Executive Director

Huntsville, AL
Full Time
National Speleological Society
Executive

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Executive Director

National Speleological Society

Huntsville, Alabama (Hybrid Position)


The Moran Company is pleased to partner with the National Speleological Society (NSS) to recruit the organization’s new Executive Director.

Background

Founded in 1941, the National Speleological Society (NSS) is the largest membership organization dedicated to caves & caving. Composed of over 8,000 members and 250+ local chapters—known as grottos—the NSS connects cavers so they can explore, study and conserve caves worldwide.

The NSS is a strong organization financially with an annual budget of approximately $1 million. It organizes an annual weeklong convention that brings together cavers from all over the world, as well as regional events. The NSS owns 19 cave preserves and manages 4 preserves owned by others. It has a strong commitment to the conservation of underground environments and to advancing science about caves and karst. The NSS promotes responsible cave exploration and fellowship among those interested in caves. For more information, visit the NSS website at Caves.org.

Position Summary

After more than eight decades of existence, the NSS board and members are excited to seek the organization’s first Executive Director. The Executive Director will oversee all operations of the organization and be responsible for managing and supporting the Division Heads in Communications, Education & Training, Conservation & Science, Facilities, Membership, Operations, and Accounting & Finance.

Responsibilities

Operations & Management

  • Manage all Divisions within NSS, ensuring alignment with the Strategic Plan and organizational goals.
  • Meet regularly with the volunteer Division Heads to ensure they have the requisite support and resources and that day-to-day objectives are being met.
  • Work with the Board of Directors to manage fundraising efforts, nurture major donors and prospects, and develop grant proposals to further the mission of the organization.
  • Work to engage and grow membership, keeping the NSS relevant in the modern and changing world.
  • Meet with partners to develop mutually beneficial plans for karst resources and membership benefits.
  • Foster team spirit by inspiring and recognizing volunteers and employees of the Society.
  • Assess, standardize, and optimize the internal organization structure and internal processes.
  • Work to resolve critical vacancies, resource gaps, and interpersonal conflicts effectively.
  • Supervise two current full-time staff located at the NSS Headquarters in Huntsville, Alabama.

Finance & Budgeting

  • Monitor organizational spending and budgets. Approve/manage invoices where appropriate.
  • Work with the Secretary-Treasurer to develop the annual budget.
  • Ensure budget goals are met and reports are prepared and delivered.
  • Function as one of two individuals who has signing authority for the NSS.
  • Bring external funding opportunities to Division teams and spearhead associated grant writing or applications in partnership with Division teams.

Board Communications & Relations

  • Assess the organization and develop and execute a forward-thinking strategic plan in collaboration with the Board of Directors.
  • Compile reports from Division teams 30 days ahead of Board meetings.
  • Keep the Board informed on the work of the Division Heads.

Professional Qualifications & Personal Characteristics

  • Passion for the mission of NSS to study and protect caves and to foster connections among those interested in caves.
  • Minimum of ten years of relevant management work or volunteer experience. Nonprofit management experience is preferred, along with budgeting, accounting, financial and risk management expertise.
  • Outstanding leadership abilities for managing highly skilled staff and volunteers and forging a shared consensus about future direction.
  • Demonstrated success in donor relations and fundraising for nonprofit organizations.
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills with a positive, affable and approachable manner. Cares about the people on the team and their work.
  • Ability to build rapport and work effectively with a volunteer board, members, remote teams, and external stakeholders.
  • Ability to represent the organization professionally both internally and externally.
  • Ability to develop and nurture partnerships with diverse groups, including business and industry, toward common goals.
  • Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. An advanced degree is preferred.
  • Demonstrated ability to anticipate strategic program needs and risks, taking the initiative to address them.
  • Action-oriented, flexible problem-solver with an ability to manage multiple varied teams, develop solutions to obstacles and resource gaps, embrace and communicate effectively through ambiguity, and drive task completion. 
  • Willingness to roll up sleeves and ability to overcome barriers and setbacks.
  • Able to resolve conflicts within and across teams and Divisions.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to operate collaboratively in an environment with coworkers using Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 products.
  • Previous Land Trust experience is a plus.
  • Familiarity working with and negotiating with federal and state land management agencies.

Location & Compensation

The National Speleological Society is based in Huntsville, Alabama. The Executive Director has the potential to be a remote-work position, but reasonable proximity and access to the Huntsville site will be an advantage. Travel up to 20-25% of work time should be expected, including approximately 6 trips to the NSS Headquarters in Huntsville annually.

Starting salary up to $150,000, depending on experience.

Benefits include:

  • Health and dental insurance
  • Paid vacation and sick leave
  • IRA match
  • Paid holidays
  • Life insurance

Non-Discrimination

The National Speleological Society is committed to diversity and inclusion. All interested individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.

Application Process

The search for the new Executive Director is being conducted for the NSS by The Moran Company. To apply for this position, submit cover letter and resume to Steven Byers through the secure online portal. For the best opportunity of being considered, please apply before December 13, 2024. Questions may be directed to Steve.Byers (at) morancompany.com.

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