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 person who is accessible, supportive, and flexible.
• An executive with a "hands on" approach to work and a passion for results.
• A good listener who inspires confidence and trust and is open to ideas of others.
• An excellent manager who respects and supports the capabilities and independence of staff and volunteer leadership.
• A person with integrity, a good sense of humor, and a high level of energy.
• A conservationist with enthusiastic commitment to ACS's mission, growth and development.

E-mail cover letter, resume, a one-page writing sample related to fundraising, and the names and contact information of three professional references to:  acsedsearch@acsonline.com.  Position open until filled.

The American Cetacean Society is an equal opportunity employer.

About ACS:  The American Cetacean Society protects whales, dolphins, porpoises, and their habitats through public education, research grants, and conservation actions.  Founded in 1967, ACS is the oldest whale conservation group in the world.  ACS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization headquartered in San Pedro, California with chapters in Orange County, Los Angeles, Channel Islands (Santa Barbara and Ventura), Monterey, San Francisco, and Puget Sound (Seattle).  Our members live throughout the United States and in more than 20 countries.  We take our responsibility as participants in the web of life seriously, and volunteer our time and resources to not just protect whales, dolphins and porpoises, but to promote the health of our oceans and ultimately our planet as well.  For more information, visit:  http://www.acsonline.org.