Job Description – International Wildlife Refuge Alliance Executive Director

There are over 550 National Wildlife Refuges nation-wide and we have, in southeast Michigan, the only International Wildlife Refuge – the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge.  The International Wildlife Refuge Alliance (IWRA) is an alliance of organizations that builds the capacity of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to deliver its mission for the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge (http://www.fws.gov/midwest/detroitriver/).  IWRA is an independent, 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization established to help protect wildlife and support wildlife dependent recreational uses like hunting, fishing, photography, wildlife observation, interpretation, and environmental education.  IWRA’s mission statement is presented below:

 

Our mission is to support the first International Wildlife Refuge in North America by working through partnerships to protect, conserve and manage the refuge’s wildlife and habitats, and to create exceptional conservation, recreational and educational experiences to develop the next generation of conservation stewards.

IWRA works collaboratively to promote community outreach, organize educational and interpretive programs, undertake habitat rehabilitation and restoration, coordinate volunteer staff, organize special events, undertake advocacy for the refuge, and help with fund-raising. 

IWRA is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Executive Director. The Executive Director will report directly to the IWRA Board of Directors and work collaboratively with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff, responsible for the Refuge, and its many partners.  The Executive Director will serve at the pleasure of the IWRA Board of Directors.  The job work station will be at the offices of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge currently located at: Large Lakes Research Station, 9311 Groh Road, Grosse Ile, MI 48138.

Duties

The Executive Director, reporting to the Chairperson of the IWRA, will work with the IWRA Board of Directors and its committees, and coordinate with Refuge staff.  The principal duties of the Executive Director include:

• Serve as the full time senior administrator for the IWRA, including managing all grants
• Work closely with the IWRA Chairperson, the Executive Committee, the Board of Directors, and the IWRA fundraising committee to identify, seek and secure grants and other revenue sources, including matching funds for the general fund, endowment fund and program specific funds
• Submit proposals and secure grants and other financial support for IWRA
• Work with partners to deliver high priority projects under the direction of the IWRA Chairperson and with input from Refuge staff
• Carry out tasks assigned by the Executive Committee and its Chairperson
• Provide secretariat and administrative support to the IWRA Board and its committees
• Coordinate IWRA volunteer activities in support of Refuge goals and objectives
• Serve as liaison between the IWRA Board of Directors, standing IWRA committees, Refuge staff, and refuge partners
• Provide guidance to IWRA committees, partners, and volunteers in the design and conduct of high priority projects

Desired Qualifications

·         In-depth knowledge of organizational administration, typically gained through extensive experience

·         Understanding of wildlife issues and familiarity with the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge

·         Demonstrated leadership skills

·         Demonstrated fundraising experience, particularly in southeast Michigan

·         Proven project management skills

·         Works effectively with a variety of stakeholders, both public and private (a people person)

·         Strong communication, writing and interpersonal skills

·         Self-starter and proven finisher

·         Demonstrated grant writing success

·         Marketing experience

·         Nonprofit management experience

·         BA/BS degree

·         Financial management experience

·         Passion for wildlife and the refuge

·         Experience with public/private partnerships and collaboration

·         Respected in the community

·         Experience managing volunteers

Questions should be directed to:

Mary Bohling, IWRA Secretary           313.410.9431 bohling@msu.edu

John Hartig, Refuge Manager 734.692.7608  john_hartig@fws.gov

Anita Twardesky, IWRA Vice Chair 734.626.5465     anita@riversidekayak.com

 

Application Submission – Deadline: must be postmarked or e-mailed by January 31, 2007

Application materials must include: cover letter; resume; salary requirement; names, phone numbers and addresses for three references; and a statement addressing the qualification requirements with examples from past experiences. Total compensation package-including salary and benefits- will be commensurate with the successful candidate's qualifications. Application materials should be sent by mail or electronically to:

Mr. George Mans, Chairperson, International Wildlife Refuge Alliance, P.O. Box 91, Trenton, MI 48183       iwr_alliance@yahoo.com

 

************Employment opportunities are open to eligible/qualified persons without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, or family status.**************