Position Description: Mass Audubon President
Mass Audubon works to protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and wildlife. We are the largest conservation organization in New England, with a $20M+ operating budget and a $100M endowment, and together with more than 100,000 members, we care for nearly 35,000 acres of conservation land; provide school, camp, and other educational programs for 225,000 children and adults annually; and advocate for sound environmental policies at local, state, and federal levels. Our statewide network of wildlife sanctuaries annually welcomes nearly half a million visitors of all ages and is committed to engaging new audiences – people from all backgrounds, of all abilities, and in all regions of the state.
Mass Audubon's ambitious conservation mission is grounded in its history. Our founding in 1896 grew out of a grassroots effort to ensure the legal protection of birds being slaughtered for the millinery trade. Since then we have extended our reach and deepened our impact on key environmental issues across the Commonwealth and have gained respect and recognition for our science, legislative leadership, and innovative educational approaches to connecting people and nature. We are proud of the work that we have done, but we know there is much more to do; we feel the urgency and importance of our work as never before; and we will carry out our mission with tenacity and conviction, guided by the four goals of our Strategic Plan – to Connect People and Nature, to Protect and Steward Massachusetts’ Habitats, to Respond to Climate Change, and to Build Capacity so that we can continue to lead by example as one of the top conservation organizations in the United States.
For more information, please visit: www.massaudubon.org [1]
Position Summary:
The President will build on Mass Audubon's rich history and pre-eminent position of environmental leadership by inspiring its community and stakeholders (Board of Directors, Council, state-wide staff, volunteers and members) with a vision and fresh perspective that will continue to broaden its audiences and deepen its impact.
By personally engaging with donors and policy-makers, the President will raise awareness and attract significant resources and support for Mass Audubon’s programs across the Commonwealth. Internally, the President will leverage the exemplary management that has secured Mass Audubon's sound financial position today, continuing Mass Audubon President 2012 to align strategic and operational business plans, specific objectives, and the financial and team resources required to deliver on its important mission well into the future.
This is an outstanding opportunity for a leader who is ambitious and visionary at a strategic level as well as seasoned managerially. The President must bring demonstrated experience in developing strategy and inspiring a diverse team of accomplished leaders - in the sciences, land management, advocacy, education, etc. - to coalesce on a shared vision across a complex, multi-site organization while also galvanizing the support of passionate volunteers and donors.
Responsibilities
Strategic Vision and Leadership
- In alignment with the organization’s mission, values and culture, enhance the organization’s 2010-2015 strategic plan, and take the lead in facilitating the development of an innovative future plan which positions Mass Audubon for even deeper impact
- Cultivate a strong and transparent working relationship with the Board of Directors to support its important governance role; openly communicate the organization’s opportunities, strategic choices and progress toward goals with the Board, staff and public
- Continue to build a diverse and inclusive board that is representative of the community and highly engaged
Fundraising and External Relations
- As the face of Mass Audubon’s important work, enthusiastically inspire all segments of the current community as well as raise public awareness of – and expand – the organization’s membership, reach, and relevance to diverse audiences
- Engage in developing and implementing a fundraising strategy that is tailored to Mass Audubon’s current and future needs; personally attract and cultivate individual/major gifts and foundation relationships
- Identify and develop results-oriented partnerships with conservation, scientific/academic, and community-based organizations to amplify Mass Audubon’s mission related goals
- Advocate on important conservation and environmental policy issues
- Drive an ambitious social, and traditional, media strategy that expands Mass Audubon’s programmatic impact and brand awareness
Team and Organizational Management
- Partner with an experienced senior leadership team to:
- Advance Mass Audubon’s mission and priorities into result-oriented strategic, annual work and project-specific action plans
- Drive business and financial decisions that best leverage Mass Audubon’s unique capabilities Mass Audubon President 2012
- Ensure that staff, investments, systems and resources are aligned to deliver high impact outcomes and operational efficiencies
- Work in a collaborative fashion but understand his/her ultimate responsibility; successfully make difficult decisions when necessary
- Recruit, mentor, motivate and empower a high-performing and deeply committed staff, while supporting sustainability and succession at all levels of the organization
Qualifications
- Advanced degree strongly preferred, with significant experience leading and managing a complex, multi-site organization; if coming from the for-profit sector, substantive nonprofit volunteer or board service is required
- Demonstrated personal passion for, and love of, the natural world; in addition, must bring deep experience and knowledge in at least one of the Mass Audubon’s mission areas (environmental sciences, land management, advocacy, education)
- A track record of charting a high impact course through his/her leadership; the ideal candidate can point to tangible examples of success in refining and executing on ambitious strategic plans, guiding investments in people and systems, and problem-solving in diverse stakeholder situations
- A charismatic communicator and action-oriented leader, with the ability to inspire and galvanize staff, volunteers, a membership base, donors and partners on behalf Mass Audubon’s mission and in multiple venues, ranging from state agency and legislative offices to sanctuary trails
- Pre-existing relationships and/or exceptional relationship-building skills to be effective within the giving community; has the foresight and creativity to identify and implement donor solicitation strategies that maximize fundraising opportunities
- Highly effective, accessible, transparent, hard-working and authentic team leader who supports a collaborative, positive performance culture; brings the highest ethical standards to all that s/he does
- A coach and mentor, with demonstrated skills creating cohesion/common purpose and a genuine respect for diversity and inclusion at all levels of the organization
Mass Audubon is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We champion diversity and inclusion as essential elements of our shared work of connecting people and nature, and we encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply for this position. The Bridgespan Group, a nonprofit organization, serves diverse organizations and is committed to building high-performing teams that mirror the communities we serve.
Please send a cover letter and resume to: MassAudubon@bridgespan.org [2].