POSITION DESCRIPTION Title: Executive Director
Responsible to: Board of Directors Location: Telluride, Colorado Pinhead Institute, founded in 2001, is a science education non-profit organization and an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution. Our mission is to build bio-literacy by teaching people to understand the natural world through science and art. Highly collaborative, we partner with schools, renowned academic institutions, international museums, and conservation groups to bring the highest academic standards to our programming for K-12 students, adults, and scientists themselves. Pinhead has convened global conversations on bio-literacy, conservation, and sustainability. We are partners with the Smithsonian in conceptualizing the Encyclopedia of Life, an on-going project to create an Internet-based catalog of the world's species. www.pinheadinstitute.org Summary of Position: The Executive Director will be responsible for strategic vision and the day-to-day operation of the Pinhead Institute, including administrative functions, development and fundraising, implementation of educational programs, and plans for the future growth of the organization. The operating budget is expected to exceed $150,000. This is a full time, salaried position, based in Telluride, CO with an anticipated start date in late 2006. This executive position represents an ideal opportunity for an energetic leader to grow a young emerging organization devoted to promoting scientific understanding. In just five years since its founding, not only have Pinhead's innovative programs had considerable positive impact on the local community and regional schools, but its collaborative initiatives also have attracted the attention and support of the international scientific community. With loyal donors and a committed board of directors, the incoming executive director will enjoy the strength of these early accomplishments and continue to build a dynamic future for Pinhead. Duties: 1. Develop strategic planning, with the assistance of the Board of Directors, for future programs and organizational sustainability, building on the vision of Pinhead. 2. Raise the annual operating funds needed for Pinhead programs through: a) grant writing applications to multiple funding organizations, b) working with board members to solicit private donations; c) organizing and creating other fundraising activities; and d) managing the Pinhead membership program. 3. Directly oversee program planning, budgeting, and regular reporting to donors and the Board of Directors. Develop strong assessment tools for evaluating successes and weaknesses of Pinhead programs. Assist Board of Directors with strategic planning for future programs and organizational sustainability. 4. Coordinate and manage the current K-12 and adult educational programs, including Pinhead's Biodiversity Monitoring Project, Scholars in the Schools, Internship Program, Bear Creek Stewardship Course, and Telluride Unearthed series. 5. Promote the Internship Program and recruit students and educators for both national and international placement at affiliated organizations such as the California Academy of Sciences and the Smithsonian Institution. Develop a system for building the growing alumni group into a valuable asset for Pinhead. 6. Sustain in-depth public relations campaigns to promote Pinhead projects and programs and to raise the visibility of the organization among its constituencies. 7. Manage strategic relationships with affiliates (California Academy of Sciences Smithsonian, and Telluride Science Research Center), partners (regional school districts, Telluride Historical Museum, and Wilkinson Public Library), other non- profits (Ah Haa School for the Arts, Mountainfilm in Telluride, and The Nature Conservancy), and Pinhead's Advisory Council. Qualifications: 1. Bachelor's degree in science, education, non-profit management, or related field. Master's degree is a plus. 2. Three or more years' experience in education, science, non-profit management, or related field. 3. Ability to inspire, motivate, and work effectively with a wide range of people, including children. 4. High level of energy, the self-discipline to function independently, and a strong attention to detail. 5. Proven success in fundraising and grant writing. 6. Clear strategic thinking and creative problem-solving experience, including the ability to achieve organizational priorities with limited resources. 7. Demonstrated ability to manage organizational financial matters, including overseeing budget development and reporting. 8. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 9. Highest ethical standards and integrity. 10. Commitment to building upon the mission of the Pinhead Institute. Compensation: Competitive salary with annual reviews focused upon rewarding performance to plan. Interested candidates should email a letter of introduction stating qualifications and salary history, along with a resume, to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Alternate mailing address: Pinhead Search Committee, c/o Tueller & Associates, P.O. Box 3153, Telluride, CO 81435. The Pinhead Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer
