Bonsai Leadership Group is excited to support the Black in Marine Science national search to find their first Chief Operating Officer.

ABOUT BLACK IN MARINE SCIENCE

Black in Marine Science (BIMS) is a premier organization aimed to celebrate Black marine scientists, spread environmental awareness and inspire the next generation of scientific thought leaders. Black in Marine Science started as a week to highlight Black voices in the field and encourage younger generations while shedding light on the lack of diversity in marine science. It started with a tweet from Dr. Tiara Moore and grew to a team of organizers putting together an online event. The initial #BlackInMarineScienceWeek of events created a community of Black marine scientists that was much needed during the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic. After the initial success, a 501(c)(3) non-profit was formed to continue amplifying Black voices and inspiring younger generations. Today, the organization creates outreach opportunities, internships for aspiring scientists, and is developing a documentary highlighting nutrient pollution impacts to Black communities. To learn more, visit www.bims.org.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) oversees all operations and administrative functions within BIMS. The COO provides day-to-day leadership over all internal functions including oversight of BIMS strategic planning processes and our execution against those plans, operationalizing best practices in management systems, integration and collaboration of teams and functional areas to ensure strong organizational performance to meet our visionary goals. The COO works as a close partner to the CEO as they oversee the programming and operations across the organization. They work closely with Executive team members and third-party partners on HR, finance, organizational administration and facilities activities, processes, and strategies. The Chief Operating Officer will have four direct reports and serve as the point person with key contractors.

The Chief Operating Officer will be responsible for the following:

Organizational Leadership

Provide leadership, coach, and collaborate with the executive leadership team.
Work with executive leadership team to develop and monitor impact metrics consistent with relevant plans and create a system of ongoing evaluation, ensuring strong work plans and alignment between individual, team, and organizational goals and priorities.
Envision, plan, and execute semi-annual staff retreats to increase integration, support organizational goals, and build team connectivity.
Engage with the Board of Directors, primary funders, and other key external stakeholders around organizational impact and plans for the future.
As needed, serve as a BIMS ambassador at external events like the BIMS Immersion Program or Black In Marine Science Week (BIMS Week).

Strategy Development

Engage the Chief Executive Officer, Executive Leadership Team and the board of directors (along with external partners, if necessary) in the strategic planning process.
Implement strategic and annual plans integrating all aspects of the organization’s work including programs, communications, development, finance, and operations.
Monitor team performance, help to develop scopes of work, track progress and support resourcing for priorities.
Actively participate in the development of funding proposals and new initiatives to support strategic goals.

Operations Management

Work closely with the leadership team to ensure alignment of organizational infrastructure and operations with programs to ensure organizational sustainability.
Develop the annual budget, meet budget goals, review financial performance, and improve program budgeting and reporting practices.
Handle all contracts, including grant agreements, vendor/consulting contracts, and federal agreements. Ensure compliance with federal standards when applicable.
Identify, select, and work with consultants (e.g. legal, financial, HR, etc.) to supplement expertise when necessary.
Partner with all team members to create, maintain, and/or oversee systems and processes to ensure effective management of the daily activities of program staff and an organizational structure that supports the organization’s goals.
Ensure the organization has sufficient and aligned HR support, processes, policies, and procedures. Manage relationships with HR consultants and/or staff.
Partner with the CEO in effective engagement of the Board, including planning for and participating in regular Board meetings, committee meetings, and annual Board Retreat.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

5+ years of professional experience in nonprofit management or similar role.
Extensive and proven management experience including ability to motivate, lead, set objectives, train, develop and manage the performance of a large multi-disciplinary team
Ability to work with people at all levels of the organization to create buy-in and a sense of teamwork
Outstanding analytical and strategic thinking skills with a focus on results and impact
Demonstrated experience conceiving, developing and implementing strategic initiatives within an organization
Excellent communication (both oral and written), presentation, organizational and interpersonal skills
Demonstrate excellent and proactive planning and project management skills
High self-motivation and ability to work and plan independently as well as in teams
Commitment to working to celebrate Black marine scientists globally
Passion, excitement or curiosity about the ocean

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

5+ years of executive leadership experience in nonprofit management or similar role.
Superior leadership skills with demonstrated experience leading a high-performing team in a virtual environment
Knowledge of revenue development/fundraising strategies
Superior oral and written communication skills and strategic listening skills are necessary to effectively exercise tact, discretion, judgment, and diplomacy when interacting and/or negotiating with all levels of internal and external stakeholders
Experience with government contracts
Prior experience working with environmental justice-based organizations
Experience with software such as Salesforce, Network for Good, Notion and Google Workspace

TRAVEL

Approximately 10-20% of your time will be spent traveling.

LOCATION

BIMS operates as a virtual organization. This is a US Based remote position.