Job Description

About Marine Science Institute

The Marine Science Institute offers hands-on adventures that engage students of all ages with the rich marine life of the San Francisco Bay Area. Led by expert educators, these experiences not only provide interactive learning but also foster a sense of respect and stewardship for marine ecosystems. The organization strives to inspire a future where everyone feels a deep connection to marine life, promoting ecological responsibility. With a commitment to resilience, integrity, and community engagement, the Institute ensures adaptability in leadership and accountability in its programs, all while delivering passionate and exciting educational experiences.

Responsibilities

Executive Leadership and Strategic Vision

• Lead by example and embody MSIs mission, goals, values, and professional standards.
• Set the organizations long-range vision and lead towards strategic goals.
• Ensure MSI is financially healthy and maintains appropriate reserves.
• Develop and manage organizational and program budgets, ensuring financial sustainability and strategic resource allocation.
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors to develop and maintain engaged, accountable governance, advocacy, and financial accountability.
• Develop and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders from local communities, government, foundations, corporate partners, major donors, and schools.
• Represent MSI in media engagements, public speaking events, and strategic partnerships.
• Lead the action plan to achieve a long-term land lease, ownership, or relocation.

Fundraising and Resource Development

• Act as the primary brand ambassador for MSI.
• Identify, develop, and maintain multiple mission-aligned revenue streams.
• Oversee all fundraising, including major gifts programs, capital acquisition, institutional giving, and endowment development.
• Partner with development staff to set and achieve annual and long-term contributed revenue goals.
• Identify resource requirements and establish strategies to secure funding through grants, partnerships, and donor engagement.
• Maintain regular, timely communication with major donors, partners, foundations, and corporate sponsors.

Team Leadership and Operations

• Oversee office staff and ensure operational excellence and accountability across all business areas and programs.
• Oversee all educational programs and facility operations, and ensure a consistently high level of quality and effectiveness.
• Maintain high performance standards and develop staff with intentionality.
• Enhance MSIs recognition as a thought leader for marine science education.
• Oversee marketing and sales planning and expand execution and audiences.
• Maintain current partnerships and develop additional opportunities to secure new and repeat program contracts.
• Ensure all applicable programs continue to align with California science standards.

Qualifications

The ideal ED is an experienced organizational leader with a minimum of 20 years of experience in experiential education or related situations, with at least 10 years of executive leadership experience. The ED will have a deep history of values-based leadership, high-level fundraising and relationship skills, and the proven ability to navigate complex, changing organizational and mission delivery environments. They lead with an engaging, authentic personality and the confidence, humility, and emotional intelligence to work with a talented staff and engaged board at an important time in MSIs evolution.

The ideal candidate will have outstanding interpersonal and relational skills and excel at developing, leveraging, and advancing education and stewardship work with integrity, accountability, and humanity. The position works with a wide variety of people, including MSI staff and board members, as well as school leaders, donors, partners, government agencies, and community leaders.

Additionally, the ideal candidate will be creative and entrepreneurial in achieving MSIs mission and maintaining the organization as a leader in the field of science education in the San Francisco Bay.

Education

Bachelors degree or equivalent experience

Compensation

This is a full-time, exempt, benefit-eligible position. The anticipated annual salary range for this position is $195,000$240,000, commensurate with experience. The range provided is an estimate and will be evaluated on an individual basis, taking into consideration the candidates knowledge, skills, abilities, experience, and education. MSIs full-time employee benefits package includes:

• Two weeks paid time off and 10 sick days annually
• One additional week paid time off during year-end holidays
• Health insurance coverage through Kaiser Permanente and $170/month toward employee health coverages
• 403(b) retirement plan with 5% employer match
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