Vice President, CSR Strategy

The Organization

Business for Social Responsibility (BSR), a non-profit business association that seeks to create a more just and sustainable global economy by working with its member companies, other enterprises and leading stakeholders to promote more responsible business practices, is seeking a Vice President, CSR Strategy for the San Francisco office location.

BSR's staff of 60 at its headquarters in San Francisco and offices in Paris and Guangzhou, China, works to realize its vision by providing information and services to its 250 member companies; providing world-class consulting and advisory services; conducting practical, forward-looking research, and collaborating with the public sector and civil society. We are seeking individuals who are highly talented, passionate and thrive in an entrepreneurial culture that values leadership, integrity and respect. For more information, visit www.bsr.org.

The Position

BSR is seeking a seasoned CSR expert to shape and manage BSR's contribution to thought leadership through its research and development, publications/communications, and its annual conference. The Vice President, CSR Strategy has shared responsibility for the conceptualization and delivery of products and services for BSR's 250 member companies. The Vice President, CSR Strategy has budget responsibility for BSR's annual conference and projects supported by foundation grants and government contracts, which together comprise one-third of annual revenues. The person filling this position will shape organizational direction by serving as one of four members of BSR's management team, along with the President and CEO, and Vice Presidents for Advisory Services and Shared Services. The Vice President, CSR Strategy will represent BSR in external fora, and be called upon to BSR and related publications.

The ideal candidate should have senior-level leadership experience with global perspectives concerning CSR, with a strong understanding of how to synthesize emerging issues, ideas and solutions into corporate strategies and practices, a sophisticated understanding of the public sector and civil society, and strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibility by Function

Management

Lead a team of twelve staff including three directors who provide daily management of BSR's grant-funded research and development, communications and publications, and the annual conference. Work closely with the Vice President, Advisory Services to manage jointly-held responsibilities for products and services delivered to BSR's 250 member companies. Manage a budget of approximately $3m.

Organizational Strategy

Serve on BSR's management team overseeing the organization's strategic direction, policies and procedures, organizational culture, and budget. Generate ideas about strategic opportunities with other organizations to realize BSR's mission.

Strategic Product Development

Oversee the evolution and implementation of BSR's Research strategy, including the obtaining of foundation and public sector support for innovative projects included in the strategy. Develop themes and content for BSR's annual conference based on emerging issues and best practices in the field. Provide the overall direction and conceptual framing for BSR's portfolio of written products (e.g., communications, publications, and website).

External Engagement and Representation

Contribute to the generation and dissemination of thinking in the field by writing and publishing periodic articles concerning important and emerging trends. Oversee and contribute to identification of thought leaders with which BSR can engage for mutual benefit. Represent the organization externally in public venues advancing important developments in the CSR field.

Desired Qualifications

• Five to ten years senior-level experience in the CSR field working with companies and other key institutions from civil society and the public sector.
• Demonstrated leadership and vision in managing staff groups and major projects or initiatives.
• Sophisticated knowledge of the CSR field with demonstrated understanding of the global perspectives on corporate social responsibility.
• Skilled at developing and synthesizing ideas generated from multiple perspectives, anticipating future trends, and presenting information in ways that can be integrated into business strategies and operations, and presented to broader audiences concerned about responsible business practices.
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills.
• Budget development and oversight experience.
• Comfort operating in an entrepreneurial environment.
• A demonstrated commitment to high professional ethical standards and a diverse workplace.

Compensation and Benfits

BSR offers an outstanding benefits package, including health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, a 401k savings plan, paid time off (PTO), sick and other family friendly leaves, flexible hours, paid time off for volunteer activities and a casual atmosphere. Compensation is competitive and commensurate with skill, knowledge and experience level and the constraints of a non-profit business organization.

To Apply

Please visit the BSR Careers web site.