Executive Director - Bethesda, United States - American Fisheries Society (AFS)

Description

The American Fisheries Society (AFS, Society) is seeking an Executive Director (ED) to replace the current ED who will retire in 2024. With more than 6,000 members from around the world, AFS is a member-driven professional organization that was founded in 1870 and serves as the leading source of fisheries and management information across North America and around the world. Members represent a broad diversity of expertise in the fisheries sector, including academics, managers, practitioners, fishers, and students. The mission of the Society is to improve the conservation and sustainability of fishery resources and aquatic ecosystems by advancing fisheries and aquatic science and promoting the development of fisheries professionals.

The Executive Director Position: The AFS ED serves as the Society's business manager, secretary, and treasurer (duties are more fully detailed in Section 9 of the AFS Constitution and Rules; see ). The ED is contracted by the Society, and is provided direction by the Governing Board, the voting members of which consist of five elected officers, the Division Presidents and Presidents-elect, Presidents of Sections with >50 members, and the President of the Student Subsection of the Education Section. The Governing Board guides the Society at the highest level and is the ultimate authority for the operation of the Society.
The Management Committee, which includes a subset of Governing Board members, functions as an Executive Committee of the Governing Board and is responsible for monitoring Society activities to ensure that policies and plans approved by the Governing Board are implemented appropriately. The Management Committee is also responsible for guiding the ED in executing the Society's mission, reporting to the Governing Board on all decisions, and overseeing financial decision-making.
Reporting to the Governing Board, the ED will:

• provide strong, innovative, and collaborative leadership for AFS in fulfilling its mission and achieving measurable progress on goals and objectives identified in AFS' Strategic Plan,

• be responsible for AFS' staff, programs, growth, financial stability, and execution of its mission,

• maintain accountability for overall operational and fiscal integrity of AFS in accordance with Society bylaws, policies, and directions set by the Governing Board and Management Committee,

• strive for continuous improvement in AFS operations and outcomes by establishing performance measures, monitoring progress, evaluating results, and recommending and implementing improvements, and

• seek to expand and enhance AFS by growing its membership and securing new sources of revenue and support for AFS programs and activities.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities: The ED is responsible to the AFS Governing Board and acts with its advice and consent. The ED's duties include managing the Society's daily activities, representing the Society in all business operations, being responsible for and communicating with the membership through Fisheries, reporting to the Management Committee and to the Society, assisting with units and committees, and aiding with the Society's strategic direction. The ED also maintains the Society's official records and arranges Management Committee, Governing Board, and Society meetings (with the aid of the Arrangements Committee). As the Society's treasurer, the ED collects and receives moneys due to the Society, has custody of Society funds, and pays all Society accounts owed and other expenditures authorized by the Governing Board. As business manager, the ED prepares annual Society budget, employs/discharges and directs AFS staff, manages space for the Society, has custody of the Society's library, and promotes development of Society membership.

Qualifications: The successful applicant must display the vision, passion, and abilities to advance the American Fisheries Society as a professional society into the future. An advanced degree in an aquatic- or fisheries-related discipline is desirable but not mandatory. Desired qualifications include a proven record that includes increasingly challenging and successful leadership and administrative experiences; experience working with or for natural resource agencies, organizations, and stakeholders; and experience supporting DEIJA initiatives. The applicant should also have an ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, and the ability to lead by example with the highest level of personal and professional integrity, as well as the desire and ability to manage finances, expand revenue streams, and control organizational expenses.

Location and Compensation: This full-time position is preferably located in the Washington, D.C. area, but is available to qualified candidates working remotely. Routine travel to maintain a presence at the AFS office and other venues relevant to AFS operations (including domestic and international meetings) is expected. Actual salary will be negotiated depending on circumstances, cost of living, etc., but the expected range is $210,000 to $230,000, depending on experience; actual salary will be negotiated with the AFS Governing Board. Compensation package also includes benefits and travel expenses.

To Apply: To be considered for this position, interested candidates must submit: a cover letter stating how they meet the qualifications, how they would execute the responsibilities of the Executive Director and accomplish the mission of the American Fisheries Society, and why they are an outstanding candidate for the position; a CV or résumé; and names and contact information for three references via the American Fisheries Society awards portal at by May 15, 2024, although the portal will remain open until the position is filled. Review of applications will begin on May 15, 2024. Full-time position with a projected start date in August 2024. Full position announcement may be found here:

The American Fisheries Society is committed to increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Society, as well as in the fisheries profession at-large. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply, including individuals from underrepresented groups.