Executive Director

The Mid-Atlantic Regional Association Coastal Ocean Observing System (MARACOOS), a regional non-profit organization seeks a dynamic leader to serve as Executive Director. The MARACOOS mission-to "seek, discover, share, and apply new knowledge and understanding of our coastal ocean"-is supported by its growing and maturing operational regional ocean observing network in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States.

Position Overview:

The Executive Director leads the operational aspects of the organization, under the guidance of the MARACOOS Board of Directors, which establishes the strategic and business plans. The successful candidate will provide regional association leadership consistent with Board-defined operational goals.

Responsibilities include serving as principal spokesperson for MARACOOS, overseeing fundraising activities, providing leadership and guidance in the development and implementation of programs that are targeted to engage prospective users, and serving as primary liaison to the Board of Directors. Frequent travel will be required.

Qualifications:

Required Expertise and Skills:

The successful candidate must:

• Be able to expand ongoing partnerships and develop MARACOOS as a relevant center of ocean observing expertise and a competitive Regional Association;
• Be experienced in managing staff;
• Have fundraising skills including foundation and government grants as well as corporate and private donations;
• Be able to work effectively with the Board of Directors as well as with members, government and private funding organizations, other organizations as appropriate, elected officials, agency staff, and scientists;
• Be able to maintain and augment an active dialogue with representatives of the Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), other Federal agencies, and other Regional Associations through the National Federation of Regional Associations (NFRA) to ensure that MARACOOS protocols for governance, information management and delivery, and administration are consistent with those being established at the national and regional level;
• Possess excellent speaking, writing, computer, and presentation skills;
• Have successful experience in a relevant scientific or management discipline (e.g., as a principal scientist, program manager, etc.);
• Have a sufficient understanding of ocean observing technologies, infrastructure, and systems so as to be able to manage and expand MARACOOS;
• Be flexible to travel and represent MARACOOS at state, regional, and National meetings and venues.

Qualifications:

The successful candidate must have:

• A Masters degree and/or equivalent experience with at least 5 years in increasingly responsible positions. An advanced degree in Marine Sciences or Business or related disciplines is preferable;
• Experience with and understanding of Integrated Ocean Observing Systems (IOOS) and the governance, technical, and operational roles and goals of Regional Associations;
• Experience with fundraising; preferably with "non-traditional" sources (e.g. foundations, business and industry, etc.).

Compensation: Commensurate with experience.

Position funding: Funding is available for 12 months with the anticipation of additional funding which will extend the position to 2016. Continued employment in the position will be contingent on individual performance and the successful growth and evolution of MARACOOS funding.

To Apply:  

Please apply online.

Employment offers will be conditioned upon successful completion of a criminal background check. A conviction will not necessarily exclude you from employment.

The University of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity Employer which encourages applications from Minority Group Members and Women.