FRESHWATER SOCIETY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR POSITION DESCRIPTION SCHALL EXECUTIVE SEARCH. SUBMITTED BY: David Schall, Managing Partner Jill Harmon, Partner

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1 SCHALL EXECUTIVE SEARCH FRESHWATER SOCIETY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR POSITION DESCRIPTION SUBMITTED BY: David Schall, Managing Partner Jill Harmon, Partner IDS Center, 80 South Eighth St., Suite 4604 Office: 612/ Fax: 612/

2 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Educating and inspiring people to value, conserve and protect water resources THE OPPORTUNITY The Freshwater Society has been growing steadily and is now seeking to strategically accelerate its growth. The Board is seeking a mission-focused, seasoned, and strategic to continue the organization s impact on the protection, conservation and restoration of water resources. THE ORGANIZATION The mission of the Freshwater Society is to promote the conservation, protection and restoration of all freshwater resources. Since 1968 two years before the first Earth Day the Freshwater Society has been a leading public nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving, restoring, and protecting freshwater resources and their surrounding watersheds. To achieve this goal, the organization: Recognizes the vital role of freshwater to all living things and the impending crisis in the quantity and quality of accessible freshwater. Dedicates its experience and resources to activities that lead to the understanding, protection, enhancement, and restoration of freshwater resources. Invites the participation and support of individuals, associations, business and industry, institutions, educators, and government in these activities. The Freshwater Society was originally involved in supporting primary aquatic biological research and, more recently, has been working with citizens and policy makers to effect behavior and policy change regarding the sustainability of groundwater and reducing nonpoint pollution of surface water. The organization has an operating budget of approximately $1M, and employs eight permanent staff. In 2010, the affiliated Freshwater Foundation was established with an operating budget of $900,000 and two employees. WORKING RELATIONSHIPS The reports to the Board of Directors and supervises the entire organization of ten employees.

3 Page 3 KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Leadership and Management: Reporting to the Board of Directors, the will have overall strategic and operational responsibility for the Freshwater Society s staff, programs and execution of its mission. As an inspirational leader, the will ensure continued development and management of the organization in order to achieve its strategic vision and goals while ensuring that financial resources, staff and priorities are aligned with the core mission. Primary responsibilities will focus on external relationship management with policy makers, funders, the media, government and other organizational partners. Furthermore, the (along with the Governance Committee) will develop, maintain and support a strong Board of Directors while serving as an ex officio member of the Board and each of its Committees. Policy Agenda: Policy direction is a key component of this position. The will be responsible for developing the Freshwater Society s policy agenda. The ideal candidate will possess the knowledge and experience related to policy, planning, and governance of water resources in Minnesota. Existing relationships with Minnesota Legislators, water resource agencies, NGOs and key stakeholders is desirable, as well as knowledge of key state and federal water resources policy issues and familiarity with state and federal legislative and budget functions and processes. Resource Development: In 2010, the Freshwater Society received IRS approval to operate as a 501(c)3 public charity and is currently in a 60-month termination period as a 501(c)3 operating foundation. As such, the strategic goal of Freshwater Society is to meet the 33% requirement for broad based public support and increase other funding sources to limit Freshwater Foundation support to a third of operations. The will be responsible for ensuring sufficient funding is achieved to meet the IRS requirements and reach Freshwater Society s strategic revenue goals. Together with the Development Director, the will formulate and execute comprehensive branding and development strategies that will enhance revenue from major donors, foundations, government agencies and corporations. Fiscal Operations: The, in coordination with the Operations Director, will oversee the financial status of the organization including developing long and short-range financial plans, monitoring the budget and ensuring sound financial controls are in place, and set financial priorities to ensure the organization is operating in a manner that supports the needs of the programs and staff. Programs: The, in coordination with the Program Director and Program Managers, will ensure the development, ongoing programmatic excellence, efficient operation, and quality delivery of citizen engagement programs, including an ongoing evaluation for effectiveness and alignment with the Freshwater Society s mission and strategic goals. A key component will be

4 Page 4 instituting systems to measure successes that can be effectively communicated to the Board, funders and other constituents. Public Relations: The will be the primary spokesperson for the Freshwater Society, building on and expanding its credibility and reputation. The will seek opportunities to increase the organization s branding and promote positions, programs and activities. EXPERIENCE AND CRITICAL ATTRIBUTES Bachelor s degree required. Degree in water resources or other environmental science strongly preferred. Master s degree preferred. 10+ years of senior management experience. Proven track record of effectively leading an advocacy organization with recognized credibility. Demonstrated knowledge of Minnesota water resources issues and policies coupled with extensive network in the field of water strongly preferred. Knowledge of policy processes and relationships with key legislative agencies and NGOs. Experience and success in working with a Board of Directors and the ability to cultivate new Board members in identified areas of expertise. Successful development and fundraising experience, particularly in cultivating new individual and corporate donors. Strong marketing, public relations and fundraising experience with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders. Strong written and verbal communication skills; a persuasive and passionate communicator with excellent interpersonal skills. Action-oriented, entrepreneurial, adaptive and innovative approach to organizational management. COMPENSATION Recognizing the importance of the position to the organization, Freshwater Society will offer a competitive pay package. ENGAGEMENT MANAGERS David Schall Managing Partner IDS Center Suite 4604, 80 South Eighth St. dschall@schallsearch.com Jill Harmon Partner IDS Center Suite 4604, 80 South Eighth St. jharmon@schallsearch.com

5 Page 5 Since 1982, we have been a leader in retained executive search. We have served clients ranging from Fortune 500 to development stage companies in a variety of functional disciplines, including C-level and executive leadership in general management, finance, sales/marketing, technical/operations, human resources, and the non-profit sector. IDS Center, Suite South Eighth Street Minneapolis, MN