Alaska SeaLife Center

President & CEO Position Description

Office and Responsibilities The Employee shall serve as the President & CEO of the Company, and as such, under the direction of the Board of Directors of the Company shall have general oversight and direction of the Company’s operations. In fulfilling the Employment, the Employee shall have the following responsibilities, subject to the direction of the Board of Directors.

Primary Roles and Responsibilities:

1. Reports to the Board of Directors. The President & CEO is responsible for the oversight of the Company to include administration of all programs and services of the organization.

2. Provides leadership to accomplish the mission of the organization under the general direction of the Board. Recommends strategic plans to the Board and manages agency operations in accordance with the policies and standards of the Board.

3. Communicates with the Board of Directors and their assigned committees on a regular basis concerning all matters of significance to the Company’s status and operations. Depending upon the topic will bring forward recommendations to address.

4. Manages and directs in a manner consistent with their respective job descriptions the activities of the organization’s employees and directors.

5. Ensures compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

6. Supervises personnel matters with the Direct Reports and establishes schedules, sets deadlines, and delegates authority. Sets performance standards and conducts annual performance evaluations of Direct Reports. Has final authority on hiring, termination, promotion/demotion, transfers, grievances, and pay increases/decreases for all Company employees.

7. Represents the Company at appropriate public, professional, and scientific meetings and symposia.

8. Fosters participation of staff in appropriate professional organizations.

9. Provides leadership in positioning the Company to build collaborative relationships with local regulatory and governmental agencies, elected officials, donors, volunteers and community leaders.

10. Is the principal fundraiser and oversees fundraising and grant writing activities.

11. Builds and maintains positive and productive collaborations with universities and other research organizations in Alaska and elsewhere.

12. Develops new funding strategies consistent with Company’s evolution from dependence on federal appropriations toward competitive research grants, private foundations, and other sources of revenue.

13. Develops the annual budget for Board approval.

14. Exercises fiduciary responsibility for assets and revenues.

15. Sets policies, procedures, goals, and objectives for all departments.

16. Approves all press releases and other significant external communications.

17. Complies with all Company policies, procedures and programs.

18. Prepares and responds to declared state and/or national disasters.

19. Performs such other lawful duties as may be assigned from time to time by the Board of Directors.

Experience: 15+ years in a senior-level position that has had oversight and management responsibilities of multiple programs. A balance of scientific research and facilities operation a must; aquarium experience preferred.

Education/Training Requirements: While a PhD is desired, an advanced degree is required coupled with an academic and/or scientific background.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Must have demonstrated excellent communication skills with the ability to be a relationship builder and consensus builder; Ability to work effectively and balance multiple constituencies.
• Leader – ability to motivate, influence, and develop others to create conditions that elicit passion, commitment, and best in class.
• A strategic and visionary thinker who can plan, execute, decide, and influence others to achieve long-term goals and objectives.
• Must have a background in fundraising and development coupled with knowledge of foundations and other donors who have a philanthropic desire to support similarly situated programs and research activities.
• Must have business and financial acumen with prior profit and loss responsibilities.
• Has the capacity to be alert to opportunities, be innovative, entrepreneurial, and take on new challenges.
• Thorough understanding of marine life ecosystems and their applications to scientific research, conservation science and rehabilitation.
• Be of the highest levels of character and ethical behavior.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Location/Travel: This position is based in Seward, Alaska. The successful incumbent can expect extensive travel within Alaska as well as between Alaska and the lower 48.

Please send electronic versions of a letter of application and resume/curriculum vitae to:

Cindy L. Ecklund at cindye@alaskasealife.org. The position is open until filled.

The Alaska SeaLife Center is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer.