Executive Director

Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey was founded in 1998. The mission of Conserve Wildlife Foundation (CWF) is to protect and recover rare and imperiled species of wildlife that live and breed in, and migrate through, New Jersey. With a budget of $1.1 million and 12 staff members, CWF operates across the state on private and public lands to protect and recover populations of wildlife through research, species conservation, habitat restoration, citizen engagement and education. 

CWF has a close relationship with the state's Endangered and Nongame Species Program in order to support the program and carry out projects in partnership with it. This relationship makes CWF unique in the state of New Jersey. It has a positive work environment and strong culture of staff empowerment.

Position Overview:

The Executive Director is responsible for both the strategic and operational aspects of CWF. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director's focus is on the implementation of the mission through fundraising and administration, communications and programs. Securing financial support for the mission is the Executive Director's primary concern.

Responsibilities:

Leadership:

The Executive Director is the responsible for active leadership of CWF that engages its board members, empowers its staff and advances its mission. The Executive Director will:

• In concert with the Board of Trustees and staff, develop and implement a strategic plan for the organization.
• Provide leadership on certain CWF programs including a wildlife conference in 2013 and CWF's partnership with state parks for interpretive programming.
• Support staff efforts to carry out projects and encourage innovative ideas to advance the CWF mission
• Represent CWF on statewide and national efforts to protect rare wildlife and advocate for funding for rare wildlife management and protection.

Fundraising:

The Executive Director has full responsibility for ensuring that the annual income budget is met and that programs are fully funded. The Executive Director will:

• Secure sufficient funding for both program and administrative costs of the organization.
• Develop and maintain relationships with grantors, corporate and individual donors and other funders.
• Develop and implement new streams of revenue, new sponsorship and individual giving opportunities.
• Spearhead annual golf tournament event and participate actively in other special events, donor cultivation activities and donor house parties.

Communications:

The Executive Director is charged with maintaining the decentralized culture of communications (both internal and external) at CWF. The Executive Director will:

• Oversee all communications on all platforms to ensure that CWF's reputation and brand is represented appropriately to the public through formal publications and social media.
• Advance effective internal communications so distant employees remain engaged and informed about CWF activities.
• Communicate passionately and professionally about CWF, its mission, programs and goals.

Administration:

The Executive Director ensures that CWF meets all state and national requirements for good standing. Also, the Executive Director keeps CWF fiscally sound and grows it towards greater financial sustainability. The Executive Director will report to the Board of Trustees and:

• Develop an annual budget for approval by the board.
• Oversee progress towards this budget and make corrections as needed.
• Oversee accurate reporting, timely record keeping and implement best-practices policies and procedures for administrative duties.

Qualifications:

Qualifications, Skills & Experience:

The ideal candidate will have a passion for New Jersey's natural environment, demonstrated leadership experience, strong management skills and an affinity for fundraising.

Concrete qualifications & past experience to include:

• A university degree, preferably an advanced degree.
• Experience in leadership in the New Jersey non-profit community.
• Experience in fundraising for both restricted and unrestricted funds from a variety of funding sources.
• Success working with a Board of Directors.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate formally through grant applications and testimony and informally through new media channels.
• Ability to utilize multiple communication platforms in an open, decentralized structure.

Skills include:

• An empathetic approach to staff management with an appreciation of a humane working environment.
• Creative and innovative at problem-solving but, with a focused eye for detail.
• Relationship builder, networker, linker.
• Action-oriented, entrepreneurial, adaptable, and innovative approach to business.
• Passion, idealism, integrity, positive attitude, mission-driven, and self-directed.

To Apply:

Please submit a resume and cover letter. Deadline for submission is: Friday, September 7th at 5:00 p.m.