About the Blue Hill Observatory

The Observatory’s nonprofit mission is to foster public understanding of Earth’s weather, climate, and environmental systems and to continue to produce, maintain, and analyze a meticulous, consistent record of weather and climate observations.

In 1885, MIT scientist Abbott Lawrence Rotch built the Observatory on Great Blue Hill in Milton, MA, at an elevation of 635 feet to measure and study the atmosphere. It became a renowned science center for pioneering weather experiments and discoveries. Rotch was a leading scientist of his era.

Today, the Observatory is a newly renovated national historic landmark and weather observation station that engages in nonprofit activities related to climate science research, education, and outreach. It is distinguished for maintaining an uninterrupted 140-year record of weather data collected from the same site, with minimal environmental alterations. These historical records provide essential resources for climate change research and STEM education.

Each year over 10,000 youth and adults visit the Observatory to explore the history of meteorology and the impacts of weather on today’s climate and the environment. The organization partners with K-12 educators to provide an in-classroom science curriculum that meets the criteria of the “Next Generation Science Standards,” an important guideline used by educators. The curriculum is connected to programming at the Observatory that immerses youth in the natural setting of the Blue Hills Reservation.

Position Overview

The Executive Director is responsible for all operational functions, financial management, and strategic planning at the Observatory. This position reports to the Board of Directors and manages the organization’s activities, including its operation as a historic site with an observation record and as a center focused on weather, climate, STEM education, and community outreach. The role also involves identifying opportunities for organizational development while ensuring alignment with the observatory’s mission and historical background.

In the public-facing role, the Executive Director is also responsible for establishing and maintaining relationships with community members, donors, and stakeholders to support the mission and programs of the Observatory. This role requires securing funding for both immediate and future organizational needs, fostering collaboration, and advancing scientific understanding of weather, climate, and their environmental impacts.

This position is primarily onsite at the Observatory, located atop Great Blue Hill in Milton, MA with some flexibility for hybrid work.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Work with Observatory staff to create an annual plan that outlines the execution of effective, measurable programs aligned with strategic growth goals.
• Administration: Direct and coordinate daily organizational activities, collaborating with staff to establish, sustain, and utilize systems, resources, and procedures that ensure the efficient functioning of the organization.
• Staff Leadership: Provide direction and oversight to the Observatory’s five full-time staff and four part-time staff in pursuit of their annual objectives.
• Fundraising and Development: Secure funding from targeted corporations, foundations, individuals, and government agencies. In collaboration with the Director of Development, support the implementation of a multi-faceted fundraising plan that includes prospecting and soliciting new investments while renewing current funding.
• Financial Management: Ensure that resources are managed wisely and that solid budgeting and accounting systems are in place. Implement appropriate financial controls and risk-management strategies to protect the organization’s assets.
• Observational Program and Historic Preservation: Oversee the ongoing operation of the Observatory’s weather observation program, along with the maintenance of data archives and historical instrumentations to ensure their preservation and accessibility in collaboration with the Chief Weather Observer and Chief Scientist.
• Educational Programming: Support the Director of STEM Education in effectively aligning the Observatory’s educational priorities and initiatives with the needs of teachers, schools, and wider educational networks at the local and national levels, ensuring maximum impact and return on investment.
• Facility Management: Oversee the upkeep and functionality of the Observatory’s buildings, grounds, and equipment in collaboration with the Director of Operations. Approve the use of contractors and vendors for maintenance needs. Ensure ongoing compliance with building safety rules.
• Community and Partnerships: Strengthen relationships with stakeholders, educators, and the local community while forging collaborations with academic institutions, nonprofits, businesses, government agencies, and elected officials.
• Public Relations: Serve as the spokesperson for the organization by effectively promoting and advocating for the mission and work of the organization to the community at large.
• Marketing and Communications: In collaboration with the Director of Development, support the implementation of a multi-faceted marketing and communications plan that develops the organizations leadership voice across weather, climate and STEM education.
• Board Collaboration: Effectively leverage the expertise of the Board of Directors to support the achievement of annual and strategic growth goals. Serve as an ex-officio member on all committees.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in nonprofit, academic, or scientific settings
• An advanced degree is preferred, with a minimum of 7 years in senior management
• Strong background in climate science, meteorology, environmental studies, or related fields.
• Skilled in building top-performing teams and implementing growth strategies.
• Action-oriented, entrepreneurial, adaptable, and innovative approach to business planning
• Commitment to quality programming and rigorous, data-driven evaluation of programs
• Successful fundraising and development of sustainable revenue sources
• Excellent communication, management, and interpersonal skills
• Commitment to weather, climate, or environmental science, science education, evidence-based decision-making, and community involvement

Work Environment:

• In person at the Blue Hill Observatory in Milton, MA with some time spent remotely.
• Occasional travel in the United States.

Physical Demands:

• Position regularly requires sitting and standing for varying periods.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• Full-time
• Participation in donor events, including some evenings and weekends.

Other Duties:

• Please note that this job description may not cover all activities and responsibilities required for this role, and duties may change with or without notice.

EEO Statement:

• The Blue Hill Observatory is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of recruiting and employment. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply, regardless of race, color, religion, age, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected status.

Statement of Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:

• Climate change disproportionately impacts the world’s most vulnerable populations: women, black, indigenous, and people of color. STEM education and careers do not reflect the diversity of these populations. The Blue Hill Observatory recognizes that the achievement of its mission and vision requires engagement and support from diverse communities. The Observatory aims to increase diverse representation on its board, in educational programming, internships, careers, and other opportunities for greater inclusion of historically underrepresented and underserved groups in climate science and all STEM fields.

Compensation and Benefits 

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience (~$130K), with additional benefits.

How to Apply 

• Submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to [careers@bluehill.org]. Applications will be reviewed starting August 15, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled.

Deadline

• No deadline—the search is ongoing until the position is filled
• Published—August 15, 2025