Managing Director

Established in 1999, WildAid's mission is to end the illegal wildlife trade by reducing demand through public awareness campaigns and providing comprehensive marine protection. The illegal wildlife trade is estimated to be worth over $10 billion per year and has drastically reduced many wildlife populations around the world. WildAid is the only organization focused on reducing the demand for these products, with the strong and simple message: when the buying stops, the killing can too.

With an unrivaled portfolio of celebrity ambassadors and global network of media partners, WildAid is able to deliver high-impact, culturally sensitive multimedia campaigns, leveraging well over $200 million in pro-bono media support, and reaching one billion people. Headquartered in San Francisco with regional offices in China, Ecuador, Indonesia, Canada and the UK, WildAid's work spans more than 80 countries.

Position Overview: 

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the new Managing Director (MD) has the opportunity to manage, assess, and shape organizational success both internally and externally. Having oversight of fundraising, international program management, finance/accounting, human resources, and information technology, the MD will ensure performance against both the annual budget and long-term strategy.

The MD will manage a $3.8 million budget (poised to grow to $6 million over the next three years) and the following reports: Country Directors, Development Director, Controller, Communications Manager, Campaign Associate, and in-house Video Editor.

The MD will bring his/her experience and talent to bear on improving the global organization infrastructure to accommodate continued growth and geographic expansion.

Since WildAid is a growing organization, the MD serves both as a partner to the CEO on organizational strategies and as counsel on short and long-term fundraising, programmatic, financial, staffing, and administrative decisions. The MD will set goals, monitor work, and evaluate results to meet departmental and cross organizational objectives.

The MD's role will further include oversight of WildAid's headquarter operations and international programs, as well as maintaining close professional relationships with staff in all locations to facilitate innovative and effective policies and procedures. The MD will negotiate and manage external vendor relationships such as legal counsel, insurance, technology providers, and facilities.

The MD will have the depth of financial experience to ensure compliance with audits, as well as regulatory and government requirements. This individual will collaborate with the Controller to oversee investment and asset management, the annual budgeting process, and ensure that multi-year financial modeling is consistent with strategic plans. The MD will also prepare regular updates and reports for the CEO and Board of Directors.

Finally, the MD will oversee HR strategies for recruiting, retaining, and training WildAid's global workforce. The strategies will ensure the alignment of HR systems, compensation and benefits, and implementation of a performance management system aligned with the goals of the organization. He/She will also play a key role as champion of WildAid's values-based positive culture.

Responsibilities: 

Key Priorities: 

• The MD will examine the current operational systems in place, apply global best practices, and strategize with the CEO to improve efficiency and implement solutions to support the organization as it continues to scale.
• He/She will build a cohesive international team that includes necessary expertise in donor relations and fundraising, international program management, finance and accounting, technology and human resource, and administrative support services that work collaboratively to advance WildAid's mission.
• The MD will also need to be an effective communicator and work across cultures, be able to unify across functional teams, lead through service and by example, and demonstrate daily WildAid's core values. 

Specific duties within key areas include: 

• Fundraising/Donor Relations: Development - work closely with the CEO and Development Director to meet aggressive fundraising goals; drive the execution of annual development plans for foundations, high net worth individuals, special events & other alternative sources of income.
• Coordination: working internally and externally to ensure that all program, development, and communication initiatives are aligned and well coordinated.
• International Program Management/Operations: Well articulate organizational strategy. Set a 3-5 year strategic goal and lead the process with staff to ensure both buy-in and clear objectives for all staff/departments. In addition, develop and integrate crosscutting program strategies, including international and domestic communication strategies for climate and China consumer demand reduction campaigns.
• Work plans: together with the CEO and Country Directors, develop and implement coordinated country and program strategies and work plans; monitor progress against metrics and milestones. Board of Directors: working with the CEO, provide staff support and guidance to WildAid's board and act as staff liaison to relevant board committees.
• Office leadership: effectively execute standardized policies and procedures across regional offices in the San Francisco headquarters and country offices.
• Risk management and legal activities: implement letters of agreement, contracts, leases, and other legal documents or agreements. 
• Information technology: ensure the ongoing maintenance and updating of information systems and infrastructure, including hardware, software, and necessary applications.
• Financial Management and Oversight: Working with the Controller, manage and oversee all financial and business planning activities, including: Lead and support organizational budgeting process, including development of an annual operating plan with programmatic milestones and targets/deliverables linked to budgets. Direct and administer all financial planning and provide overall financial oversight and monitoring. Support and advise the CEO in decision making; review and analyze financial reports and ensure that relevant financial data is presented to the CEO and Board of Directors. 

The Ideal Candidate: 

• The ideal candidate will be a pragmatic, action-oriented leader who enjoys working in an entrepreneurial environment.
• A true partner to the CEO, the Managing Director will think strategically and creatively.
• S/he will have senior management experience in fundraising, international program management, operations, human resources, finance/accounting and an understanding of nonprofit budget models.
• The successful candidate will have worked with senior-level stakeholders, such as a Board of Directors, leadership teams, and country directors, to secure commitments and manage execution against shared objectives.
• Since WildAid is a growing, global organization, the ideal candidate will share best practices for creating the proper infrastructure, systems, and processes to allow for sustainable expansion.
• Ideally, candidates will have spent part of their career working in international conservation. 

Additional Key Skills/Experience: 

• The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 15 years related work experience in relevant positions of increasing scope and responsibility and possess excellent people skills as well as a commitment to WildAid's mission.
• Previous experience working for an international organization in a similar capacity is highly desired.
• A Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field is required. An advanced degree in business, finance, or a related field is preferred. 

To Apply:

Please click "Apply Now Online!" and use the reference code TH302 in the subject line. Please address your cover letter and resume to Maury Peterson. 

~ WildAid is an equal opportunity employ~ WildAid is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. For immediate consideration, please use the reference code TH302 and address your cover letter and resume to Maury Peterson. Use apply link below. ~er and all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. For immediate consideration, please use the reference code TH302 and address your cover letter and resume to Maury Peterson. Use apply link below. ~