Description
Job Title: Associate Director
Location: Remote
Reports To: Executive Director of the Society for Ecological Restoration
About SER: The Society for Ecological Restoration (SER) is a 501c3 not-for-profit organization based in Washington D.C. with over 5,000 members from 100+ countries, 13 regional chapters, and two thematic sections. Our mission is to advance the science, practice, and policy of ecological restoration to sustain biodiversity, improve resilience in a changing climate, and re-establish an ecologically healthy relationship between nature and culture. Learn more about us on our website: www.ser.org.
Position Overview
This role is designed for a visionary leader who is passionate about ecological restoration and skilled in navigating the complexities of global environmental issues. The Associate Director (AD) will play a critical role in shaping the future and assuring the implementation of SER’s work, making a lasting impact on the global ecological restoration field. The position is
pivotal in advancing the organization’s mission of advancing the science, practice, and policy of ecological restoration. This role involves strategic oversight, operational management, and a strong commitment to leadership and development within the field. The AD will champion initiatives that drive ecological health and sustainability by promoting standards-based ecological restoration on a global scale and by supporting SER’s membership and chapters, making a significant impact on both local and international levels. The AD will also assist in the hiring and onboarding of additional leadership as SER grows.
Key words: restoration, environment, sustainability, international policy,
strategic oversight, mentorship and staff development, programmatic management and development, budgeting
Key Responsibilities and Areas of Accountability
Strategic Leadership
Oversee programmatic management, development, and alignment including supporting, guiding, and mentoring staff through short- and medium-term goal setting, work planning, programmatic budgeting, and accountability towards deliverables (internal strategy implementation).
Lead processes, in collaboration with the Executive Director (ED), to craft and align strategic plans in support of SER’s vision and mission (external strategy implementation), including identification of staffing needs and costs.
Implement and coordinate a staff Leadership Team with periodic reporting to the Board of Directors.
Represent SER virtually and in person at events, global meetings, workshops, and other associated activities, including serving as a subject matter expert, as appropriate.
Improve current processes and optimize organizational procedures for efficiency and productivity.
Organizational Development
Advise and support the ED in fostering an organizational culture that attracts and retains top talent, enhances staff development, and supports succession planning for high level positions.
Review, design, and execute improvements to organizational structure, including to enhance collaboration, effectiveness, and internal staff/cultural sustainability; find and address knowledge and skills gaps.
Collaborate with the ED to refine and clarify staff roles and responsibilities, including updating such roles and responsibilities over time as SER grows.
Support efforts to procure funding for programmatic implementation through grants, partnerships, fee for service, and other relevant fundraising opportunities.
Operational Management
Ensure operational excellence in service delivery and partnership commitments.
Oversee all program leads in the execution and evaluation of programs (including annual reviews), ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and stakeholder expectations.
Manage and optimize organization-wide capabilities (e.g., IT, financial reporting, grant and contract reporting, fiscal responsibility).
Partner with ED on annual budgeting processes.
Compensation and benefits
Salary range: $110,000-140,000 depending on experience and location/country of residence. SER offers a competitive benefits package including vacation, retirement, healthcare, sick leave. Engaging, high-impact work for a mission-driven organization. Benefits may vary depending on country of residence.
How to Apply
To apply, please send resume, cover letter, and short writing sample to humanresources@ser.org by 5 November 2024. Position will remain open until filled. Please title your email: SER Associate Director Applicant – YOUR NAME. Top applicants will be contacted by email to schedule interviews.
Preferred start timing: early January 2025.
SER is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
Location
Remote preferred; SER has office space in Washington DC.
Requirements
Essential qualifications, relevant experience, and skills:
- Strong understanding of ecological restoration
- At least 5 years of experience in a leadership role within a global environmental or equivalent entity.
- Proven organizational management skills, including the execution of complex projects implemented by collaborative teams.
- Experience planning and leading strategic initiatives.
- Demonstrated experience with global organizations and international work.
- Budgeting and financial management experience.
- Experience in fundraising and resource development.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity with a proven track record of effective stakeholder engagement.
- Ability to work logically and efficiently in a fast-paced and growing organization.
- Proficiency in English and ideally at least one other language.
- Capacity to work well with competing priorities and tight deadlines that require a high degree of independent action with minimal supervision/multiple project leaders.
- Willingness to travel, including internationally.
Preferred qualifications, relevant experience, and skills
- Master’s degree in environmental science, ecology, or a related field.
- Familiarity with the Society for Ecological Restoration
- Working knowledge of, and past experience with, international environmental platforms (e.g. Convention on Biological Diversity, Convention to Combat Desertification, International Union for the Conservation of Nature)
- Experience in recruiting and hiring.
- Ability to coordinate international/fully remote teams and collaborations.
