Marine Consulting Initiative Chief Executive Officer

The challenges of the 21st century are immense, but at Ecotrust we believe that true wellbeing is possible. To get there, we need radical transformation of current institutions - those ways of living from banking to building, from transportation to tree harvesting, that dominate our lives.

We see urgency in building up an economy that restores nature and invests in people. And we believe the way to build that economy is through bold experimentation in the bioregion we call home - the Pacific Northwest. We are continually creating and supporting new businesses, nonprofits, alliances, networks and programs that build wellbeing in nature and community and deliver economic prosperity.

The industrial economic model that's reigned for the last 300 years simply can't last. It's time for a more natural model of development. At Ecotrust, we believe the new economy starts here - in our backyards, communities, cities and regions.

Ecotrust's mission is to inspire fresh thinking that creates economic opportunity, social equity and environmental wellbeing. Our goal is to foster a natural model of development that creates more resilient communities, economies, and ecosystems here and around the world.

Position Overview:

The Marine Consulting Initiative (MCI) is an established marine consultancy looking for a founding CEO to lead its innovative team of nine professionals. MCI has a current annual revenue $1.5M and delivers technology solutions and strategies for coastal and marine planning customers that better connect people with place, bridge differing perspectives, and implement management decisions in an inclusive and transparent way.

MCI will be the leader in marine consulting services that are cutting-edge, socially-responsible, and client need driven. These solutions position MCI as a single source for customers looking for better data, processes, understanding and decisions for improved ocean health, management, and use. The company brings an open, flexible and collaborative commitment to all of our projects and we act as a catalyst for improving marine and coastal management practices the regions where we work.

MCI planning tools and analyses are designed to help partners and clients:

• Visualize ocean ecosystems in a social and economic context.
• Create a participatory approach to incorporating stakeholder knowledge.
• Implement management decisions at appropriate scales.

Ecotrust is preparing to spin the Marine Consulting Initiative off as a for-profit subsidiary. The founding CEO will have primary responsibility for organizational leadership and developing and implementing an overall growth strategy.

The CEO will also be responsible for providing the short term and long term company vision as well as the development of sales and marketing strategies. This person will also be responsible for achieving profit and revenue objectives and for the development and management of advisor and investor relationships.

Executive experience in consulting and business startups is crucial. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated success launching technology and/or consulting businesses.

Focus During the First 12 Months:

• Develop and lead execution of product development, sales, and marketing.
• Create and execute an aggressive growth strategy.
• Articulate an appropriate short/long term vision.
• Expand the current network of MCI clients into new industries.

Responsibilities:

• Create comprehensive product development and sales plans, including a new product roadmap and pipeline management.
• Ensure company sales, profit, and revenue goals are being met.
• Establish and implement short and long term goals, objectives, policies, and operating procedures. 
• Close deals with customers and industry partners.
• Build an excellent board of advisors.
• Ensure company objectives and standards of performance are not only understood but owned by management and employees.
• Ensure company and its businesses comply with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements and, where appropriate, best practices.
• Establish, achieve, and report on milestones to the company's owners and founding members. 

Qualifications:

• 10+ years of senior level management experience, preferably at the CEO/COO level.
• 5+ years of strategic sales and marketing plan development and delivery. (May be concurrent.)
• Experience with marine consulting not necessary but experience building strong networks and being a quick study of new industries required. 
• Demonstrated ability to manage growth by:

1. Prior experience in sales and/or leadership efforts at a startup company, tech or consulting company preferred.
2. Prior experience as an entrepreneur who has taken at least one startup from seed round to profitable liquidity event for investors.

• Excellent leadership, negotiation, management, problem solving, and interpersonal skills.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
• Track record of building innovative, creative, and collaborative teams.
• Strong desire to lead from a strategic and tactical perspective in all aspects of day to day company operations.
• Strong undergraduate and/or graduate academic credentials preferred; MBA desirable. 

Compensation: This is a salaried, full time position. Group insurance (medical, dental, vision, life) and retirement benefits are available in addition to paid time off.

To Apply: 

Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to submit your cover letter, resume, and list of references to Jennifer Bloeser, Marine Consulting Initiative Director by COB PST May 31st, 2013.