TITLE: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

THE ORGANIZATION: The Center for Genetics and Society is a dynamic non-profit advocacy and public affairs organization committed to ensuring that new human biotechnologies and other emerging technologies support rather than undermine the common good. Our work is grounded in values of social justice, human rights, ecological integrity and democratic accountability. We have played leadership roles in state, national and international debates over assisted reproduction, genetic testing, gene patenting, cloning, stem cell research, synthetic biology and much more. We have an active web, media and press presence, host numerous conferences, symposia and convenings, and work closely with a wide range of allied organizations and distinguished scholars, including leading voices in the environmental, women’s health, human rights, racial justice, disability rights and other movements. CGS currently has an experienced staff of five FTE.

THE POSITION: We are looking for an Executive Director capable of building on our current strengths and moving the organization to new levels of effectiveness across the board. The Executive Director, in collaboration with the Advisory Board, is responsible for developing the strategic vision and plan for the organization and for ensuring its financial integrity. The Executive Director has lead responsibility for successfully carrying out the plan and for recruiting and supervising staff.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership
The Executive Director has lead responsibility for developing strategic initiatives that advance the organization's mission, and for coordinating their implementation.

Policy Leadership
The Executive Director has lead responsibility for developing and proposing formal policy positions that the organization might wish to take, consistent with the organization’s mission and overall strategic plan.

Communications and Media Leadership
The Executive Director speaks to the press and in public fora, and through written and online outlets, on behalf of the organization, and authorizes other staff to do so. The Executive Director works with the Advisory Board and staff to develop an integrated communications and media plan as part of the organization’s overall strategic plan.

Collaborative Leadership
The Executive Director will maintain ongoing communications with allied organizations; will proactively look for ways to collaborate, cooperate, partner or otherwise work towards common ends; and will take steps to identify new potential allies.

Fundraising and Development Leadership
The Executive Director has lead responsibility for carrying out the fundraising and development plans of the organization. This typically involves maintaining communications with and meeting with current and prospective donors; seeking new donors; preparing and submitting proposals; and exploring other means of generating sustaining and expansion funding.

Administrative Leadership
The Executive Director has lead responsibility for ensuring that the organization is administered in an effective and efficient manner and is at all times in compliance with all legal and administrative guidelines, codes and regulations; recruits and supervises lead staff, and supports them in recruiting and supervising additional staff; prepares the annual budget, monitors budget performance, and prepares an annual report for the Advisory Board.

QUALIFICATIONS

The Executive Director must

• Be passionately committed to
  • the mission and objectives of the organization and to its success in accomplishing these
  • maintaining an organizational culture that attracts, keeps, and motivates top quality staff and Advisory Board members
  • strengthening and expanding our network of collaborating colleagues and organizations.
• Have proven strategic, policy, communications, management and fundraising skills.
• Be ready and willing to travel as needed.

Qualities that would be helpful but are not required include

• Experience in national or international social change organizing
• A graduate or professional degree
• Previous experience as an executive director

OTHER INFORMATION

Compensation and benefits: Salary is commensurate with experience. A full benefits package is offered.

Location: The CGS headquarters is located in Berkeley, CA.

Application Process: Qualified applicants should send a cover letter and résumé to: edsearch@geneticsandsociety.org

Pre-application inquiries: Please contact Charles Garzon at cgarzon@geneticsandsociety.org

Closing Date: Applications are being accepted until the position is filled.

Organization: The Center for Genetics and Society is currently under the fiscal sponsorship of the Tides Center, a 501-c-3 charitable organization. 

Inclusion: The Center for Genetics and Society, a project of Tides Center, is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage and seek applications from women, people of color, including bilingual and bicultural individuals, as well as members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities. Applicants shall not be discriminated against because of race, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, marital status, medical condition (cancer-related) or conditions Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and AIDS-related conditions (ARC). Reasonable accommodation will be made so that qualified disabled applicants may participate in the application process. Please advise in writing of special needs at the time of application.

Additional information: Applicants can see additional information about the Center for Genetics and Society here. See a note from current CGS Executive Director Richard Hayes here.