Executive Director

The Foundation The mission of the Geological Society of America Foundation ("Foundation") is to develop and provide funds to support the goals and programs of the Geological Society of America. These funds are distributed according to the needs of the Society and in a manner consistent with the desire of the donors.The Foundation was created in 1980 to raise funds in support of the Decade of North American Geology"”the signature event of GSA's centennial in 1988. The Foundation subsequently secured support for a major expansion of GSA headquarters in Boulder, CO. Today, the Foundation continues to serve current and future donors by providing information and solutions that align their philanthropic interests with GSA programs and priorities. Through this partnership with GSA members and potential corporate supporters, the Foundation is now able to provide over $1 million annually to GSA.Communicating Our ScienceFrom its first published proceedings in 1890, GSA has existed to advance and share the extraordinary promise of geoscience. Through every change, our deepest commitment has remained constant: to support our science with the full range of tools and tactics available to us. The Foundation stands firm as a steadfast partner, committed to advancing quality science and the application of geoscience in the service of humankind. To this end, the Foundation supports GSA in a variety of programmatic fronts including:Scientific MeetingsVibrant scientific meetings remain essential for the exchange of innovative ideas and knowledge within the geoscience community.Outreach and EducationOur initiatives, encompassing scholarships, lectureships, and fellowships, are designed to foster effective communication and engagement within the geoscience community and extend our reach to non-scientific audiences, including policymakers and key decision-makers.Field tripsExperiencing the geosciences firsthand in the field, where vibrant and insightful conversations enrich our understanding of geological relationships, is an indispensable benefit for both professional and student GSA members.Purpose of the Position The Geological Society of America Foundation (GSAF) is seeking a full-time Executive Director to lead the Foundation alongside its Board of Directors in its efforts to work with a broad range of partners to generate financial resources in support of GSA programs and priorities. The Executive Director will partner with the GSAF Board of Directors to determine strategies and an implementation plan and to serve as a visible and dynamic executive responsible for advancing the organization's mission. As the most senior executive to the Foundation, this individual will be energized by collaborating across geology, earth sciences, academia, non-profit, corporate, and other stakeholders to advance the Foundation/Society's mission.Key Responsibilities Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will serve as the chief executive of the organization, as well as its most senior administrative and development officer. The Executive Director will be responsible for the further development and execution of the Foundation's philanthropic work, oversee foundation operations, and create and execute short- and long-term organizational strategies.The successful candidate will serve as a mentor and line manager to other Foundation staff, implement strategic initiatives, and lead development plans that increase the current level of philanthropic support to GSAF for GSA programs and other directives as approved by the Board of Directors. This individual will work in partnership with the GSA Executive Director to ensure a collegial and productive relationship between the Foundation and the Society and serve as the primary ambassador of the Foundation at Society scientific or organizational meetings, as necessary.Specific responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following: Executive Leadership and Management Create GSAF strategic and operational plans in coordination with the GSAF Board of Directors, other staff, and the GSA.Create and implement professional development opportunities for GSAF staff to ensure the Foundation remains an appealing workplace to current and future staff members.Oversee the Foundation's endowment, maintaining fund management records, reporting on investment performance to interested donors, and serving as ex officio member of the GSA/GSAF Joint Investment Committee.Serve as an ex officio member of the GSA Executive Committee.Establish goals for Foundation operational performance - develop and execute strategies and tactics that achieve tangible results.Develop, enrich, and sustain relationships with members of GSA, other scientific professionals, students, and related stakeholders.Oversee the coordination of annual auditing of GSAF accounts and implementation of audit recommendations.Promote a positive staff culture based on inclusivity, performance, and integrity.Revenue GenerationExpand existing fundraising efforts across various avenues.Develop a fundraising strategy to create new revenue channels targeting the expansion of existing donor relationships and the cultivation of new, including but not limited to planned/estate giving.Evaluate and continuously update long-term fundraising goals and strategies related to annual and special campaigns.Expand the Foundation's branding and communications branding initiatives to ensure the organization is recognized as a charitable foundation and a trusted steward of donations.Lead donor and member communications on behalf of GSAF and the Board of Directors. Collaborate on the identification, introduction, stewardship, and cultivation of major donors in partnership with the Board of Directors.Partner with fundraising staff on fundraising campaigns and donor engagement.Serve as the primary ambassador of GSAF, impactfully conveying the history, mission, and vision of the Foundation.Board Engagement Further a culture of philanthropy, partnering with Board Members on fundraising initiatives.Identify potential Board Members, partnering with the Executive Committee on subsequent recruitment.Serve as the primary advisor to the Board of Directors, providing meeting agendas, timely and transparent information, and notice of events as applicable.Serve as an ex-officio member of the GSAF Executive Committee, implementing Board directives and reporting on Foundation activities.In partnership with the Board of Directors, ensure the financial health and stability of the Foundation. Prepare and oversee annual operating and transfer budgets as well as monthly budget monitoring.Work with the Board Governance Committee to ensure that all policies and procedures are current and adhered to by the Foundation.GSA Partnership Facilitate a constructive working relationship between GSAF staff and GSA program officers and staff, communicating and collaborating in areas of GSA strategic focus and those areas that receive significant donor support.Assure frequent, regular, and direct communication with the GSA Executive Director and CEO on all matters of common concernProvide semi-annual written report to GSA Council on GSAF activities.Communicate GSA priorities to the GSAF Board and align Foundation fundraising activities and communications with those priorities to the extent possible.Inform the GSA Executive Director and CEO about the meetings, minutes, and activities of the Foundation's committees.Experience and Professional Qualifications The GSA Foundation seeks a passionate and dynamic leader embodying its commitment to support GSA programs and priorities in order to strengthen the current and future state of geosciences. The ideal candidate will have the requisite interpersonal skills necessary to develop relationships with a variety of stakeholders across the geosciences, academia, government, non-profit sector, and the private sector to develop and execute a multifaceted fundraising plan.Specific experience, qualifications and characteristics sought include: At least 5 years of senior leadership experience with oversight across multiple functional areas. Extensive fiscal management experience, and the ability to craft and execute an organizational plan.A proven track record in philanthropic revenue generation, including that from individuals, companies, foundations, and other institutions.A strategic mindset and creative personality, able to balance competing priorities and partner with industry and non-industry stakeholders to positively impact geoscience.A dedication to staff development and an inclusive leadership style.Exceptional communications skills, both oral and written, with an enthusiasm for the mission of the Foundation and a passion to serve as the organization's ambassador to a variety of stakeholders.Experience reporting into, serving on, and/or partnering with Board of Directors highly preferred.Demonstrated skill and success in several critical aspects including philanthropy, fundraising, organizational management, and staff supervision.Unquestionable personal ethics, integrity and accountability.Prior foundation and/or not-for-profit experience are desirable.Experience with standard software as well as fundraising and donor management software (e.g., Blackbaud Razor's Edge)Education A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution is required. A master's or advanced degree in a relevant scientific field is desired.Compensation The expected compensation for the role is $140,000 - $170,000. In addition to base compensation, candidates will be eligible for medical, dental, PTO, sick leave, life insurance, 403(b) retirement, and opportunities for professional development.SE#510695255

Created: 2025-01-15