness, incident reporting, and insurance coverage.

Membership Sales & Engagement

• Design and implement a comprehensive membership growth strategy—encompassing all revenue-generating access to the Swim Center—to build and sustain a strong, loyal base of users.
• Provide strategic oversight of membership data, analyze metrics, and work with staff to adapt programming and communications, ensuring a culture of service that values every member and fosters a welcoming environment.

Fundraising, Community Engagement & Marketing

• Work with the Capital Campaign Director to complete the capital campaign.
• Lead fundraising efforts to support ~$100,000 to $150,000 in annual fundraising goals.
• Cultivate relationships with individual donors, foundations, and public/private partners to secure operational and capital funding.
• Lead community engagement, working closely with the Board and volunteers in outreach to connect with and engage all stakeholders.
• Build and expand upon strategic partnerships with schools, health organizations, and civic groups to broaden the Swim Center's reach and impact.
• Lead and participate in community events, working with staff to execute activities that engage the public, strengthen partnerships, and raise the Swim Center’s profile in the community and media.
• Work closely with staff and Board to develop and execute marketing, sponsorship, and partnership initiatives.

Qualifications

• Proven senior-level leadership with demonstrated ability to grow participation, generate revenue, and build lasting community connections.
• Demonstrated strength in financial and operational management, including budgeting and reporting.
• Ability to lead and inspire staff, boards, and volunteers with clarity, confidence, and a collaborative spirit.
• Strong track record in building lasting relationships through fundraising, sales, donor relations, or community/stakeholder engagement.
• Exceptional communication, public speaking, and relationship-building skills.
• Recognized for leading with empathy, integrity, and strategic vision.
• Experience with standard office technology (Microsoft Office Suite) required; experience with membership systems a plus.
• Knowledge of aquatics or recreation is helpful but not required; passion for community impact is essential.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $90,000–$110,000 DOE, with a competitive benefits package in development to support the well-being and success of our team.

To Apply

Please submit a résumé, cover letter outlining your interest and qualifications, and at least three professional references (references will not be contacted without permission) to Director@lopezislandpool.org. Position will remain open until filled, with applications reviewed on a rolling basis and a priority deadline of September 3, 2025.