Executive Director-Delaware Nature Society

Executive Director Position Announcement


The Delaware Nature Society is accepting applications for the position of Executive Director (ED). Founded in 1964, the Delaware Nature Society (DNS) is one of the pre-eminent non-profit environmental organizations in the state of Delaware, mid-Atlantic region, and enjoys a national reputation. The Society’s mission is threefold: to foster understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment of the natural world through education; to preserve ecologically significant areas; and to advocate stewardship and conservation of natural resources. Currently, 8,000 members and nearly 1,000 volunteers support this important work. DNS reaches more than 50,000 program participants annually.

The ED is the chief executive officer of DNS, reports to the Board of Directors, manages a staff of 34 and is responsible for its overall strategic direction, leadership and administration of a $2.7 million annual operating budget. DNS has $40 million in total assets and operates five nature centers. The ED guides the preservation, land management, advocacy and education elements of the Society and integrates the three elements into the Society’s overall programs and activities.



The Delaware Nature Society Executive Director
· leads the development and implementation of strategic plans and alignment of resources to annual goals to achieve the DNS mission and vision.
· defines future revenue needs, cultivates resources, key relationships and external partnerships to sustain DNS mission, programs and operations.
· fosters a positive organizational culture that promotes new ideas and creative approaches to improve organizational effectiveness and efficiency.
· promotes a positive culture that recruits, retains and recognizes highly qualified staff, board members and volunteers.

Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, education, business administration, with Master’s degree or equivalent preferred.
Five years of successful experience and advancement in environmental institution administration

Additional Qualifications:
Equivalent work and administrative experiences demonstrating leadership in the field of environmental sciences, education, preservation and conservation stewardship
Reasoned problem solving and forward thinking
Documented leadership, management and fund development accomplishments
Proven public relations, oral and written communication skills
Personable, collaborative, self motivated, team oriented

Additional Qualifications:
Equivalent work and administrative experiences demonstrating leadership in the field of environmental sciences, education, preservation and conservation stewardship
Reasoned problem solving and forward thinking
Documented leadership, management and fund development accomplishments
Proven public relations, oral and written communication skills
Personable, collaborative, self motivated, team oriented

Salary and Benefits:
Competitive salary; health, dental, life and disability insurance, retirement plan

To Apply:
Applications will be accepted through February 18, 2011. Please send cover letter, resume and three references to Delaware Nature Society, ED Search and Screen, P.O. Box 700, Hockessin, DE 19707 or email judyp@delawarenaturesociety.org.