Description

Mount Washington Observatory (MWO) is a private, nonprofit 501(c)3, member-supported institution located in northern New Hampshire.  MWO has two primary facilities: Mount Washington Weather Observatory located at the summit of Mount Washington in the Presidential Range of the White Mountains; and the Mount Washington Weather Discovery Center located in North Conway, NH in Mount Washington Valley.  MWO is governed by a 24-member Board of Trustees, has a staff of 20, and an annual budget of approximately $2M.

Today, Mount Washington Observatory is a multi-faceted organization that brings together the activities of weather data collection, research, and public climate and weather science education into a unique mission and program portfolio that engages a diverse audience of scientists, students, outdoor enthusiasts, corporate and government partners and a dedicated membership.

There are currently two primary focus areas for Mount Washington Observatory: Weather Observation and Research; and Science and Environmental Education.  In addition to these key focus areas, MWO hosts a nationally recognized, premier hiking event which generates great awareness and fundraising support for their activities and programs.  Known as “Seek the Peak”, this event welcomes hikers of all ages and abilities to Mount Washington and its neighboring peaks and places of interest in the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire. Hikers choose the challenge of summiting Mount Washington or opt for alternative mountain treks and short nature hikes during a weekend gathering of like-minded outdoor enthusiasts who have come together to Seek their Peaks in support of Mount Washington Observatory.  Since Seek the Peak was established in 2001, this event has raised over $1.6 million for the Observatory, helping it maintain its famous weather station on the summit of Mount Washington and continue its important work.

The Board of Trustees and staff of Mount Washington Observatory are about to embark on a long-term visioning process that will leverage MWO’s unique role as a scientific and educational institution in new and dynamic ways.  Utilizing its long-established roots on the summit of Mount Washington MWO hopes to explore, with scientific zeal, the natural systems that make its weather conditions among the most extreme on earth.  This research program will work in partnership with an expanded education program that will translate knowledge through educational opportunities that reach a diverse audience of scientists, students, environmental professionals, advocates and adventurers, and the general public.

Requirements

Mount Washington Observatory seeks an accomplished leader who demonstrates a keen understanding of, and passion for, the organization’s unique mission.  The person must be ready to join with the Board to lead MWO in pursuing a robust effort to align the organization in crafting and executing a long-term vision.  This individual will have experience in attaining strategic goals through a proven ability in fundraising, administration, collaborative ventures and constituency building.  The ideal candidate will have a background that includes financial and staff management combined with a strong understanding of philanthropy and proven success in raising significant funds from individuals, foundations, corporations, and public entities on behalf of mission and organization.

The successful candidate will exhibit exceptional interpersonal and team building skills to effectively interact with a broad array of stakeholders including Board, staff, advocates, scientists, and governmental officials. The President must be able to articulate the mission of MWO to a variety of constituents and establish effective and efficient internal communication.  This individual must be confident, bright, and have the appropriate skills and presence to work in an effective, collegial and collaborative manner across the organization.

The ideal candidate will be a strong and effective leader, with an inclusive, team-oriented management style.  The primary profile characteristics sought are successful leadership; proven fundraising skills; the ability and interest to cultivate relationships with key donors, board members, and other leaders; relevant management experience; the ability to motivate staff; and the ability to chart meaningful organizational growth for MWO.

Candidates with executive level achievement in management, administration, fund development, business or related fields are encouraged to apply.  Non-profit management experience is not required; however experiences of a nature that would lead to a firm understanding of the non-profit model is preferred.  A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is required. A master’s degree in business or science is preferred.

Applications and nominations are being received by Kittleman & Associates, LLC. To apply, please visit: http://kittlemansearch.com/President-Mount-Washington-Observatory.html

For more information about Mount Washington Observatory, please visit www.mountwashington.org

Job Information
  • North Conway, New Hampshire, 03860, United States
  • 28730236
  • May 26, 2016
  • President
  • Mount Washington Observatory
  • Directors/Administrators
  • No
  • Full-Time
  • Indefinite
  • BA/BS/Undergraduate
  • 7-10 Years