What are the responsibilities and job description for the Executive Director, Tetiaroa Society position at OE Consulting?
Executive Director, Tetiaroa Society, US
About Tetiaroa Society : Local Results with Global Implications
The atoll of Tetiaroa, located 33 miles north of Tahiti in French Polynesia, took 1.5 million years to become a teeming, diverse ecosystem. For over a thousand years, Tahitian society cultivated a balance that enabled their lush surroundings to flourish, and Tahitian royals chose this atoll as a second home. Tetiaroa subsequently passed from these royals to a number of private owners, and eventually to Marlon Brando in the 1960s. It is now owned by the Brando Trust, which has empowered the Tetiaroa Society to steward this precious ecosystem and disseminate their breakthrough solutions to the broader world. They have succeeded in ways rarely seen, and with its innovative research facility and education programs, they have pioneered a world-class model of island sustainability. This story of success has profound, positive implications for vulnerable coastal communities across the globe.
The primary mandate of Tetiaroa Society (TS) is the preservation of Tetiaroa and the organization’s local programs, but that’s just the beginning. As a wondrous living laboratory, the inspiration of Tetiaroa is rippling out to achieve even greater impact, where TS collaborates globally to advance efforts in marine research, conservation sustainability, education, and cultural understanding. Formed in 2010 as a US 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the work of the past decade has been groundbreaking. A remarkable research laboratory hosts marine scientists from around the world, where innovation abounds, and every initiative works to flip the perceived disadvantages of remoteness into advantages. TS has pioneered a number of environmentally friendly eradication programs, achieving astounding results with mosquito, rat, and invasive ant projects. Seabird and crab populations are on the rise. The sea turtle nesting population has exploded. These examples and others (see Impact Report) have made Tetiaroa a shining example of conservation success, and the organization is quickly becoming a center for research and innovation, and a data hub for other like-minded organizations.
The impressive operations run by Tetiaroa Society include : Tetiaroa Society FP, the French Polynesian sister organization that carries out the society’s scientific research, educational and cultural programs on the island; the Blue Climate Initiative, which works on ocean-based solutions to climate change and raising indigenous voices; and Honu Subs research submersibles, to be operated by TS in support of a new deep ocean research center, enabling access down to 4,000 feet at a fraction of the traditional expense. The atoll is also home to The Brando luxury resort, which enjoys a very active partnership with Tetiaroa Society. The synergy of these complex relationships has resulted in a unique and deeply collaborative partnership between the landowner, the for-profit business, and the nonprofit mission.
The Opportunity & Position Overview
This represents an extraordinary opportunity for the right person to advance Tetiaroa Society to the next level as its inaugural Executive Director (ED) in the US, building upon 14 years of programmatic successes. The ED will report to and engage with the Board of Directors in realizing their vision and ensuring that plans are implemented. That said, the ED’s role with respect to activities on Tetiaroa will be strategic in nature, rather than involvement with day-to-day management and operations. This is a heavily externally focused role, with an emphasis on fundraising, engagement, and leadership with both local initiatives and as a convener on the global stage.
Tetiaroa Society needs an ED who can tell its story and articulate why they do what they do. This ED will be the principal ambassador and visible face of the organization, building and nurturing relationships with partners, funders, and other stakeholders. A plethora of internal and external resources will be available to the ED for leveraging to their fullest potential. TS already possesses an amazing network of experts in many different fields, as well as a significant number of allies and donors on The Brando guest list. Furthermore, because the resort contributes a portion of guest fees to cover the organization’s operational costs, the ED will have the luxury of fundraising that goes directly into programming with the potential for both local and global impact, as well as a healthy network of existing philanthropic partners.
The ideal candidate will join the Board in its desire to have a demonstrable positive impact on both Tetiaroa and the Blue Planet. This requires a deep and abiding respect for nature, passion for environmental stewardship, and respect for the challenges and opportunities facing indigenous cultures. The Board of Directors is sophisticated and highly influential, yet humble in recognizing its ability to benefit from implementing best practices, and thus greatly welcomes a leader with proven experience in nonprofit management to guide Tetiaroa Society forward constructively.
Key Responsibilities
The following reflects the primary responsibilities expected of the ED, but is not exhaustive. The ED may be required to perform additional duties to fulfill the mission of the organization.
Fundraising and Development :
- Own all aspects of fundraising to both support the budget and build its already significant endowment, including prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
- Develop and execute strategies to build and diversify revenue streams, including individual major gifts, foundation grants, corporate partnerships, and public-private partnerships
- Develop and execute a strategy for regular donor communications, with a mindset of building and maintaining sincere relationships
Engagement and Brand Positioning :
Strategic Leadership :
Qualifications
Compensation
The salary for this position is currently estimated at $175,000, with flexibility depending on experience, including consideration of a performance bonus.
To Apply
Tetiaroa Society has retained OE Consulting to support this search. To apply, please submit a résumé and thoughtful cover letter that explains your interest and addresses your relevant qualifications. Applicants may expect an email from OE Consulting confirming receipt.
Please refrain from contacting TS about this opportunity. Direct any inquiries to OE Consulting at (tetiaroasociety@oeconsulting.com). Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis.
Salary : $175,000
