The Whale Museum Seeks New Executive Director: The new Executive Director (ED) will inherit a successful organization with a rich history of local impact and community engagement, poised for an exciting new chapter. As the Museum approaches its 50th anniversary, the ED will have the opportunity to lead a transformative journey, ushering in fresh exhibits, pioneering research initiatives, and a revitalized approach to marine conservation and education. The role involves working closely with a dedicated team to enhance existing partnerships while building new connections with sponsors and universities to support students and broaden our impact. Additionally, the ED will focus on fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment that promotes the growth of early career researchers and employees. Engaging with regional stakeholders, including the communities of the San Juan Islands, Salish Sea tribal sovereign nations, and local and state governments, the ED will become a thoughtful and proactive community presence. This position offers a unique chance to lead innovation and shape the future of The Whale Museum, guided by priorities and principles established by The Whale Museum board and staff.
The new Executive Director should expect to focus on the following priorities which have been identified by the board of directors and staff. In the first 18-24 months, the new ED will prioritize the following strategic goals:
● Enhance and energize strategic vision. Lead the creation of a dynamic and comprehensive strategic plan that places collaboration at its core. By working closely with both staff and the board, the Executive Director will unite everyone around a shared mission and purpose. This approach will infuse forward-thinking and inclusive values into the organization, ensuring its growth is both holistic and visionary.
● Strengthen board-staff communications and alignment to support and expand the organization. Enhance board-staff communications and alignment by implementing regular, transparent meetings and collaborative processes, ensuring a unified vision and teamwork to effectively support and expand the organization.
● Support a creative and adaptable organizational culture that includes strategies for effective in-office and virtual work environments.
● Advance and strengthen the organization’s fundraising efforts. The ED will lead initiatives to develop and diversify the organization’s funding base, ensuring long-term financial stability and the capacity to achieve the organization’s mission with greater impact and resilience.
● Foster and elevate a dedicated staff team. The Executive Director will be fully dedicated to championing a strong, committed team through strategic leadership, coaching, and professional development. This involves advocating for staff members with diverse backgrounds through their professional journeys, actively engaging with them to ensure an inclusive, harmonious and effective work environment. Additionally, the ED will advocate for and support staff in achieving a healthy work-life balance, fostering a sustainable and productive workplace culture.
● Program development and support: The ED will be instrumental in advancing and expanding the museum’s diverse programs. This role involves cultivating support for our core initiatives and driving the growth of our public engagement and educational efforts both within the museum and through outreach programs. The ED will continue to enhance our existing research programs and support the development of new research initiatives. This leadership will ensure these programs thrive and effectively contribute to the Museum’s mission of marine conservation and public awareness.
● Oversight of museum assets: The ED will oversee all aspects of The Whale Museum’s assets, including the museum building, exhibits, and artifacts. This role involves ensuring the maintenance and preservation of our historical building, safeguarding its structural integrity and historical significance. The ED will work closely with the store manager to optimize the museum's gift shop, with a strong focus on sustainability. The ED will ensure that the store aligns with the museum’s mission by prioritizing environmentally friendly practices. Leadership will be crucial in maintaining the integrity of our collections, enhancing the retail experience, and supporting the museum’s commitment to conservation and environmental stewardship.
Qualifications
The Whale Museum is seeking an experienced leader to drive our nonprofit organization forward, with expertise in board relations and staff leadership, strategic planning, community relationships, budgeting, and fundraising. This role requires a leader with a professional, open, and supportive communication style, capable of effectively engaging with the media, elected officials, state and federal managers, and the diverse local community.
Essential qualifications include:
● Leadership: Exemplifies a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive leadership approach, fostering a workplace where diverse opinions are valued, and empathetic listening is practiced. Skilled in facilitating productive discussions and guiding teams to clear, consensus-driven decisions. Committed to supporting early career professionals and encouraging ongoing education and growth opportunities, ensuring continuous development within The Whale Museum’s mission-driven environment.
● Political and Social Acuity: Exceptional political and social skills necessary for navigating the unique dynamics of a small island community with complex local politics and diverse conservation interests. Proven ability to build and strengthen relationships within a fragmented conservation landscape, fostering collaboration among local groups and organizations. Skilled in managing and bridging varying opinions to advance The Whale Museum’s mission while supporting the community's active role in marine conservation and addressing political sensitivities with tact and diplomacy.
● Strategic Vision: Demonstrates a keen strategic perspective with a proven ability to integrate the museum’s mission into all aspects of planning and decision-making. Adept at understanding how various programs and initiatives, from marine mammal research to public education, contribute to broader organizational goals. Proven track record of prioritizing key projects and aligning them with the organization’s mission.
● Fundraising: Demonstrated success in driving effective fundraising initiatives, including securing major individual contributions and government grants, and developing sponsorships. Proven ability to develop and oversee contracts and funding strategies that sustain and expand the museum’s programs and conservation efforts.
● Proven Nonprofit Leadership: Demonstrated experience in nonprofit organizational and financial management with the ability to effectively manage and sustainably grow a ~$1.3M budget. Proven success in staff management, financial oversight, and strategic planning, with a forward-thinking approach aligned with The Whale Museum’s mission.
● Communication Skills: Excellent written and oral communication abilities, including public relations, media relations, essays, op-eds, and speaking before large groups. Proven experience in developing messaging for various audiences.
● Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Cultural Sensitivity: Demonstrated dedication to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) through active participation in committees and training opportunities. Proven ability to integrate DEI principles into organizational practices, fostering a respectful, inclusive environment for staff and the diverse local community while honoring and collaborating with Indigenous traditions and perspectives.
● Minimum Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, environmental policy, business, finance, organizational management or related field required.
● Preferred: Advanced degree in related field with additional non-profit and/or business experience, financial management, organizational and staff management, and relevant training in the aforementioned fields.
● Desired: Regional expertise and familiarity with the environmental, political, and cultural issues of the Pacific Northwest, including tribal relations and Salish Sea ecology, enhancing the ability of The Whale Museum to address regional concerns effectively.
Compensation
$105,000-$120,000 depending upon qualifications. Competitive and progressive benefits and PTO package, up to 3% of salary employer contributions to a retirement plan, 12 paid holidays, and flexibility in work schedules. A relocation package is available for the selected candidate relocating from outside San Juan County.
How to Apply
Send an email with your Resume/CV and your Statement of Interest combined into one PDF to hiring@whalemuseum.org with the subject line: “(Your Name) ED Application”. Please ensure that your Resume/CV accurately and fully describes how your experiences meet the desired qualifications.
Open date: September 30, 2024
First review date: October 28, 2024
The position is open until filled. Start date is negotiable with Q1 2025 preferred.
Submit your Statement of Interest addressing the following key areas:
1. Personal and Professional Connection to Our Mission: Describe your relevant experience and personal journey and explain what draws you to The Whale Museum’s mission of marine conservation and public education. How do your values and experiences align with our commitment to environmental stewardship?
2. Leadership and Inclusive Practices: Describe your leadership style and how you have fostered an inclusive and supportive work environment in your previous roles. What motivates you to lead in a way that promotes equity and collaboration?
3. Commitment to DEI: Share examples of how you have integrated diversity, equity, and inclusion into your work. What drives your commitment to DEI, and how will you continue to advance these principles at The Whale Museum?
4. Adapting to an island community: Given that The Whale Museum is located on a small, remote island accessible only by ferry, private boat or small regional plane, how will you embrace this unique living situation? What strategies will you use to stay connected with the community and ensure your personal well-being while leading our organization?
We want to understand your qualifications, why this role is important to you, and how you will contribute to TWM’s mission. We look forward to learning about your passion for this position and how you envision making a difference at The Whale Museum.
View PDF of full job description here. Thank you for your interest in joining our team!
Soundwatch Volunteer Program: Volunteer with the Soundwatch Boater Education Program! As a Soundwatch Volunteer you will: Execute safe and proper seapersonship while educating boaters about wildlife viewing regulations and collecting data on wildlife viewing activities; Educate commercial and private recreational boaters about wildlife viewing etiquette and guidelines in a positive, professional manner; Keep a daily record of vessel activities around whales or other protection areas for further study, verification, or possible legal action. View full job description and info packet here.
The Whale Museum has other numerous year-round and seasonal volunteer opportunities. If you are interested in volunteering for us, click here to download the Volunteer Questionnaire, which has more information about specific opportunities. Email completed questionnaires to Grace and we will be in touch shortly!
The Whale Museum's Exhibit Hall is open daily. Each year, approximately 30,000 people visit. We are looking for volunteer docents! If you are interested in learning more or spending time telling visitors about the Salish Sea and the amazing marine life therein, please email Grace.