Executive Director
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International Bird Rescue | Executive Director
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THE ORGANIZATION
Founded in 1971, International Bird Rescue (IBR) is dedicated to mitigating the human impact on seabirds
and other aquatic bird species worldwide through emergency response, education, research, and planning.
IBR envisions a world in which every bird matters and where the global community has the capacity to
respond to birds in need.
IBR’s highly skilled and professional emergency response team ensures that oiled birds around the globe
receive expert and compassionate care. The organization runs an oiled wildlife training program that is
recognized worldwide and it participates in oil spill exercises to demonstrate responsiveness. In addition
to being the primary oiled wildlife responder for Californian and Alaskan incidents, IBR responds to wildlife
incidents throughout the U.S. and the world. The organization operates two rehabilitation centers in
California for distressed birds, that provide the highest standards of aquatic bird care. IBR also conducts
research projects to improve animal care as well as to optimize patient survival and release.
In California, IBR manages a wildlife rehabilitation program specializing in aquatic birds and utilizing
response centers near Los Angeles and San Francisco that are owned by the State of California, but
managed by IBR. These state of the art, purpose-built facilities allow IBR to manage the care of over
6,000 sick and injured aquatic birds annually, as well as continue to research new techniques, products,
response management, having managed some of the world’s largest oiled wildlife responses in the last
several decades. The organization employs emergency managers, rehabilitators, and responders as well
the organization participates in large oil industry exercises and provides wildlife response training around
the world.
To learn more about the International Bird Rescue, please visit bird-rescue.org
International Bird Rescue | Executive Director
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THE POSITION
IBR is seeking an Executive Director to provide strategic leadership of the organization and to ensure IBR’s
programs and activities are consistent with its mission and vision. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the
Executive Director will lead the development and implementation of strategic planning and be responsible for
the overall management of the organization. Additionally, s/he will provide oversight of marketing and publicrelations activities, cultivate relationships with major donors, and develop and maintain effective partnerships
with other wildlife and emergency response organizations.
The Executive Director is responsible for the day-to day operations of the organization, including monitoring
projects and budgets as well as establishing all administrative policies and procedures to ensure that mandates
are executed in an effective manner consistent with IBR’s mission and policies. S/He will serve as the public
face of the organization and be a clear and persuasive speaker about IBR’s mission, programs, and impact in
order to increase visibility and further enhance its reputation and standing.
In partnership with the Board of Directors and by overseeing the work of the Development team, the Executive
Director will manage IBR’s annual fundraising plan, which will be inclusive of corporate sponsorships, foundation
and government funding sources, and individual donors. The Executive Director will have a particular focus on
major donors, and will also cultivate community relationships and develop strategic partnerships with other
organizations, corporations, and government agencies.
Along with these responsibilities, the Executive Director will work closely with the IBR Board of Directors to
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International Bird Rescue | Executive Director
KEY PRIORITIES
Getting to Know the Organization
IBR has a strong and healthy culture of dedicated and passionate Board members, staff, volunteers, and
S/he must quickly get to know the culture of the organization and begin establishing him/herself with key
Fundraising & Communications Strategy
One of the primary goals for the Executive Director is to lead and grow the fund development activities for
IBR. Working closely and collaboratively with the Board of Directors and the Development team, this position
will pursue a broad and cutting-edge development and communications strategy in order to sustain and grow
outreach to donor circles and enhance its brand and visibility.
Annual Work Plan & Response Readiness
The Executive Director will need to quickly get up to speed with the current strategic plan for IBR, and then
further develop and shape those goals for the years ahead. Annual work plans must also be created, while at
the same time being mindful of the unpredictable nature of the organization’s work as it relates to emergency
response. The Executive Director will work with the senior leadership team to maintain IBR’s readiness to be
deployed for wildlife incidents, while also ensuring that the organization meets its annual operating goals and
objectives.
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International Bird Rescue | Executive Director
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IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE
International Bird Rescue is seeking an Executive Director who is a genuine and passionate advocate for birds
and wildlife preservation. The successful candidate will bring an unwavering commitment to furthering the
mission of the organization and will effectively build upon IBR’s internationally-renowned reputation as a
leading responder and rehabilitator of birds affected by oil spills and other disasters.
The ideal candidate will be a true visionary and strategist who can exemplify leadership that inspires
track records in creating and implementing fund development plans, and managing development teams are
essential. Candidates must be capable of assessing new funding opportunities and establishing meaningful
donor relationships.
The Executive Director must also bring a strong business acumen and demonstrate an aptitude for managing
for sustainability that will provide the organization’s dedicated staff members and volunteers the resources
they need to effectively carry out their work.
As the public face of the organization, the Executive Director must possess sophisticated communications
skills and be capable of representing IBR at the highest levels across the globe. A deep understanding of
communications and new media tactics will be equally important in ensuring that IBR is effectively raising its
As one of the key international organizations responding to wildlife disasters around the world, experience
managing crises readiness plan is highly desirable. Additionally, as a true partner to the staff and Board, the
Executive Director must be able to innovate and be a creative force to shape the future strategic direction of
IBR.
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International Bird Rescue | Executive Director
MiniMuM Qualifications
Candidates should have a minimum of six years of progressively responsible leadership experience, ideally
in a wildlife rescue or rehabilitation setting. An understanding of or background in emergency response
management is highly desirable. A professional background as a key spokesperson for an organization
and a demonstrated track record in fundraising is necessary. Experience managing marketing and public
relations is also critical. A Bachelor’s degree is required and an advanced degree preferred.
Outstanding interpersonal and communications skills are essential since this position will be required to
move seamlessly across a diverse and international network of constituencies. The Executive Director
must be open to traveling as needed, and have a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with staff,
partners, specialists, and volunteers.
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International Bird Rescue | Executive Director
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TO BE CONSIDERED
apply as soon as possible.
To be considered, please go to http://candidates.waldronhr.com and submit your resume and a cover letter
The search for the next Executive Director of International Bird Rescue is being assisted
by a team from Waldron:
Jeff Waldron, Managing Director, California
Direct: 415.529.2150
[email protected]
Mary Pelleriti, Associate
Direct: 415.529.2057
[email protected]
Mike Marinacci, Research Associate
[email protected]
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Waldron is honored to work with International Bird Rescue in the search for an Executive
Director. We believe in and support the work of International Bird Rescue and we are
doing our best to recruit a talented team member who will accelerate this mission.
As the consulting partner strategic leaders choose to help attract, engage, and inspire
effective leaders, Waldron provides a unique combination of executive search, leadership
development, and career transition services across sectors and industries. Our passion is
helping people and organizations realize their full potential and increase their impact.
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