Executive Director
Job Description
Summary: The Executive Director is the Chief Executive Officer of the
American Cetacean Society (ACS). The Executive Director works at the
direction of the ACS President, is responsible to the Board of
Directors, and is evaluated by the Executive Committee of the Board.
The Executive Director is responsible for ensuring the implementation
and management of Board objectives and directives, consistent with ACS's
mission and financial objectives.
Introduction: ACS has been without an Executive Director for over 15
years. The President and Board have been filling the role in the
interim, assisted by an office administrator. ACS's 2009 budget is
$180,000. The National and Chapter Boards are eager to welcome an
Executive Director who is suited to help build upon our strengths while
developing a sustainable future.
Program Development and Administration:
* In conjunction with the Board of Directors, assure that ACS has
a long-range strategy which achieves its mission and toward which it
makes consistent and timely progress.
* Provide leadership in developing program, organizational, and
financial plans with the Board and staff, and carry out plans and
policies authorized by the Board.
* Support the Chapters and promote development of new chapters.
* Promote active and broad participation by volunteers in all
areas of ACS's work.
* Maintain official records and documents; ensure compliance with
federal, state, and local regulations.
* Develop and maintain a working knowledge of significant
developments and trends in cetacean biology, management, and
conservation.
Budget and Finance:
* Develop and maintain sound financial practices.
* Work with the Treasurer and the Board to prepare a budget;
ensure that ACS operates within budget guidelines.
* Ensure that adequate funds are available to permit ACS to carry
out its programs.
* Jointly with the President and Secretary of the Board, conduct
ACS's official correspondence; jointly with designated officers, execute
legal documents on behalf of ACS.
Communications & Marketing:
* Ensure that the Board is kept fully informed on the condition of
ACS and all important factors influencing it.
* Publicize ACS's activities, programs, and goals.
* Establish sound, collaborative relationships with community
groups and other organizations.
* Represent ACS's programs and point of view to agencies,
organizations, and the general public.
* Oversee publication of ACS's newsletter Spyhopper and journal
Whalewatcher.
Staff and Volunteers - Recruitment, Retention, Training, & Evaluation:
* Be responsible for the recruitment, employment, and release of
all personnel, both paid staff and volunteers. (Note: there currently
is one part-time office administrator on staff.)
* Ensure that job descriptions are developed, that regular
performance evaluations are held, and that sound human resource
practices are in place.
* Encourage staff and volunteer development and education, and
assist program staff and volunteers in relating their specialized work
to the total program of ACS.
* Maintain a climate that attracts, keeps, and motivates a diverse
staff (including volunteer staff) of top quality people.
Conditions of Employment:
* The normal work week is 40 hours weekdays, including occasional
evening and weekend work.
* Occasional travel required.
* Paid vacation, sick, and holiday leave.
* Health insurance, FICA, Workers' compensation, unemployment
insurance.
* The continuation of employment is contingent upon successful
fundraising.
Qualifications:
* Minimum of two years experience working in a nonprofit
organization, including supervising paid and volunteer staff and working
with a volunteer President and Board of Directors.
* Bachelor's degree in a related field.
* Successful experience raising money and managing fundraising
programs. Proven ability to obtain grant funding and manage a
membership program.
* Experience in nonprofit fiscal management, including fund
accounting, budgeting, and grant management.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
* Demonstrated ability in written and oral communications and
interpersonal skills.
* Proven ability to develop and execute a strategic plan.
* Demonstrated conceptual skills and problem solving capabilities.
* Proven ability to think "outside the box".
* Computer skills (M.S. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access,
QuickBooks, internet, etc.).
* Background in marine mammals, including natural history, policy,
and conservation desirable.
Personal Characteristics:
* A leader who can articulate a vision and motivate people to act
with a shared vision.
* An individual whose style is at once decisive and direct as well
as collegial and approachable.
* A per
