Description

The North Carolina Aquarium Society is seeking an experienced and passionate leader for the role of President/CEO. This position is based in the Society’s Raleigh, N.C. office.

The N.C. Aquarium Society is a 501c3 nonprofit that has been joined with the NC Aquariums and the State of North Carolina in a public/private partnership for several decades. Formed in 1986 and based in Raleigh, the Society supports the mission of the Aquariums and their work in conservation, education and research through advocacy, philanthropic engagement and enhanced guest experiences. The Society leads fundraising efforts for capital projects and conservation programs, operates gift shops at the Aquarium and Pier locations, manages membership programs, and advocates for support from government and private sources. The Society does not provide administrative oversight for the NC Aquariums. Learn more at www.ncaquariumsociety.com.

The N.C. Aquariums at Fort Fisher, Pine Knoll Shores, and Roanoke Island, along with Jennette’s Pier at Nags Head, are among the State’s most popular attractions with 1.3 million annual visitors. Their mission: Inspiring an appreciation and conservation of our aquatic environments. The Aquariums operate under the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (NCDNCR). The Aquariums Division, including the Division Director, share office space with the Society in Raleigh. Learn more about the Aquariums at www.ncaquariums.com.

The Role of President

Reporting directly to a statewide, 45-member Board of Directors, the President of the Aquarium Society functions as the CEO of the organization and has the overall responsibility for the management and implementation of Society goals, policies, and procedures. The President provides leadership and direction for Society staff, oversees the organization’s administration, programs and strategic planning, and provides support and direction for retail operations, fundraising, marketing, and outreach.

The President is expected to live and work in the Raleigh, NC metro area, with frequent travel across eastern NC, especially the coastal region.

Key Responsibilities:

•  Provides vision, leadership, and direction for the Society staff and Board
• Develops and implements strategies to grow the organization’s visibility, influence and philanthropic impact
• Serves as primary liaison for the Society’s public-private partnership with NCDNCR
• Ensures fiscal responsibility, operational efficiency, growth orientation, fundraising and marketing effectiveness, and transparency regarding projects and programs
• Effective and open communications with the Board, staff, donors, members and others
• Leads advocacy efforts, including developing and implementing legislative strategies
• Supports staff through effective management; promotes collaboration across the partnership
• Leads the planning and implementation of Board meetings; fosters engagement to maximize Board effectiveness
• Resource development: leads the Society staff and Board in the implementation of fundraising campaigns; membership programs, gift shop operations, legislative strategies, and other revenue sources
• Develops and directs annual budgeting process
• Oversees strategic planning and sets organizational policies and evaluation programs

Requirements

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor's degree (B. A. / B. S.) from a four-year college or university
• A minimum of five years of experience as an organizational leader, with a preference for experience leading a nonprofit
• Demonstrated excellence in organizational and managerial skills; High level communication skills, especially in the areas of proposal writing, correspondence, and public speaking
• Knowledge and experience in developing and implementing successful fundraising campaigns and sustaining donor relations
• Preferred Experience with special events planning and management
• Preferred Experience with managing membership programs and serving members
• Possess the skills to motivate staff, board members and other volunteers
• Have the desire to get out of the office and build external relationships
• Exhibit personal characteristics to effectively and persuasively engage with a wide variety of individuals, including high-wealth donors, legislators, and civic and community leaders