A search is underway for an executive director for Friends of Virgin Islands National Park, a nonprofit organization that works to raise funds and other resources to benefit Virgin Islands National Park. 

The organization is seeking a visionary, dynamic, collaborative, and culturally sensitive leader to lead and manage the organization and continue its growth. The new executive director must be passionate about the environment and the natural and cultural resources of the Virgin Islands territory and  Virgin Islands National Park.

The individual chosen for this role must have a commitment to excellence, transparency, collaboration and engagement with the organization's partners in the community. 

The executive director is responsible and accountable for the strategic, programmatic, financial, and operational management of the organization. The executive director must live on St. John or relocate to St. John, United States Virgin Islands.

The Executive Director will:

• Lead Friends in prioritizing, budgeting, implementing, and increasing resources to create a sustained, profound, and lasting impact;
• Provide a framework to assist Friends and Virgin Islands National Park in recovering from the financial challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and hurricanes Irma and Maria.
• Serve as the philanthropic visionary among the organization's donor constituency to secure restricted and unrestricted funds from foundations, businesses, and highly committed individual donors for annual, major, and campaign gifts;
• Manage the processes for administering scholarship programs made available through the generosity of donors;
• Promote and develop the Friends' partnership with Virgin Islands National Park to further preservation and educational programs that reflect the mission of the Friends and Virgin Islands National Park;
• Collaborate with the National Park Service and other community partners to ensure coordination, and effective communication in support of mutual goals and programmatic objectives;
• Manage complex programs and projects from inception to completion;
• Communicate the Friends’ mission to a wide range of audiences and stakeholders in order to inspire and motivate these constituencies to protect and preserve the resources of Virgin Islands National Park;
• Implement strategic goals and objectives; strengthen organizational structures, systems, and business practices to accomplish the Friends’ mission;
• Foster an environment of inclusion, respect, cultural sensitivity, and professional growth;
• Provide intellectual leadership and foster an entrepreneurial environment of creativity and innovation; and,
• Ensure that all activities and programs meet the highest standards of ethics, governance, and transparency, and are aligned with the Friends’ core values.

Candidate Profile

• The next executive director of Friends will be a skilled and inspiring leader with the stature and credibility to lead a highly-visible institution.  S/he will have the leadership and managerial experience to thoughtfully run an organization of this size and complexity.
• The successful candidate will be an exceptional communicator and relationship builder whose vision and passion for Friends and its mission will inspire park partners, funders, staff and users.  S/he will have outstanding communication skills, and have the ability to develop, articulate and rally diverse constituent groups behind the vision of the organization.  S/he should have well-developed political sensitivity and skill.
• The candidate will have experience working closely with and empowering a board, staff, and other stakeholders to achieve ambitious goals in a fiscally responsible manner. The successful candidate will be comfortable with ambiguity, be flexible yet decisive, and will be able to build consensus and drive decision making.
• The executive director is responsible for meeting regularly with the Virgin Islands National Park superintendent, communicating on all matters of importance impacting Virgin Islands National Park and/or Friends. Establishing and maintaining transparency and trust between the two leaders of our organizations is imperative and expected.
• The executive director will meet at least quarterly with the Board of Directors. Summary reports of the activities of the executive director and the staff are expected monthly. Financial reports will be provided at least quarterly to the Board of Directors. The executive director will work closely with and provide support to standing Board committees such as Finance and the Executive Committee.      
• The successful candidate must exhibit a deep commitment to the mission of the Friends and have a passion for making a lasting impact for Virgin Island National Park. The individual will demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for and authentic commitment to the outdoors, conservation, and the public mission of parks.
• The executive director will provide support and advice to ad hoc committees of the board. (Such as the committee established to monitor the activities related to the clean up of environmental contamination at Caneel Bay)

The following experiences and interests are preferred but not mandatory:

• Five years’ experience leading a non-profit organization with a budget of at least $1 million and up to ten employees.  The organization should have a strong focus on environmental issues. 
• Experience with charitable membership organizations including 501(c)3).
• Significant fundraising experience with a track record of successfully soliciting large gifts. Experience with capital campaigns is highly desired.
• Experience working in diverse communities, preferably in the Virgin Islands.
• Genuine interest in, and commitment to, conservation, the environment, and public lands
• Experience working with the National Park Service:
• Experience managing staff with retail and/or interpretive sales.

Compensation will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. Interested and well-qualified candidates should send a cover letter and resume to [email protected]. Applications will close July 15.

Friends of the Virgin Islands National Park, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Friends of the Virgin Islands National Park, Inc. does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.