Executive Director

~ Mission Blue is an initiative of the Sylvia Earle Alliance (S.E.A.) to ignite public support for the protection of Hope Spots-special places that are vital to the health of the ocean, the blue heart of our planet. ~

We draw inspiration from the vision of our founder, Dr. Sylvia Earle, and are uniting a global coalition of partners to inspire an upwelling of public awareness, access and support for a worldwide network of marine protected areas.

From the seamounts of the high seas to the shallow sunlit reefs, Mission Blue seeks to bring about a significant increase in ocean protection from less than four percent today to 20% by the year 2020. Under Dr. Earle's leadership, the Mission Blue team has embarked on a series of expeditions to further this vision and shed light on these ocean "Hope Spots." 

Position Overview

The Executive Director will work with Sylvia Earle Alliance Board of Directors and staff to carry out the fundraising and programmatic work of the organization. 

Function: 

• To implement the strategic goals and objectives of the organization
• With the chair, to enable the Board to fulfill its governance function
• To give direction and leadership toward the achievement of the organization's philosophy, mission, strategy, and its annual goals and objectives 

Note: This role reports to: Board of Directors; and can be performed from a remote location. 

Responsibilities 

Major Functions 

Board Administration and Support 

• Support operations and Accountabilities, administration of Board by advising and informing Board members, interfacing between Board and staff, and supporting Board's recommendations and directives.
• See that the board is kept fully informed on the condition of the organization and all important factors influencing it.
• Publicize the activities of the organization, its programs, and goals.
• Establish sound working relationships and cooperative arrangements with vendors, partners, and other relevant organizations.
• Represent the programs and point-of-view of the organization to agencies, organizations, and the general public.
• Negotiate contracts on behalf of the Board of Directors and present them for Board approval. 

Fundraising 

• Oversee fundraising planning and implementation, including identifying resource requirements, researching funding sources, establishing strategies to approach funders, submitting proposals and administering fundraising records and documentation.
• Develop and sustain a diverse funding base. Emphasis will be on corporate and foundation giving, cultivating high net worth individuals and growing the Mission Blue database. 

Program Delivery 

• Oversee design, marketing, and branding of the Mission Blue initiative; including its strategic development, goals, and deliverables.
• Implement creative strategies to increase the visibility of Mission Blue and expand public engagement in Mission Blue's work. 

Financial, Tax, Risk and Facilities Management 

• Recommend yearly budget for Board approval.
• Prudently manage organization's resources within those budget guidelines according to current laws and regulations.
• Be responsible for developing and maintaining sound financial practices.
• Work with the staff, Finance Committee, and the board in preparing a budget; see that the organization operates within budget guidelines.
• Ensure that adequate funds are available to permit the organization to carry out its work.
• Jointly, with the president and secretary of the corporation, conduct official correspondence of the organization, and jointly, with designated officers, execute legal documents. 

Human Resource Management 

• Effectively manage the human resources of the organization according to authorized personnel policies and procedures that fully conform to current laws and regulations.
• Be responsible for the recruitment, employment, and release of all personnel, both paid staff and volunteers.
• Ensure those job descriptions are developed, that regular performance evaluations are held, and that sound human resource practices are in place.
• See that an effective management team, with appropriate provision for succession, is in place.
• Encourage staff and volunteer development and education, and assist program staff in relating their specialized work to the total program of the organization.
• Maintain a climate which attracts, keeps, and motivates a diverse staff of top quality people.

Community and Public Relations 

• Assure the organization and its mission, programs, products and services are consistently presented in strong, positive image to relevant stakeholders. 

Qualifications 

• Good communication, administration, fundraising, and organizing skills are a must; and
• Highly desirable is demonstrable knowledge of marine conservation issues and the community.    

Additional Info about Mission Blue 

We also bring the discoveries and stories of a network of ocean experts to the public through documentaries, social and traditional media, and innovative tools like Google's "Explore the Ocean" layer.

Additionally, we support the work of many conservation NGOs with whom we share the basic mission of ocean protection and public awareness. Currently, the Mission Blue coalition includes over 100 respected ocean conservation groups and like-minded organizations - from large multinational companies down to individual scientific teams doing important research.

Decades of overfishing, pollution, climate change, acidification and other human pressures threaten the fundamental nature of the ocean - and therefore threaten the future of humankind. We encourage all global citizens who care about our ocean to reach out and support Mission Blue in any way they can.

Presently, less than four percent of the ocean is fully protected; just years ago, that number was around 1 percent. With concerted effort and passionate people, we can continue this positive trend and help create a global network of Hope Spots, the seeds of tomorrow's healthy ocean.   

To Apply

• To be considered for the position of Executive Director, please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to email your resume to Deb Castellana.
• No phone calls, please. Email follow-up strongly preferred.