The Lake Sunapee Protective Association (LSPA), founded in 1898, is dedicated to protecting and enhancing the environmental integrity of the Lake Sunapee region of New Hampshire through education, research and collaborative action. LSPA actively engages in environmental education for all ages, watershed science, water quality sampling and analysis, prevention and control of invasive aquatic species, and scientific research. With the upcoming retirement of our longtime Executive Director (ED), LSPA is seeking a new ED.
The ED of LSPA provides inspirational leadership while promoting LSPA’s mission to a wide range of stakeholders at both the local and state level. S/he guides environmental education, ecosystem stewardship and scientific research. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the ED is responsible for day-to-day management of LSPA, continually assessing programs and anticipating future challenges and opportunities. This individual must be an excellent communicator, adaptable and willing to pitch in where needed. S/he must lead with respect, cooperation and innovation and work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, members, and all other stakeholders. A deep appreciation for the fundamental ecological and social sciences involved in our changing environment is essential.
RESPONSIBILITIES
1) Mission and Strategy: Work with the Board and staff to advocate for LSPA’s mission and see that it is fulfilled through its educational programs, community outreach, research, and communications. • Oversee and support the development and implementation of programs that carry out LSPA’s strategic plan. • Work closely with LSPA’s professional, educational, research, and private partners.
• Establish partnerships with towns, businesses, and other organizations to advance LSPA’s mission. • Work closely with relevant State agencies, such as the Department of Environmental Services.
• Enhance LSPA’s image and credibility by being active and visible in the region and state.
2) Financial Performance and Viability: Manage monetary resources to ensure LSPA’s financial health.
- Propose an annual budget and provide the Board with regular financial statements which accurately reflect LSPA’s financial condition.
- Perform other financial duties relating to LSPA’s Long Term and Retirement funds.
- Provide fiscal management that anticipates operating within the approved budget, ensures efficient resource utilization, and maintains LSPA’s sound financial position.
- Maintain and expand the membership program which provides the majority of LSPA’s income.
- Build relationships with current and potential major donors.
3) Board Governance: Work with the Board to fulfill LSPA’s mission.
- With the Board, define and carry out LSPA’s mission, vision and values and the priorities established in the strategic plan.
- Communicate effectively with the Board and provide it with the information necessary to make informed decisions.
- Participate regularly with the Executive Committee and other committees.
- Adhere to established policies and procedures and update Board Handbook and Staff Manual as appropriate.
- Undertake duties beyond those listed, as assigned by the Board.
4) Operations: Oversee nonfinancial resources to ensure successful ongoing operations of LSPA.
- Hire, supervise and retain competent, qualified staff.
- Effectively maintain plant and equipment, including the Center for Lake Studies, boats, lake monitoring buoy, three lighthouses and any other physical assets.
- Sign notes, agreements, contracts and other instruments entered into on behalf of LSPA.
QUALIFICATIONS
- A Bachelor’s degree, Master’s preferred, in relevant field(s) (such as environmental studies/education, natural sciences, nonprofit/business administration), with scientific or technical background a plus.
- Ideally ten or more years professional experience, including five or more years relevant management experience.
- Experience with nonprofit governing boards, volunteer management and/or membership organizations.
- Transparent and high integrity leadership with a strong and energetic work ethic.
- Financial management skills, including budget preparation, analysis, decision making and reporting.
- Solid organizational abilities, including planning, delegating, program development and task facilitation.
- Strong written, oral and public speaking communication skills. The ability to envision and convey LSPA’s mission and
- strategic plan to staff, board, volunteers, donors and the broader community, including local and state government.
- Excellent member relationship skills and understanding of the funding community.
- Willingness to handle new challenges and tasks.
- Ability to oversee and work collaboratively with staff in a respectful team environment.
- Technology skills appropriate to the position.
- Availability and willingness to keep a flexible schedule, including some evenings and weekends.
This full-time job offers a competitive salary and benefits package when compared to similar non-profit organizations, including health insurance, dental insurance and retirement contribution. Applicants should send a cover letter and resume to searchcmt@lakesunapee.org by April 15, 2022. More information about LSPA can be found at lakesunapee.org.