Executive Director

Location

Remote | United States

Job description

Executive Director

Cultural Survival

Cambridge, Massachusetts (Remote Position)

The Moran Company is pleased to partner with Cultural Survival to recruit the organization's new Executive Director.

Organizational Background

There are approximately 476.6 million Indigenous Peoples in the world, belonging to 5,000 different groups, in 90 countries worldwide, living in every region of the world. Indigenous Peoples have experienced historic injustices as a result of, inter alia, their colonization and dispossession of their lands, territories and resources.

80 percent of the earth’s biodiversity is found on Indigenous lands. It is because of Indigenous Peoples’ stewardship and relationship with the environment. However, governments in Indigenous Peoples’ homelands and multinational corporations too often violate Indigenous Peoples’ rights by operating in their territories without their Free, Prior and Informed Consent.

While recognizing the urgent need to respect and promote the inherent rights of Indigenous Peoples which derive from their political, economic and social structures and from their cultures, spiritual traditions, histories and philosophies, especially their rights to their lands, territories and resources, Indigenous Peoples often lack the financial resources and access to decision-making platforms to demand a voice at the table and ensure that their best interests are represented.

This is where Cultural Survival comes in.

Cultural Survival empowers and supports Indigenous Peoples to advocate for their rights. Cultural Survival believes that control by Indigenous Peoples over developments affecting them and their lands, territories and resources will enable them to maintain and strengthen their institutions, cultures and traditions, and to promote their development in accordance with their aspirations and needs. Respect for Indigenous knowledge, cultures and traditional practices contributes to sustainable and equitable development and proper management of the environment for us all.

Headquartered in Cambridge, MA, Cultural Survival has a remote working environment with 40 staff located across 14 countries (USA, Guatemala, Panama, Mexico, Nepal, 

Canada, Austria, Colombia, Peru, Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Mali and South Africa); the staff is majority women. Both staff and board are majority Indigenous – and are a true reflection of the communities they serve. Cultural Survival works to empower Indigenous Peoples’ communities as they strive to assert their rights to self-determination and sustain their lands, cultures, and vital ecosystems. 

Position Summary

The Executive Director of Cultural Survival is responsible for the overall management, strategic direction, and growth of the organization. The Executive Director works closely with the Board of Directors and staff to advance Cultural Survival’s mission and vision. This role requires a dynamic and visionary leader with exceptional interpersonal and organizational skills, a deep commitment to Indigenous Peoples' rights, and the ability to inspire and mobilize highly diverse remote staff, policymakers, funding partners, and the general public about Cultural Survival and its mission. 

Cultural Survival has grown rapidly in recent years. Its approximate $7 million budget comes primarily from private foundations and individuals.

Responsibilities 

• Leadership: Serves as a respected leader for Cultural Survival in advancing Indigenous Peoples' rights and cultures worldwide. Fosters staff empowerment and accountability in a remote environment. Supports a culture of collaboration and mutual respect for the highly diverse, multi-cultural staff.
• Advocacy: Works to shape policies that have the most significant impact on Indigenous culture and rights. 
• Fundraising: In collaboration with the development staff, leads the efforts to raise funds from both foundation partners and individual donors. 
• Board Relations: Reports to the board and implements its decisions. Works to engage and build strong relationships with a Board dispersed internationally. Keeps members fully informed regarding the status and activities of the organization. 
• Strategic Planning: Leads strategic planning with the board. Follows through with implementation.
• Communication: Serves as the primary spokesperson for Cultural Survival and effectively articulates the vision, mission, and outcomes. 
• Partnerships: Recognizes the importance of collaborating with other non-profits in the Indigenous culture and rights sector and works to identify strategic partnership opportunities.
• Community Relations: Interfaces and establishes strong relationships with constituencies at the national and international level including policymakers, funders, donors and the public.
• Operations: Oversees administration of operations. Oversees implementation of programs that carry out the organization's mission. Responsible for the hiring and retention of competent, qualified staff.

Qualifications 

1. A Bachelor’s Degree is preferred. Experience equivalency will be considered. 
2. A lived experience and passion for the mission of advancing Indigenous Peoples' rights and cultures.
3. The ability to attract and inspire others on Indigenous rights. Can envision and convey a vision for the organization’s strategic future to the staff, board, volunteers, and donors.
4. The ability to speak publicly and articulate the different aspects of the Indigenous experience to many different audiences.
5. High-level fundraising experience, both in foundation and individual giving. This includes excellent donor relations skills and an understanding of the funding community.
6. 5-7 years of management experience with significant administrative responsibilities in the nonprofit sector. Need the ability to oversee but also delegate effectively.
7. Ability to build strong collaborative teams and a strong organizational culture in an international environment.
8. A history of forming partnerships/coalitions with external organizations to achieve strategic objectives. 
9. A humble and approachable demeanor with the ability to be assertive when needed.
10. Willingness to travel. Perhaps up to 40% for the first two years.
11. Bilingual. Fluent English. Spanish-speaking preferred.
12. Flexibility, being able to adapt to working with people of different cultures. Be inclusive of diverse people, cultures, perspectives and viewpoints. 
13. Strong work ethic with a high degree of energy.

Competencies/Key Characteristics

• Multi-cultural competency skills 
• An international perspective (working with global organizations i.e., United Nations)
• Ability to connect with local grassroots Indigenous communities
• Strong advocacy skills 
• Be a passionate voice and external face for Cultural Survival 
• Fundraising skills 
• Nonprofit management experience
• Ability to build a culture of trust and collaboration with remote staff 
• Relationship skills both internally and externally
• Strategic Thinking
• Ability to handle conflict and resistance to change
• Results Driven
• Humility
• Willingness to travel

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $148,000 to $173,000. The organization offers a strong benefits package that includes generous health coverage and a retirement plan.

Statement of Non-Discrimination

Cultural Survival is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and actively seeks a diverse pool of candidates. We particularly encourage Indigenous individuals to apply and to identify their Indigenous community, but we welcome applications from all qualified candidates. For more information about Cultural Survival and its programs, please visit:

Application Process

The search for Cultural Survival is being conducted by The Moran Company. To apply for this position, please submit your cover letter and resume electronically to Bill Moran at The Moran Company. The cover letter should highlight your qualifications and connection to the mission, as well as any other relevant experience. APPLY NOW

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