Executive Director, Business Operations & Strategic Initiatives 

The Rob Stewart Sharkwater Foundation continues Rob’s mission of education and awareness, through the Shark Free Campaign, widespread distribution of his films, use of content creation for film, TV, online, multi-media and widespread social media, work with NGOs and other organizations focused on likeminded initiatives. 

The foundation will support high reward projects, while leveraging world class business and scientific expertise combined with renowned world class media creators and well-known influencers. Through film, TV and multimedia, Rob believed he could educate and inform people of the issues that need addressing; everything from eliminating the use of fossil fuels to over-fishing our oceans to stopping the killing of sharks, whales’ rays and other species. The purpose of the foundation is to support this work around the world through teaching people to “Live in Harmony with Nature”

We are seeking experienced, highly-skilled Executive Director of Business Operations and Strategic Initiatives to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for overseeing and managing the entire foundation’s activities and will report directly to the board. You will lead a diverse team of passionate leaders to ensure that our organization is meeting its goals and objectives efficiently and reliably. You will be an outstanding collaborator and problem solver who can use data, business acumen and leadership to drive the foundation forward across multiple functions. You will be energized by a fast-paced environment and excited about working with both strategic and tactical issues. 

Responsibilities

Strategy and Planning:  

• Act as an advocate for the foundation’s overall vision and purpose
• Participate in strategic and operational governance processes of the foundation as a member of the senior leadership team and through the direction of the board
• Lead the foundation’s strategic and operational planning to achieve overall goals by fostering innovation, prioritizing foundation initiatives, and coordinating the evaluation, deployment, and cost-effective management of current and future programs across the foundation.
• Develop and maintain an appropriate foundation structure that supports the needs of the organization
• Establish foundation goals, objectives, and operating procedures
• Contribute to overall strategic development of the organization 

Operations and Influence:

• Oversee all administrative, financial and legal program operational activities 
• Liaise between all media outlets and public relations to create press releases and social media roadmaps: may involve collaborating with PR firm
• Procure buy in from senior board for needed projects
• Manage relationships with leading NGOs who support the work of the foundation i.e. HSI, Oceana, WWF, Sea Shepherd
• Develop and negotiate contracts and ongoing legal solutions, including development of legal documents
• Manage and oversee all stages of the lifecycle for new projects
• Ensure quality of website functionality and content
• Drive efficiency and innovation in fund raising opportunities, including the complete oversight of event planning
• Lead special projects such as development and implementation of a new database management software solution & development and implementation of new website platform 
• Maintain knowledge of key topics of foundation involvement – Oceans, Sharks, general fishing issues, competitive landscape, conservation, environmental organizations 
• Assist with granting projects 
• Organize and prioritize critical issues for the Board to facilitate efficient decision making 
• Provide systems and processes that enable all reported issues are resolved quickly and efficiently
  

Qualifications

Required:

• A minimum of 10 years’ experience in the NGO/Charitable Foundation industry with progressive career path into senior leadership roles
• Proven exposure to business leadership including areas such as budget management, P&L, financial analysis, business reporting, contract negotiations, foundation operations, senior communications and public relations
• Passionate and well versed in the foundation’s core focus areas
• Excellent program management skills including ability to set and meet aggressive deadlines and outstanding attention to detail
• Outstanding interpersonal skills, including proven ability to work independently, as part of a team and with a wide range of personalities and seniority levels
• Excellent written, oral and computer skills including MS Office Suite 
• Ability to think both strategically and tactically 
• Entrepreneurial and pro-active approach with a keen sense of pace and urgency 

Preferred:

• Proven strength in developing a high-performing team
• Experience building and maintaining strong relationships with multiple agencies/firms for communications & Public Relations
• Relevant undergraduate degree
  

How to Apply: Please submit all applications directly to info@sharkwater.com and attach resume, cover letter and any accompanying documents by December 20th, 2019.

Thanks for your interest! Due to the high volume of applicants, only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.