Managing Director

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the new Managing Director (MD) has the opportunity to manage, assess, and shape organizational success both internally and externally. Having oversight of fundraising, international program management, finance/accounting, human resources, and information technology, the MD will ensure performance against both the annual budget and long-term strategy. The MD will manage a $3.8 million budget (poised to grow to $6 million over the next three years) and the following reports: Country Directors, Development Director, Controller, Communications Manager, Campaign Associate, and in-house Video Editor. The MD will bring his/her experience and talent to bear on improving the global organization infrastructure to accommodate continued growth and geographic expansion.

Since WildAid is a growing organization, the MD serves both as a partner to the CEO on organizational strategies and as counsel on short and long-term fundraising, programmatic, financial, staffing, and administrative decisions. The MD will set goals, monitor work, and evaluate results to meet departmental and cross organizational objectives.

The MD’s role will further include oversight of WildAid’s headquarter operations and international programs, as well as maintaining close professional relationships with staff in all locations to facilitate innovative and effective policies and procedures. The MD will negotiate and manage external vendor relationships such as legal counsel, insurance, technology providers, and facilities.

The MD will have the depth of financial experience to ensure compliance with audits, as well as regulatory and government requirements. This individual will collaborate with the Controller to oversee investment and asset management, the annual budgeting process, and ensure that multi-year financial modeling is consistent with strategic plans. The MD will also prepare regular updates and reports for the CEO and Board of Directors.

Finally, the MD will oversee HR strategies for recruiting, retaining, and training WildAid’s global workforce. The strategies will ensure the alignment of HR systems, compensation and benefits, and implementation of a performance management system aligned with the goals of the organization. He/She will also play a key role as champion of WildAid’s values-based positive culture.

Key Priorities

The MD will examine the current operational systems in place, apply global best practices, and strategize with the CEO to improve efficiency and implement solutions to support the organization as it continues to scale. He/She will build a cohesive international team that includes necessary expertise in donor relations and fundraising, international program management, finance and accounting, technology and human resource, and administrative support services that work collaboratively to advance WildAid’s mission. The MD will also need to be an effective communicator and work across cultures, be able to unify across functional teams, lead through service and by example, and demonstrate daily WildAid’s core values. Specific duties within key areas include:

Fundraising/Donor Relations:

Development: work closely with the CEO and Development Director to meet aggressive fundraising goals; drive the execution of annual development plans for foundations, high net worth individuals, special events & other alternative sources of income.

Coordination: working internally and externally to ensure that all program, development, and communication initiatives are aligned and well coordinated.

International Program Management/Operations: Strategy: articulate organizational strategy, • set a 3-5 year strategic goal and lead the process with staff to ensure both buy-in and clear objectives for all staff/departments. In addition, develop and integrate crosscutting program strategies, including international and domestic communication strategies for climate and China consumer demand reduction campaigns.

Work plans: together with the CEO and Country Directors, develop and implement coordinated country and program strategies and work plans; monitor progress against metrics and milestones. Board of Directors: working with the CEO, provide staff support and guidance to WildAid’s board and act as staff liaison to relevant board committees.

Office leadership: effectively execute standardized policies and procedures across regional offices in the San Francisco headquarters and country offices.

Risk management and legal activities: implement letters of agreement, contracts, leases, and other legal documents or agreements. Information technology: ensure the ongoing maintenance and updating of information systems and infrastructure, including hardware, software, and necessary applications.

Financial Management and Oversight: Working with the Controller, manage and oversee all financial and business planning activities, including: Lead and support organizational budgeting process, including development of an annual operating plan with programmatic milestones and targets/deliverables linked to budgets. Direct and administer all financial planning and provide overall financial oversight and monitoring. Support and advise the CEO in decision making; review and analyze financial reports and ensure that relevant financial data is presented to the CEO and Board of Directors.

Key Compmpetencies & Ideal Profile

We seek a passionate, experienced team player who is committed to WildAid’s mission to end the illegal wildlife trade. This individual will have senior management experience in fundraising and international program management, operations, human resources, finance/accounting, and have an understanding of nonprofit budget models. The successful candidate will have worked with senior-level stakeholders such as Board Directors, leadership teams, and country directors to secure commitments and manage execution against shared objectives. Since WildAid is a global organization undergoing rapid growth, the ideal candidate will share best practices for creating the proper infrastructure, systems, and processes to allow for sustainable expansion. Ideally, candidates will have spent part of their career working in the area of international conservation.

The successful candidate will be a pragmatic, action-oriented leader who enjoys working in an entrepreneurial environment. A true partner to the CEO, the MD will think strategically and creatively; this leader will need experience identifying problems and implementing solutions. He/she will be a big picture thinker, but will also possess a strong work ethic and ability to act as a hands-on manager when necessary. This individual will show sensitivity and the ability to establish respect, credibility, and trust with regional office staff and in multicultural settings. The successful candidate will be comfortable with ambiguity and excited by the opportunity to work in a dynamic, nimble, start-up-like environment. This new MD will need to remain organized and calm when under pressure.

WildAid is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. For immediate consideration, please address a cover letter and resume to Maury Peterson at info@waldronhr.com.