ABOUT THE ROLE

The Executive Director is expected to practice mission-focused leadership, including fundraising, overall administration and management of the organization, personnel and fiscal management, board relations, and community building. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Organization Mission and Strategy

• Works with the BDC Board and staff to regularly set and revise the organization’s strategic direction

• Ensures that the mission is fulfilled through programs, strategic planning, and community outreach

Fundraising

• Develops fundraising resources necessary to support BDC’s mission

• Work with the Board to raise funds through fundraising campaigns and direct asks

• Prepares and submits grant applications and funding proposals

• Procures and maintains relationships with corporate sponsors, foundations, and individuals

Management and Administration

• Develops and oversees administrative and operational policies consistent with BDC’s mission and vision

• Oversees and develops all programs, services, and activities to ensure that program objectives are met

• Ensures compliance with funding sources and regulatory requirements

• Ensures proper staff hiring and termination procedures, including oversight of all disciplinary actions

• Supervises, mentors, and evaluates the performance of direct reports both paid and volunteer

Financial Performance and Viability

• Manages the fiscal health of BDC by building and maintaining financial resources, ensuring effective audit trails, approving expenditures, maximizing resource utilization, and providing proper fiscal record keeping and reporting

• Prepares and submits proposed annual budget to the BDC Board for approval

• Prepares bi-quarterly financial statements to the BDC Board

Board Relations 

• Communicates effectively with the Board and provides in a timely and accurate manner all information for the Board to function properly and to make informed decisions

• Assists the Board of Directors in planning the agenda and materials for Board meetings

• Facilitates the orientation of new Board members and builds Board committees as appropriate

Community Building

• Promotes BDC and its mission by being active and visible in the biodesign community and by working closely with other professional, civic, and private organizations

• Serves as chief liaison and spokesperson for the organization

• Advances organization’s agenda at relevant events and meetings

QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred

• Master’s degree or Ph.D.

• Five or more years of nonprofit management experience

• Teaching experience

• Education programming management experience

Required

• A bachelor’s degree

• Transparent and high integrity leadership

• Demonstrated knowledge of fundraising strategies and donor relations

• Experience writing and submitting grant proposals

• Strong public speaking skills

• Budget management skills, including budget preparation, analysis, decision-making and reporting

• Strong organizational abilities including planning, delegation, program development, and task facilitation

• Ability to convey BDC’s strategic vision to the public

• Demonstrated ability to oversee and collaborate with staff, volunteers, and Board members

• Ability to attend meetings in-person in New York City

COMPENSATION, LOCATION, & TIMELINE

Salary range of $90,000 - $120,000 with health benefits and paid vacation. This position is designated as hybrid with the majority of day-to-day meetings and activities taking place in NYC and online. Priority will be given to candidates who are within commuting distance to NYC or who are willing to relocate to the area (no relocation costs will be covered). We expect a start date in Summer 2024.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

To apply, please send a resume/CV and cover letter outlining your interest in and qualifications for the Executive Director role to hiring@biodesignchallenge.org. Please submit your application materials by January 9, 2024.

If you meet most but not all of the qualifications and requirements listed in this job description, we welcome you to still apply. BDC values a diversity of experiences, backgrounds, and skillsets that can complement and strengthen our programming and community.

At this time, BDC is unable to sponsor employment visas for candidates who do not have US work authorization at the time of employment.

Biodesign Challenge is an equal opportunity employer and values an equitable and inclusive workplace, with a commitment to engaging the skills and leadership of people of color, LGBTQ persons, and other individuals from diverse backgrounds.