Join Our Team!

ESIP is looking for an Executive Director with strong leadership skills to lead planning and implementation of activities for the organization. Under the direction and guidance of the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for managing the day-to-day work of the organization. The Executive Director motivates staff, volunteers, and partner organizations to make Earth science data actionable by all. The Executive Director is expected to be self-motivated and able to operate independently in a work environment based largely on the use of communications technology rather than daily face-to-face interactions. The position also requires effective interaction with and diversification of ESIP sponsors (e.g., NASA, NOAA, and USGS and beyond).

The Executive Director reports to the President of the Board of Directors and collaborates with the Board. The Executive Director is responsible for the management of the organization, including the oversight of staff, programming, operations, and finance. The Executive Director will manage a minimum of four direct reports in a primarily online and remote organization. The staff members coordinate and support the online and in-person volunteer efforts of more than 180 partner organizations and organize at least two conference-style meetings per year that include virtual, in person, and hybrid formats.

The Executive Director serves as the key public spokesperson and external relationship-builder for ESIP, along with the President. An inspirational and collaborative leader internally and externally, the Executive Director will offer a clear vision for the future, set ambitious goals, and implement them in collaboration with the Board, staff and other partners.

The Executive Director’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Strategic Leadership

• In collaboration with the Board of Directors, develops organizational vision, mission and strategic plans to guide the ESIP’s work;
• Identify opportunities to advance ESIP’s mission; provide analysis of opportunities and challenges;
• Act as the key spokesperson for the organization, including giving speeches, talks, workshops, and presentations at appropriate conferences and meetings around the world;
• Develop and maintain partnerships and strategic relationships with organizations, donors, government agencies;
• Foster and maintain an open, inclusive, productive, and collaborative environment among members.
• Supervise, mentor, develop, and support ESIP staff.

Operations

• Develop operational plans in support of ESIP’s strategic and programmatic plans;
• Oversee the efficient and effective operation of the organization;
• Manage human, financial, and other resources to best realize organizational objectives;
• Ensure the organization’s operations and policies are in compliance with all applicable laws, including maintaining registration, annual tax filings, and labor law compliance.
• Oversee the support to the Board of Directors, including the preparation and distribution of meeting agendas and minutes, regular communications and updates, preparation of materials for marketing and outreach, and arranging meeting logistics;
• Oversee day to day finances, such as budget development and expenditures, banking, smooth completion of the annual audit, ensuring accurate bookkeeping and accounting procedures.

Programming and Services

• Oversee the implementation of ongoing ESIP programs, such as the ESIP Meetings;
• Develop projects and programs that strengthen ESIP’s mission and global network, especially with respect to emerging strategic partnerships;
• Oversee organizational partnership development, requirements, and relations;
• Oversee partnership satisfaction assessments and adjust services and offerings for partners to ensure ongoing positive relations with community;
• Oversee the planning, implementation and evaluation of the organization’s services and programs and monitor progress.

Business Planning and Fundraising

• In collaboration with the Board of Directors, develop a comprehensive financial sustainability plan for the organization;
• Cultivate strategic and mutually beneficial relationships with foundations, donors, corporations, and other partners, in collaboration with the Board of Directors;
• Solicit sponsorship for the annual ESIP Meetings and other ESIP events;
• Develop programs, projects, and campaigns that contribute to the ongoing financial health of the organization;
• Manage grants and contracts and negotiate agreements with Federal government and other sponsors in support of the ESIP’s mission; monitor progress of grants; and fulfill reporting requirements related to all grants.

Education and/or Experience
Advanced degree preferred, with at least 5 years of combined leadership experience in nonprofit, academic, government, or business settings.

Travel
The Executive Director must be able to travel to meet with potential partners and sponsors, and to attend and/or facilitate conferences, training and other events that may be needed to acquire and maintain proficiency in fulfilling the responsibilities of the position. Travel averages 6 times per year.

Work Environment
The position is fully remote and requires travel. Access to a major transportation hub and robust telecommunications capabilities are essential. Familiarity with Slack, Zoom, and similar online collaboration tools such as the Google suite of apps, is advantageous.

Core Competencies
The Executive Director will be passionate about ESIP’s mission and possess the necessary skills to foster a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative community, embracing multiple perspectives and change. The Executive Director will have a solid understanding of non-profit business models, fundraising, and client relationship skills.

The ideal candidate will offer the following skills, experiences, and characteristics:

• Adaptability: Demonstrate a willingness to learn (the beginners’ mind) and to be flexible in a rapidly evolving field while maintaining effectiveness and efficiency.
• Innovation: Ability to think outside of the box, bring new ideas and approaches to problem solving that are win-win for all involved.
• Transparency and Ethics: Demonstrate a commitment to transparency of processes and activities; ensure that behavior of all affiliated with the organization meets high ethical standards and aligns with ESIP’s values.
• Collaboration: Establish and maintain positive working relationships, both internally and externally, and work in partnership with other organizations and agencies to realize goals. The Executive Director will also have familiarity/experience with the ESIP Community.
• Teamwork and Inclusiveness: Foster a strong team approach to setting and meeting goals, resolving problems, and making decisions. Ensure that ESIP’s work is inclusive of our members and audiences.
• Lead: Positively influence others including community members, volunteers, staff, and sponsoring organizations, to achieve results that are in the best interest of the organization.
• Organize: Monitor progress towards goals and assess impact of activities.
• Plan: Determine strategies, with Board collaboration, to move the organization forward, set goals, create and implement action plans, and evaluate the process and results.
• Strategic thinking: Assess options and actions based on trends and conditions in global educational environments and the vision and values of the organization. Align activities and plans to these opportunities.
• Passion for Earth Science Data: A genuine commitment to the importance and advancement of Earth science information.

Benefits

ESIP offers a competitive benefits package which includes:

• Health Insurance, 75% of employee’s premium paid by the organization
• Organization paid Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability and Life Insurance
• Paid time off and Holidays
• Retirement plan benefit, ESIP will provide a matching contribution of up to 5% of salary for employee contributions to a qualified retirement account arrangement

Application Instructions

Applications should be sent electronically to pattyallen@esipfed.org. Applications will be reviewed immediately and applications received before 8/29/2025 will receive first consideration. The position will remain open until filled.

Applications should include:

• Resume/CV
• Letter of interest that describes why you want to work in the ESIP community
• Three reference contacts, references will only be contacted at later stage in the hiring process

ESIP is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. ESIP provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing, or service in the military. Equal employment opportunity applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training.