Job Description

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources – United States (IUCN-US) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization incorporated under the laws of the District of Columbia. It was set up as a “friends of” organization to facilitate donations to IUCN, which is a membership union of government and civil society organizations organized under Swiss law. Together, IUCN works to advance sustainable development and create a just world that values and conserves nature (https://www.iucn.org/about-iucn/about-iucn).

As a partner to the chief executive officer (CEO) and other board members, the Board Chair will provide leadership to the board of directors of IUCN-US, particularly in the areas of organizational strategy and oversight. In connection with this, the Board Chair will help IUCN-US transition from a passive to an active fundraising organization, one of the key elements of a newly formulated strategy for IUCN-US. This will require substantial effort in bringing in financial resources to fund the larger efforts of IUCN in North America and globally.

Specific responsibilities include:

Governance

• Provide oversight of IUCN-US and its activities and operations
• Run meetings of the board of directors and, working with the CEO and other members of the board and others as appropriate, determine the agendas for these meetings
• Partner with the CEO to ensure that board resolutions are carried out
• Approve, together with the rest of the board of IUCN-US, the organization’s annual budget, audit reports, and material business decisions
• Ensure that the organization, its board members, and its staff meet all legal and fiduciary responsibilities, and that these responsibilities are communicated, as appropriate
• Support the Nominations Committee in recruiting new board members
• Consult with board members periodically on their roles and help them assess their contributions to IUCN-US

Strategy

• Determine, in consultation with the board, the strategic direction and branding of IUCN-US as a ‘friends of’ organization supporting IUCN and its mission
• Act as a trusted advisor to the CEO in the further development and implementation of IUCN-US’s strategic plan and provide inputs on its iterative development

Policy and relationship-building

• Act as an ambassador for the organization
• Participate in key meetings with partners to promote policy items aligned with IUCN-US’s strategic plan
• Develop and manage relationships and communicate with members of IUCN commissions, IUCN members, funders and other partners

Fund-raising

• Foster IUCN-US’s overall growth, and increase project- and initiative-related revenue in collaboration with the CEO
• Help the CEO increase the number of gifts from individual donors
• Ensure that all members of the board, including of course the Board Chair, prioritize IUCN-US in their personal philanthropy and contribute to IUCN-US at least annually
• Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major individual, corporate, and foundation donors.

Terms of the Appointment

The IUCN-US Board Chair normally serves, as do other members of the board, a three-year term, and, subject to the approval of the board of directors and the bylaws of the organization, may be eligible to serve one additional term as Board Chair. Board meetings are normally held twice a year, although additional meetings may be called as described in the bylaws.

The role of Board Chair of IUCN-US is an uncompensated position. However, the board may authorize reimbursement of expenses incurred by the Board Chair in fulfillment of the role, consistent with the bylaws of IUCN-US.

Desired Skills and Experience

This position requires the following skills and experience: strategic planning and business development; fundraising experience; and a desire and ability to help increase the profile of IUCN-US and its donor network. Relevant experience in the field of biodiversity conservation or sustainability is highly desirable, as is an existing, well-established network in the environmental field. Knowledge of IUCN, and experience working with the organization, is also highly desirable.

How to Apply

Job Categories: Conservation. Job Types: Full-Time. Salaries: Less than 20,000.

Apply for this Job