Career Opportunity

The Society of Wetland Scientists Professional Certification Program (SWSPCP) seeks a part-time, contract Executive Director to administer their professional certification programs. The organization had previously been managed by an association management company but is now transitioning to direct management. An Armstrong McGuire interim manager has served in the role since February. The organization’s first Executive Director should be operationally and administratively skilled, comfortable guiding volunteer Boards, and have experience in budget and financial management.

Mission: SWSPCP’s mission is to certify wetland professionals who meet the highest standards for education, experience, and ethics in the practice of wetland science. The SWSPCP vision is to be THE globally recognized authority on certification of wetland professionals, requiring adherence to the highest standards in education, experience, and ethics in protecting and managing wetland resources and elevating the profession of wetland science.

Reporting Structure: The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors.

Total Staff and Budget: The Executive Director is the primary staff person and may have flexibility to add administrative support/backup as needed. The annual budget is currently $250,000 - $300,000 and the organization has more than $900,000 in reserves.

Salary: The monthly compensation is projected at $6,000, working 20-30 hours per week.

Working Environment/Location: This is a remote position. SWSPCP is incorporated in North Carolina and maintains a virtual office in Durham. SWSPCP operates globally. The Executive Director can be situated anywhere in the United States, with the Southeast preferred. Occasional travel to meetings and industry events is required.

Key Responsibilities of the Executive Director

Administration of Certification Programs

• Ensure new website and technology platform are successfully implemented.
• Engage with processing of applications/renewals as needed on new upgraded website.
• Properly filter and route questions from applicants/certificants to appropriate committees (Standards, Review, Renewal, Appeals, Ethics) for resolution.
• Recommend revisions to Standing Rules to provide clarity to applicants regarding requirements.
• Implement new Wetland Professional Certification Program intended primarily for international practitioners.

Board Management & Governance

• Guide the board in process-driven decision-making.
• Ensure proposals for new initiatives align with mission and vision.
• Recommend and implement Standard Operating Procedures for critical areas, including investment management, sponsorships, and committee activities.
• Recommend updates to Bylaws and Standing Rules to adhere to good governance practices.
• Drive development of the strategic plan and business plan.
• Support Board, Executive Committee, and Committee meetings as needed.

Financial & Budget Management

• Work with the Treasurer and Executive Committee to develop and manage yearly budget, coordinate audit, and facilitate 990 filing.
• Process accounts receivable and accounts payable.
• Maintain monthly/quarterly financials within QuickBooks.
• Ensure the investment account is managed within investment policy parameters.
• Oversee contracting with vendors (technology, accounting, legal, etc.) as needed.

Marketing, Communications & External Relations

• Actively promote certification programs to targeted audiences globally using appropriate media.
• Communicate organizational updates to certificants and other constituencies.
• Interact with Society of Wetland Scientists and other groups in the United States and internationally to provide value to the wetland scientist community.
• Serve as the staff representative to meetings and conferences.

The Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

• Administrative and operational expertise to manage complex certification programs.
• Collaborative and professional leadership style to channel enthusiastic volunteer Board and committees toward productive activities.
• Astute financial management to ensure sustainability and growth of programs; oversight of budget, audit and investments; and ability to maximize ROI on promotional activities and new initiatives.
• Expert relationship-builder to effectively manage internal volunteers/committees and key external constituencies in US and globally.
• Strategic mindset to take advantage of emerging opportunities while focusing on core mission.
• Interest in wetlands, environment, and professional development to align with mission.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional and lived experience.

About SWSPCP

For more than 30 years, the Society of Wetland Scientists Professional Certification Program has served the public's need to identify qualified individuals to assess and manage wetland resources around the world.

This program is intended to meet the needs of professional ecologists, hydrologists, soil scientists, educators, agency professionals, consultants, and others who practice wetland science. Three certifications are currently offered: Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS); Wetland Professional in Training (WPIT); and Wetland Professional (WP).

Want to know more? Visit wetlandcert.org. (Note: new website is in development.)

How To Apply

Join the SWSPCP and play a critical role in shaping its future while driving impactful change in the community.

To apply, click on the link for this position at https://jobs.armstrongmcguire.com/. You will see instructions for uploading your compelling cover letter, resume, and salary requirements. Cover letters should be responsive to the mission of SWSPCP as well as the stated responsibilities and qualifications.

Please provide all requested information to be considered. In case of any technical problems, contact talent@armstrongmcguire.com. No phone calls, please, and no applications will be accepted by email or directly from third-party posting sites.