Full-Time Chief Executive Officer
Job Description
Chief Executive Officer
International Living Future Institute
Seattle, Washington
INTERNATIONAL LIVING FUTURE INSTITUTE
The International Living Future Institute (ILFI) identifies positive future scenarios for the built environment that are both hopeful and demonstrably attainable. Imagine nutrition labels for safe products, energy independent buildings, and happy employees. Rather than advocating for incremental improvements to the built environment and the industries that interact with it, ILFI defines the desired outcome for the movement it serves: the cultivation of restorative ecosystems in which thriving communities benefit the biosphere as a whole. With that guiding framework, ILFI works to eliminate barriers to a ‘living future’ by educating, setting standards, doing research and creating innovative tools and programs.
ILFI offers global strategies for sustainability, partnering with local communities to create grounded and relevant solutions, including green building and infrastructure solutions on scales ranging from single room renovations to neighborhoods or whole cities. ILFI administers the Living Building Challenge, the environment’s most rigorous and ambitious performance standard, as well as the Living Product Challenge and Living Community Challenge. In addition, ILFI offers transparency labels through JUST, Declare, and Reveal and certifications in Zero Energy and Zero Carbon. Through its network of international members, ILFI offers educational courses in sustainability standards and reaches thousands of sustainability champions through education and events each year. ILFI has offices in Seattle, WA and Pittsburgh, PA as well as additional remote staff across the country and in Canada. ILFI also operates globally with affiliate entities in Australia and Europe.
With an annual budget of $6 million and a talented and passionate staff of 45, the International Living Future Institute’s mission is to lead the transformation toward a civilization that is socially just, culturally rich, and ecologically restorative. The Institute is premised on the belief that providing a compelling vision for the future is a fundamental requirement for reconciling humanity’s relationship with the natural world.
To learn more about ILFI, visit the website: https://living-future.org/
THE OPPORTUNITY
The International Living Future Institute is seeking a dynamic leader to serve as its next CEO.
The CEO role is a unique opportunity for a talented, driven individual to lead an innovative organization with transformative potential into a chapter of effective and impactful leadership in the sustainable built environment movement. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO will work in partnership with the Board and staff to expand the reach and reputation of ILFI and Living Buildings. A key aspect of this role will be increasing ILFI’s international presence and the diversity of ILFI’s revenue sources through the forging of new partnerships. During this critical juncture for the climate crisis, policy change, and racial equity, the CEO has an opportunity to be a change agent for good capitalizing on a mission that is crucial for the future of the planet.
The CEO will be tasked with equipping the organization to scale its vision as it enters its next chapter, working closely and transparently with staff and developing a visionary strategy grounded in equity. Through strengthening the mission of the organization, the CEO will have the unique opportunity to expand the influence of ILFI’s programs, and as a result, will be at the forefront of revolutionizing the future of the built environment.
CANDIDATE PROFILE
The ideal candidate will have the following professional and personal qualities, skills and characteristics:
Business Acumen
The CEO will be a strategic, nimble and entrepreneurial leader with strong ambition, yet an empathetic leadership approach. This leader will be excited to jump in and create change and will have a proven track record of excellence when it comes to leading businesses. They should have a strategic sales mindset, understanding how to work with a variety of clients and partners and how to set and achieve both long-term and short-term goals. While it will be important for this leader to accept and allow for organizational change, it will be equally crucial for the CEO to bring knowledge of how to effectively scale programs through transformative change in partnership with a Board. The CEO should have experience tapping into new areas of investment and should bring the gravitas needed to work collaboratively with industry leaders.
Strategic and Visionary Leadership
The CEO will be an entrepreneurial, bold and influential leader who can articulate and implement an innovative vision for a built environment that is culturally rich, socially just and ecologically restorative. Curious by nature, the CEO will be energized by thinking creatively and executing new ideas. Driven by a passion for design, community and the health of the climate, the CEO will build the necessary plans and partnerships to influence policymakers and businesses across the globe. ILFI’s next leader should have experience taking stock of an organization humbly and collaboratively developing a new strategic plan in lockstep with key staff. The CEO should have a keen ability to develop new and unique approaches to revenue generation and to communicate to the staff and Board how to capitalize on those new areas of growth.
Cultivating Culture and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leadership
An emotionally intelligent, empathetic, collaborative and engaged leader, the CEO will have the ability to attract, cultivate and retain diverse teams and achieve ILFI’s intended impact by recognizing and lifting up the strengths of the staff. This CEO will have the unique ability to ensure accountability and high standards for staff deliverables, while providing the team with a welcoming and inclusive work environment and professional growth opportunities. Serving as an internal champion, the CEO will foster a positive environment for participation, collaboration and innovation with the goal of advancing ILFI’s mission and impact. This leader should be deeply thoughtful about racial equity in the sustainability movement and should have a track record of work in creating a more diverse and inclusive staff and Board.
Communications and Trust Building
The CEO will connect, build bridges and sustain excellent relationships with a broad range of constituents including existing and potential partners. Always thinking one step ahead, the CEO will proactively establish relationships with businesses, policymakers and organizations that care deeply about innovative sustainability. The CEO will be an inclusive leader with a deep commitment to equity and inclusion and will be someone who builds and supports a culture of collaboration among the Board and staff. The CEO will be experienced in growing and developing the Board to meet the needs of the organization while keeping all stakeholders informed and included as the organization evolves. They should also be a trustworthy partner for funders and members and should bring the gravitas to inspire audiences and should be a gifted presenter and speaker. They should be able to clearly and effectively communicate ideas to a wide range of stakeholders.
Organizational Effectiveness and Financial Management
ILFI’s next leader will bring demonstrated experience in maintaining organizational and operational effectiveness and financial management across leadership of the organization. They should be confident in their ability to lead an organization through its evolution and should know how to develop Board and staff members to allow for an even share of responsibility when it comes to strategic execution and financial management. The CEO will be a leader in unifying internal stakeholders under a common, dynamic vision and should be knowledgeable about the financial and operational needs of a growing organization. The ability to set priorities decisively, delegate responsibilities, assure accountability and allocate resources to ensure results will be critical for the organization to reach its full potential.
The International Living Future Institute is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. ILFI believes that its staff should reflect the diversity of the communities across the globe in order to achieve a living future that is socially just, culturally rich and ecologically restorative. ILFI is committed to hiring and advancing staff that represent voices from traditionally underrepresented populations.
Koya Partners
Koya Partners, a part of The Diversified Search Group, is a leading executive search and strategic advising firm dedicated to connecting exceptionally talented people with mission-driven clients.
Our founding philosophy — The Right Person in the Right Place Can Change the World — guides our work as we partner with nonprofits & NGOs, institutions of higher education, responsible businesses, and social enterprises in local communities and around the world.
Kara Teising and Libby Cornelssen are leading this search. To make recommendations or to express your interest in this role https://talent-profile.koyapartners.com/search/4278. All nominations, inquiries and discussions will be considered strictly confidential.
For more information about Koya Partners, visit www.koyapartners.com.
How to Apply
- Koya Partners, a part of The Diversified Search Group, is a leading executive search and strategic advising firm dedicated to connecting exceptionally talented people with mission-driven clients.
- Our founding philosophy — The Right Person in the Right Place Can Change the World — guides our work as we partner with nonprofits & NGOs, institutions of higher education, responsible businesses, and social enterprises in local communities and around the world.
- Kara Teising and Libby Cornelssen are leading this search. To make recommendations or to express your interest in this role https://talent-profile.koyapartners.com/search/4278. All nominations, inquiries and discussions will be considered strictly confidential.
- For more information about Koya Partners, visit www.koyapartners.com.
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