Executive Director

~ The San Francisco Estuary Institute helps define environmental problems and advances public debate through sound science - and supports consensus-based solutions that improve environmental planning, management, and policy development. ~

The San Francisco Estuary Institute (SFEI) is a nationally-recognized center for environmental science with a staff of 50 professionals and an operating budget of $10 million. SFEI provides information and tools that are indispensable to managers in the region and the state and serves as a model for the country and the world.  

Check out our website to learn more about the San Francisco Estuary Institute.

Position Overview

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a well-respected scientific organization whose opinion is sought out by decision-makers around the state.  Under the general direction of, and working in partnership with, the Board of Directors (Board), the Executive Director provides leadership, vision, and overall direction of SFEI staff, business and operations.

He/she works within guidelines established by the Board of Directors, represents the organization as a whole, develops and regularly updates the organizational strategy to broaden the impact of SFEI's programs, and oversees the operational means by which the Institute pursues its mission and serves its constituents.

The Executive Director implements policies approved by the Board, develops strategic initiatives and oversees their implementation, represents the organization among stakeholders, and insures that the scientific integrity of the organization is maintained. Along with the Board, he/she is fiscally responsible for the organization as a whole.  

Responsibilities 

Duties include but are not limited to: 

• Directs SFEI's financial activities to fund operations, ensure projects and programs stay within budget, maximize productivity and returns on investment, and increase efficiency.
• Directs or coordinates activities of SFEI scientists, staff and departments in pursuit of mission, goals, and objectives.
• Analyzes operations to evaluate SFEI's performance and its staff in meeting objectives or to determine areas of potential cost reduction, program improvement, and policy revisions/changes as needed.
• Leads efforts to identify and pursue a diverse array of funding sources, including supporting the Boards' involvement in revenue and fund development, and supervising the implementation of fundraising plans and policies by the Board.
• Conducts multi-year analysis, including trends and anticipated risks; engaging the Board in strategic discussions regarding financial stability and sustainability, including the development of adequate operating reserves.
• Directs, plans, or implements SFEI policies, objectives, and activities to ensure continuing operations.
• Oversees preparation of budgets for approval, including those for funding and implementation of programs.
• Negotiates or approves and ensures compliance with contracts or agreements with suppliers, distributors, partners, federal or state agencies, or other organizational entities.
• Appoints department heads or managers and assigns or delegates responsibilities to them.
• Directs human resources activities, including the approval of human resource plans or activities, the selection of directors or other high-level staff, or establishment or organization of major departments.
• Insures that timely and regular financial statements are submitted to the Board that compare performance to budget and other indicators of financial health insuring adequate cash flow to cover operational needs.
• Represents SFEI/ASC in key associations and organizations, serving on committees and advisory groups, and speaking in public settings and scientific/management conferences. 

Qualifications

The Ideal Candidate: 

• In accordance with SFEI's ambitious strategic plan, the ideal candidate will be a proven leader and visionary implementer with experience managing large scale change.
• The successful candidate will join a semi-academic work setting and lead a diverse group of environmental scientists and administrative support staff whose mission is to foster development of the scientific understanding needed to protect and enhance the San Francisco Estuary. 
• The Executive Director will excel at developing and stewarding strategic partnerships, be at home in a scientific organization, and possess a strong suite of skills in the area of communications, financial management, board relations, and strategic and operational planning. 

Education and Experience: 

• Ten years of experience managing non-profit, public sector or scientific research/resource conservation or closely-related projects or programs. 

• At least five years of supervisory experience will be expected, in addition to a Master's degree. 

Desired Qualifications: 

In addition to the above, the Board of Directors has also indentified the following desirable qualities in the ideal candidate: 

• Experience building partnerships and creating business relationships with public agencies and private funders/partners. 
• Experience in participating and playing a key role in organizational change and growth in organizational budget size and range of impact. 
• Experience communicating the merits of technology in support of the organizational mission. 
• Ability to raise the public profile of SFEI, forge new partnerships and diversify income streams. 
• Outstanding communications skills, both interpersonal and with external audiences. 
• Prior experience as an agency head, or nonprofit or private sector executive director reporting to a board of directors. 
• Brings contacts and relationships to SFEI that can lead to increased visibility and funding. 
• Politically astute, with knowledge of the current landscape of players involved in the health of the Bay and Delta: public agencies, regulators, stakeholders and other NGOs and funders. 
• Understanding of natural resources of estuaries, wetlands and watersheds, and the regulations that govern them. 

Compensation: Annual salary range: $135,000 - $170,000. Typical benefits include health insurance for the employee and dependents, life insurance, 403(b) plan with employer match, section 125 plan, paid vacation and paid sick leave.

To Apply

To be considered for this position, please click below: "Apply Here!" to submit a resume (which includes months/years of employment and size of budgets/staffs managed) and cover letter, including current salary and the names of six work-related references to:

Pam Derby / CPS HR Consulting
241 Lathrop Way
Sacramento, CA 95815

Click here to view an online brochure for this position.

Application Deadline: This position is open until filled. Please apply immediately. This recruitment will close once a sufficient number of resumes have been received for review. 

San Francisco Estuary Institute website: www.sfei.org 

~ The San Francisco Estuary Institute is an equal opportunity employer ~