Executive Director

The Southeast Alaska Conservation Council has partnered with The Moran Company to conduct a national search for the organization’s next Executive Director. 

Organizational Background

Founded in 1970, the Southeast Alaska Conservation Council was formed by a group of community activists and volunteers to advocate for the Tongass National Forest, the waters of the Inside Passage, and a healthy climate in Southeast Alaska. Today, SEACC is the largest regional conservation nonprofit in Southeast Alaska. Headquartered in Juneau, the Southeast Alaska Conservation Council’s mission is to protect the special places of the world’s largest temperate rainforest, promote conservation, and advocate for sustainability in human use of natural resources. Inspired by the land, wildlife, cultures, and communities of Southeast Alaska, SEACC strives to ensure this interconnected whole exists for future generations. Land, water, and people are intimately connected in Southeast Alaska and by protecting the forest ecosystems we are sustaining the fish, wildlife and wild places that form the foundation of a unique way of life. Additionally, SEACC acknowledges Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian peoples who have been stewards of the forests and waters of this land since time immemorial and continue to do so today, and on whose land we each do our work and live our lives.

The organization is led by a 12-member Board of Directors and currently has 9 staff members. The combined operating budget is approximately $1.3M, with primary sources of revenue coming from grants, memberships, and contributions.

This position is based in Southeast Alaska, and working out of the main Juneau SEACC office is required. The population of Juneau is approximately 32,000. To learn more about Juneau and the surrounding region, visit Travel Juneau.

Position Summary

The Southeast Alaska Conservation Council (SEACC) is seeking a strategic, dynamic new leader to advance the mission “To protect the special places of the world’s largest temperate rainforest, promote conservation, and advocate for sustainability in human use of natural resources. Inspired by the land, wildlife, cultures, and communities of Southeast Alaska, SEACC strives to ensure this interconnected whole exists for future generations.”

The Executive Director is responsible for oversight, execution, and implementation of the mission of SEACC and leads and supports the staff working to protect both the Tongass National Forest and the lands and waters of Southeast Alaska. The Executive Director oversees and leads the business side of the nonprofit organization, including a $1.3 M annual budget and a substantial reserve and action fund. SEACC’s Executive Director represents and speaks on behalf of the organization with members of the press, and with other conservation organizations, Tribes and Tribal leadership, supporters, community leaders, regional and statewide businesses, donors, and the public. The Executive Director reports to the SEACC Board of Directors and is responsible for the implementation of strategy and the budget as developed and approved by the Board.

The Executive Director position requires regular travel to communities throughout Southeast Alaska, and several fundraising trips each year to the west coast, Washington DC, and New York City area. The role requires periodic work on nights and weekends outside of a traditional 9-to-5 schedule. Travel will be via ferry, commercial jet, small plane, seaplane, skiff, and foot, at times. Travel is estimated to be up to 25% at times.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Administration

The Executive Director is the key management leader of the Southeast Alaska Conservation Council directly supervising all activities of the organization, its programs, staff, and facilities. Other key duties include fundraising, legislative advocacy and engaging with key partners and funding entities.

Essential Functions of the SEACC Executive Director

• Implement SEACC’s conservation mission, vision, and goals.
• Safeguard the financial health of the organization, overseeing the organization’sbusiness operations, finances, reserve, and budget.
• Work with the Board in developing and approving SEACC’s Strategic Plan anddirection, and regularly review these plans and revise as necessary.
• Lead the staff team, including direct supervision of staff members.
• Ensure a standard and consistent employee performance evaluation process,and that employees receive consistent feedback and support.
• Work with staff to identify employee goals, develop workplans, identifyprofessional development opportunities, and cultivate career advancement andmentorship opportunities.
• Ensure a professional workforce through effective recruitment, development, andretention.
• Demonstrate commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, and a recordof successful implementation of JEDI initiatives.
• Effectively build and nurture relationships with Tribes and Tribal leadership.
• Lead annual work planning and co-lead annual budgeting process with DeputyDirector and staff.
• Assist with Board development and recruitment.
• Represent SEACC at public events, engaging current and potential rightsholdersand stakeholders, and promoting SEACC’s mission with partners, donors, andthe public.
• Work with the Deputy Director on donor relations and fundraising.

Specific Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes

• Strong personnel and management skills.
• Capacity to navigate conflict situations.
• Strong political, legislative, and legal knowledge.
• Keen cross-cultural awareness and sensitivity.
• Ability to recruit and retain strong staff and Board teams.
• Creative problem-solving skills.
• Great people skills/empathy skills.
• Extensive fundraising experience and abilities.
• Demonstrated knowledge and commitment to Southeast Alaska.
• Enthusiasm, energy, and inspirational attitude.

Professional Qualifications and Experience

• At least 5 years of progressively increasing organizational leadership experienceat the senior level. Preference will be given to candidates with nonprofit leadership experience focusing on Southeast Alaska issues.
• Master’s degree or equivalent experience in conservation or ecology relateddisciplines.
• Extensive experience with conservation policy, legislative action, environmental issue advocacy and activism.

Compensation

The salary range proposed for this position is $105,000 – $125,000, commensurate with experience and education. SEACC offers excellent benefits, including: four weeks of paid vacation, 11 paid federal and state holidays, fully paid healthcare premium for the employee, annual employer contribution to a Health Savings Account, 12 days of paid medical leave annually, two days of paid community service or participation leave, and a 401K plan with a 5% match after one year of employment. A three month paid sabbatical leave is provided following 5 years of consecutive, full-time employment.

Statement of Non-Discrimination

SEACC is an equal opportunity employer to all, without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Application Process

The search for the Southeast Alaska Conservation Council Executive Director is being conducted by The Moran Company. For more information regarding the Southeast Alaska Conservation Council Executive Director position, please contact Jon Rosell, Senior Search Consultant, The Moran Company: jon@morancompany.com.