Facility
Fossil Rim Wildlife Center
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
Fossil Rim Wildlife Center (FRWC) is a 501(c)3, mission-focused, 1,800-acre conservation center in Glen Rose, TX. Mission: FRWC is dedicated to the conservation of species in peril, conducting scientific research, training of professionals, responsible management of natural resources, and public education. Through these activities, we provide a diversity of compelling learning experiences that inspire positive change in the way people think, feel, and act with Nature.
Summary/Purpose of Position:
The Executive Director (with Board, staff, and volunteers) is responsible for leading and integrating FRWC’s conservation Mission across all operations, programs, and alliances in a way that balances the organization’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) activities with sound profitability and positive business outcomes. As the operational agent for the FRWC Board of Directors/FRWC, the Executive Director, with vision and integrity, is responsible for implementing all governance policies related to a collaborative, innovative approach to enterprise that considers the needs of diverse stakeholders (including wildlife and land conservancy, employees, community, visitors, investors, suppliers, environment). He/She is also responsible for collaborations as a non-profit, staff oversight, financial planning/budgeting/management/accountability, compliance (legal, regulatory, other), and asset protection. This position reports to the Board of Directors.
Specific/Mandatory Responsibilities:
1. Work closely with the Board of Directors on policy, Mission/Vision strategy, fundraising, and increasing the overall accountability, transparency, visibility, and viability of FRWC.
2. Establish comprehensive tools and performance metrics for Mission-based input as well as internal and external impact measurement.
3. Supervise and collaborate with FRWC staff; work closely with the Management Team (department heads).
4. Strategic planning and implementation; exercise innovative and ongoing commitment to FRWC Mission and values-based programs and practices.
5. Planning and operating annual budget; maintaining organization in positive financial position.
6. Serve as FRWC’s primary spokesperson to the organization’s constituents, the media, and the general public.
7. Establish and maintain relationships with various organizations and utilize those relationships to strategically enhance FRWC’s Mission.
8. Oversee and enhance operations related to accountable and transparent revenue generation and departments of operational support in alignment/support of the organizational Mission.
9. Engage in and support fundraising strategy development and implementation.
10. Oversee marketing and other communications efforts.
11. Establish/support employment and administrative policies and procedures for all functions and the day-to-day operation of the nonprofit.
12. Adept at working with a variety of groups, organizations, and individuals including Board members, zoological/conservation organizations/alliances, ranches/land owners, academia, scientists, government officials, staff, volunteers, donors, and guests.
13. Lead by example (servant-leadership), taking part in organizational activities as a member of the FRWC team and fostering a culture that encourages collaboration between departments and diverse stakeholders.
14. Review, approve, and maintain all legal compliances, memberships, accreditations, contracts, and agreements.
15. Other duties as assigned by the Board of Directors.
Professional Qualifications Required/Desired
• Bachelor’s Degree required, Master’s Degree preferred.
• Experience related to organizational balance of environmental, social, and governance priorities with profitability objectives.
• Five or more years of executive leadership experience, preferably at a nonprofit.
• Transparent, accountable, and high integrity leadership.
• Business operations and fiscal management.
• Experience working with a Board of Directors.
• Strong passion for the Mission and programs of FRWC.
• Strong interest in land and wildlife conservation and maintaining or improving FRWC with respect to conserving land, resources, and both native and nonnative species.
• Professional experience at a conservation organization (preferably land-based) and understanding of natural resources, education, and wildlife conservation.
• High-level strategic thinking and planning. Ability to envision and convey FRWC’s strategic future to the staff, Board, volunteers, and donors.
• Ability to effectively communicate FRWC’s Mission to donors, volunteers, and the overall community.
• Foster an environment of accountability, healthy work relationships and partnerships, and inclusivity among organizational staff to maintain a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Balance innovation/entrepreneurial spirit with operational excellence.
• Strong financial management skills, including budget preparation, analysis, decision making, and reporting.
• Demonstrated success at fundraising. Excellent donor relation skills and understanding of the funding community.
• Previous success in establishing relationships with individuals and organizations of influence including funders, partner agencies, and volunteers.
• Proven track record of growing organizational capacity and programmatic impact.
• Experience in creating and establishing clear, measurable business goals.
• Solid organizational abilities, including planning, delegating, program development/management, project planning, and task facilitation.
• Strong time management skills; ability to balance multiple projects and changing demands from day-to-day.
• Creative problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Strong public speaking ability.
• Strong work ethic with a high degree of energy.
• A healthy sense of humor.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Awareness of the unique opportunities and challenges of overseeing a conservation facility in a rural location.
Education and Pre-requisites
Not specified.
Compensation and benefits
Partially subsidized medical after 30 days, voluntary dental, vision, AFLAC, etc. Basic life insurance (company paid), as well as automatic enrollment into the 401K savings plan (after 3 months of service) through the Company’s programs for these, are applicable to this position. Paid Time off, Compensatory time off, a length-of-service related leave system, and staff discounts at our Overlook Café and Nature Store are applicable.
Application instructions
Please submit your resume today! We are a non-profit organization and an equal employment opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other protected classification under federal and state law.
Fossil Rim is an “at will” and equal opportunity employer. It should be noted that it is company policy to conduct background checks on potential new employees, inclusive of testing for drugs and controlled substance use.
If you have any questions about the search process, please email Tally Hickey, Director of Human Resources, at humanresources@fossilrim.org
Please apply through our website at https://fossilrim.org/career-internships/. WE DO NOT accept applications via email. Click the “Apply for this Position” button, fill out the form, upload the required documents, and click the “Submit” button. We require a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references.