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Ducks Unlimited, Inc.
Chief Executive Officer

Ducks Unlimited, the world's largest non-profit organization dedicated to conserving North America's waterfowl habitat, is seeking a Chief Executive Officer.

Organizational Overview: Our Nation’s premier waterfowl habitat conservation organization

Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited, Inc. (DU) has conserved nearly 13 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science and dedicated to program efficiency, DU works toward the vision of wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever. Hindsight explains history, but foresight makes history. DU’s history evolved from the the foresight of a small group of sportsmen who launched an unprecedented, international effort to save waterfowl by conserving habitat.

Times have certainly changed since then, but some things remain the same: Waterfowl will always need habitat, sportsmen are still the conservation leaders, and DU is still making history conserving habitat. Last year was no exception. Thanks to the dedication of DU members, volunteers, supporters, and partners across the continent, fiscal year 2008 was a record breaking year for DU. Despite a global economic downturn, DU supporters rallied to raise the largest revenue in DU history: $261 million. Of that, DU spent a record $231 million on its conservation mission. That’s an 88 percent efficiency rating, which sets another record for DU and exceeds the long-term goal to spend 80 cents of every dollar on DU’s conservation mission. And that’s the bottom line – habitat conservation.

Last year, in the United States alone, DU conserved nearly 300,000 acres of the country’s most critical breeding, migration and wintering habitats. DU’s national headquarters is based in Memphis, Tennessee. In partnership with Ducks Unlimited Canada and Ducks Unlimited de Mexico, DU delivers conservation work throughout the North American continent. DU has approximately 450 employees across the country and an annual operating budget of more than $150 million. In addition to its headquarters in Memphis, DU has five regional offices - Great Plains (Bismarck, ND), Western (Rancho Cordova, CA), Southern (Ridgeland, MS), Great Lakes/Atlantic (Ann Arbor, MI), and Washington, DC (District of Columbia) and five field offices.

DU’s affiliate, Wetlands America Trust (WAT) was created to secure significant philanthropic gifts, provide fiduciary responsibilities managing DU's endowments, and oversee DU’s land holdings, including conservation easements. WAT’s key goals are to engage in major donor solicitation, complement DU lobbying and other strategic public policy activities, and offer the perspective of business leaders to DU on questions of strategy, organization and revenue generation. WAT currently holds 341,000 acres under conservation easement. WAT currently has 26 trustees, many of whom are recognized leaders in business and passionate waterfowl hunters.

The core values and guiding principles of DU are:

• Waterfowl and Wetlands: We conserve North America's waterfowl and wetlands.

• Ethics: We act to uphold the reputation of DU, treating people and wildlife with respect.

• Science-Based Decision: We are committed to science to ensure our programs are sound, efficient and credible.

• Team DU: We work together as volunteers and staff.

• Waterfowling: We value and enjoy the sport and heritage of hunting.

• Collaboration, Not Confrontation: We partner with those who share common goals and values.

• Wise Investments: Our goal is to commit over 80 percent of our resources to our science-based conservation mission.

• Passion & Commitment: We celebrate the culture of DU as we serve our members.

The focus on DU has remained constant since it was formed by a small group of U.S. waterfowl hunters in 1937. That focus, often referred to as a “Singleness of Purpose,” is built upon the understanding that sustainability of waterfowl is determined by success in conserving sufficient habitat in key landscapes. DU’s vision of wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever, is as compelling today as it was at the founding of the organization. DU must face its future with the same resolve a small group of waterfowl hunters had in asking and answering one fundamental question: If DU does not provide leadership in conserving wetlands and waterfowl, who will? DU’s answer is clear and simple – We will.

About the Position: Chief Executive Officer

Supported by a network of over 65,000 volunteers, a committed Board of Directors, and professional staff, the CEO will be challenged to provide leadership at an important juncture in DU’s history. The CEO must fully appreciate the unique qualities that make DU a leader in the waterfowl conservation community – a deep connection with the grassroots; a commitment to science-based waterfowl conservation; strong and engaged shared leadership structure of volunteers; a belief inspiring the next generation of waterfowl conservation leaders; and support for on-the-ground projects and public policy work to protect, restore, manage, and enhance waterfowl habitat. The CEO reports to the President and serves the Board of Directors. The CEO is based in Memphis, Tennessee.

In order to advance the work of DU, the CEO will be challenged to manage an organization to utilize its human and financial resources in the most effective manner possible. The CEO should be a person who can articulate a vision that embodies the collective view of the whole organization to multiple constituencies. Moreover, the CEO must continue to usher forward creative approaches to resource development – targeting individuals, foundations, corporations and governmental agencies as well as expanding long-term investment opportunities in DU.

Because of the breadth of the DU’s volunteer activities, conservation programs and regional operations, the CEO must possess both a vision and an ability to analyze complex information that supports the organization’s goals. Because so much of what the CEO will do involves building and maintaining trust with volunteer leaders, board members, staff, major donors, public policy makers, and corporate leaders, the CEO must have the presence, judgment and personal capabilities to interact effectively with a diverse range of individuals.

The CEO should have an ability to involve all aspects of DU’s organization into a highly effective team. The CEO will act to strengthen the fabric of DU by convening, brokering and nurturing strategic relationships and partnerships. The CEO must be an energetic and entrepreneurial leader and possess sophisticated financial and management capabilities. The CEO must be able to direct, motivate and develop volunteer leaders and professional staff – treating all parties with respect,.

In the role as CEO, this person will also serve to carry DU’s conservation message to critical national and state public policy leaders. In that regard, the CEO needs to bring a genuine excitement and commitment about DU’s mission. The CEO must be an intellectually agile and an engaging person.

The CEO will continue to position DU through its programs, services and activities as an innovative, inclusive and forward-looking waterfowl and wetlands conservation organization. The CEO will serve in an organization that has a rich diversity of people. And yet, a central value shared by those who support DU is a belief in the value of waterfowl, waterfowl heritage and fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world, including wildlife, around us. The CEO should embody a conservation ethic which seeks to ensure a world of rich, abundant habitat, clean, free-flowing rivers and abundant wetlands, and flourishing waterfowl populations.

The broad objectives for the CEO are as follows:

• To support the development and a vibrant future by continuing to cultivate, expand and make best use of DU’s shared leadership structure of Board and Committee, volunteer leaders, staff and members alike.

• To enhance DU member services and other related activities in order to reinforce the value members serve in support of the organization’s conservation mission.

• To expand the reach and public recognition of DU by developing innovative marketing and strategic communication activities which continue to position DU as the nation’s premier grassroots waterfowl habitat conservation organization seeking to educate and empower people to make a difference.

• To expand DU’s unique partnerships with private sector, nonprofit organizations, agricultural community and individuals engaged in conservation efforts.

• To maintain DU’s leadership as a science-based conservation organization.

• To manage key relationships that support collaboration and cohesion within the organization as well as with other key conservation, private and public sector and philanthropic organizations.

• To continue to expand the financial base of DU, pursuing philanthropic funding sources and other creative and new sources of revenue for the organization.

• To manage a team of professional staff who possess the capacity to fulfill the organization’s mission.

The CEO will be charged to meet the following responsibilities, including:

• Oversees the preparation of agendas for meetings of the Directors, Executive Committee, and the Council of National Trustees and for such other special meetings as may be requested by the Chairman of the Board or the President.

• Working with the President and Treasurer, review all expenses of all group managers and other direct reports within established policies.

• Implements the business activities according to the annual budget of the organization.

• Coordinates the activities of the organization in response to the direction of the President and the Board of Directors.

• Works closely with the President of Wetlands America Trust and its chief operating officer regarding all activities of Wetlands America Trust, particularly on major donor fundraising. Serves as an ex-officio, non-voting member of the Wetlands America Trust Board.

Professional Qualifications and Personal Attributes:

The CEO should ideally possess the following professional qualifications and personal attributes:

• A commitment to DU’s mission and a demonstrated passion for waterfowl hunting, wildlife and habitat conservation.

• A capacity to engage, motivate and mobilize people, particularly leaders, volunteers, supporters in joint and shared enterprises.

• Demonstrated experience in developing and administering a comprehensive fundraising program including individual donor, corporate and foundation solicitation, capital campaign activities, direct mail, and other revenue generating programs.

• Successful experience in developing and managing a complex budget.

• A management style that is goal oriented, but flexible; that respects the capabilities and independence of volunteers and staff alike, but provides them with a clear sense of direction.

• Strong work ethic and willingness to travel extensively, often for weekend and evening meetings.

• Ability to think strategically, tactically and creatively.

• Visionary, articulate, and diplomatic.

• Trustworthy and possessing the highest level of personal and professional integrity and quality standards.

• High energy level and possessing a keen sense of humor.

• Undergraduate degree required and an advanced degree appreciated.

Compensation

Compensation for the Chief Executive Officer includes a competitive base salary, performance bonus and an excellent package of health and other employee benefits.

Interested candidates should send their resume to: Daniel Sherman, President, Explore Company at: resumes@explorecompany.com.

Ducks Unlimited, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
For more information on Ducks Unlimited, Inc. visit their website at: www.ducks.org.

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