Executive Director

Thirteen years on from its conception, the Lemur Conservation Foundation (LCF) has become a significant presence in the worldwide scientific and conservation communities. LCF's physical core is its 100-acre reserve in Florida that features a flourishing colony where dozens of lemurs free range, reproduce according to a plan established by an advisory board of scientific experts in collaboration with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' (AZA) Prosimian Taxon Advisory Group, and provide exceptional research and educational opportunities.
 
The reserve's 6-building campus is surrounded by 2 large forested animal enclosures and includes veterinary facilities, housing for researchers and scholars, and the Mianatra Center for Lemur Studies, including the Anne and Walter Bladstrom Library.  The LCF's activities in Madagascar center on a partnership with the Tampolo Forest Station on the island's east coast, and its research and conservation agenda embraces collaborations with leading zoos as well as with colleges and universities.
 
LCF's meteoric rise has been propelled by an exceptional Board of Trustees, a dynamic Scientific Advisory Council, a dedicated and enthusiastic staff, and an institutional profile characterized by imagination, passion, flexibility, creative frugality, and hard work.  The retirement of its Founding Executive Director now presents a brilliant opportunity for a creative and energetic individual who embraces its core vision and flexibility, yet is excited to promote new ideas and directions in the fields of conservation, research and education.
 
The Foundation is certified by AZA, a member of the Executive Committee, Madagascar Fauna Group, and allied with Tampolo Forest Station in Madagascar.

Responsibilities:

• Initiate, implement and promote the Foundation's mission and goals
• Research and identify fundraising and development opportunities
• Write and oversee grant applications
• Manage a $350,000 annual budget and assets of $4 million
• Collaborate with the LCF Board of Directors in areas of governance and strategic planning and liaise between the Board and the Scientific Advisory Council.
• Work with legal, accounting and investment advisors and appropriate Board committees
• Hire senior staff
• Direct the staff and operations of the Myakka City Lemur Reserve.
• Oversee the Mianatra Center for Lemur studies and the Anne & Walter Bladstrom Library
• Oversee the scientific research programs.
• Develop and coordinate educational programs and community relationships
• Prepare the Foundation's annual report and oversee external publications
• Manage the partnership with LCF's sister reserve in Madagascar's Tampolo Forest Station

Qualifications:

• Advanced degree or comparable experience in conservation or related field
• Demonstrated success in a management or leadership position

Preferred qualifications:

• Creative, flexible and articulate leader and empathetic team player
• Proven administrative and management abilities
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Experience in nonprofits or philanthropy, particularly in fundraising initiatives, donor cultivation, marketing and asset management
• Experience in strategic planning and consensus building
• Energy, enthusiasm and commitment to furthering conservation issues through education, programs and research

Compensation: $55,000 per year plus on-site housing, Health insurance. 

Initial screening will be: September 15, 2009.
Position start date is negotiable.
Applications will be considered until the position is filled.

To Apply:

Interested applicants should email a cover letter, most recent CV, three references with contact information and any questions about the position to John Alexander, Chairman of the Board.

For more information on the Lemur Conservation Foundation, please see the website.