Executive Director

National Speleological Society; Lincoya (AL); On-site; USD 130,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

20 vacation days

Paid sick leave and holidays

401(k) match

Life and disability insurance

Job summary

The National Speleological Society (NSS) seeks an accomplished Executive Director to lead operations, guide organizational development, and advance its mission.

Reporting to the Board of Governors, the role drives day-to-day management, strategy execution, and volunteer coordination across divisions including Communications, Education and Training, Conservation and Science, Facilities, Membership, Operations, and Finance.

Qualifications

• At least ten years of nonprofit management experience.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational and relationship-building skills.
• Experience in financial and risk management, conservation, cave and karst science, land management or stewardship of protected lands preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations and implement Board-approved strategic direction.
• Lead fundraising, development efforts, donor partnerships and grant pursuits.
• Coordinate staff, division heads and volunteers to advance NSS programs.
• Develop and manage the annual budget; ensure timely reporting and financial performance.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational

Relationship-building

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

The Moran Company [https://morancompany.com/] is pleased to partner with the National Speleological Society to recruit the organization's Executive Director.

The National Speleological Society (NSS), the nation's leading membership organization dedicated to caves and caving, seeks an accomplished and collaborative Executive Director to lead the Society's operations and help guide its next phase of organizational development.

Founded in 1941, the National Speleological Society [https://caves.org/ ] (NSS) is the largest membership organization dedicated to caves and caving. With over 8,000 members and over 250 local chapters, known as grottos, the NSS connects cavers so they can explore, study,and conserve caves worldwide.

The NSS has an annual operating budget of approximately $1 million and a strong financial foundation. The Society hosts an annual weeklong convention that brings together cavers from around the world, as well as numerous regional events. The NSS owns 19 cave preserves and manages four preserves owned by others. The NSS is strongly committed to conserving underground environments, advancing cave and karst science, promoting responsible cave exploration, and fostering fellowship among those interested in caves. For more information, visit the NSS website at caves.org.

Job Responsibilities

The NSS is a largely volunteer-run organization, with its programs, activities, and leadership supported by a dedicated network of volunteer leaders and members. Reporting to the Board of Governors, the Executive Director is responsible for the Society's day-to-day operations and for implementing the strategic direction and policies established by the Board. Working collaboratively with staff, Division Heads, and other volunteer leaders, the Executive Director provides organizational leadership, coordination, and support to ensure that NSS programs and operations advance the Society's mission and strategic priorities. The Executive Director oversees the organization's operations and manages and supports the Division Heads responsible for Communications, Education and Training, Conservation and Science, Facilities, Membership, Operations, and Accounting and Finance, while working closely with the many volunteers whose expertise, service, and leadership are essential to the Society's success.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will bring at least ten years of relevant nonprofit management experience, a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience, and strong leadership, communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills. Experience in financial and risk management, conservation, cave and karst science, land management, or stewardship of protected lands is preferred, along with proficiency in contemporary workplace technology. The Executive Director must be able to anticipate strategic needs, manage competing priorities, delegate effectively, and collaborate with staff, volunteers, members, Board members, donors, partners, and government agencies. Key leadership priorities include strengthening organizational capacity and collaboration, increasing membership engagement and growth, expanding and diversifying financial support and staffing, and ensuring that programs, properties, and operations advance the Society's mission and strategic priorities.

The Executive Director will oversee NSS operations, staffing, systems, and resources to strengthen organizational effectiveness, support staff development, and ensure divisions and volunteers are aligned with the Society's strategic plan. The role will lead fundraising and development efforts, cultivate donor and external partnerships, pursue grants, and address organizational challenges as they arise. Financial responsibilities include overseeing spending, developing the annual budget with Board leadership, monitoring financial performance, and ensuring timely and accurate reporting. The Executive Director will also work closely with the Board of Governors to assess organizational needs, advance strategic priorities, and provide regular updates on operations, finances, division activities, challenges, and accomplishments.

The National Speleological Society is headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama. The Executive Director is expected to work on site at NSS Headquarters at least three days per week. Relocation expense reimbursement may be available. The position requires periodic travel to NSS events and other meetings an estimated 20% of the year, although most work will be based in Huntsville.

Additional Information

The salary range is $130,000–$150,000, depending on experience and qualifications.

• health and dental insurance
• 20 paid vacation days
• paid sick leave and holidays
• a 401(k) match
• life and disability insurance