WFSJ Executive Director

The World Federation of Science Journalists (WFSJ) is an international federation of 44 national associations of science and technology journalists from Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe and two associate members. It is a non-profit corporation and the leading actor in making science journalism a strong contributor to better informed and democratic societies.

 The WFSJ is recruiting an experienced and dynamic Executive Director to provide day to day leadership for the Federation’s secretariat and oversee major international projects.  The Executive Director works closely with the Board to make the Federation operationally and financially sustainable.

We are looking for an exceptional individual who will develop and implement a comprehensive vision of the role of science journalism in societies, internationally. Candidates need to be world class managers with experience in journalism or communication who will deliver strategic leadership, ensure organizational effectiveness, and guarantee effective financial management in order to maintain the long-term sustainability of the Federation. The director will bring a strong set of practical ideas and skills to ensure programme excellence, revenue diversification, good connection with membership, as well as an effective communication strategy for the Federation.

 Qualifications:

1. university degree;
2. at least five years of experience as a manager;
3. experience in journalism, media, or communication;
4. a proven track record in setting organizational goals and operational plans and achieving them;
5. solid experience in recruiting and managing employees, volunteers and consultants;
6. experience in budget preparation and financial management and reporting;
7. outstanding interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multi-cultural and multi-national environment;
8. the ability to represent the organization effectively in a wide range of fora;
9. cutting edge creative and strategic thinking and capacity to inspire others; and
10. and preferably experience in international activities, projects, or events.

The position is based in Canada but travelling overseas is required.

For a full job description go to WFSJ website clicking here.

To apply for the post, please send—before 15^th April 2013 -- a letter of application stating the skills and approach that you would bring to the post to meet the 10 requirements, your vision of the Federation's future, along with your CV/resume (no photos) in English BY EMAIL ONLY to: hr@wfsj.org

Please ensure that they are sent as Word documents with the titles "your name resume". Please put "WFSJ Executive Director" in the email subject line.

Job Description 

I-            Position Information 

Job title: Executive Director

II-        Broad Functions

The World Federation of Science Journalists (WFSJ) is an international federation of 44 associations of science journalists. It has an international board, and the secretariat is based in Gatineau (Canada). Its main activities are the World Conference of Science Journalists, held every second year; international summit on science journalism; training programs in science journalism; and international competitions. 

Reporting to the WFSJ Board through its President, the Executive Director is in charge of developing, designing, and implementing the WFSJ strategic vision and yearly work plans. He or she is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the WFSJ Secretariat, activities, projects, and relations with member associations. He or she is also responsible for providing advice and support to the WFSJ Board.

The Executive Director is tasked with identifying and securing funding for the activities of WFSJ and nurturing relationships with donors. The Director is required to travel and to represent the WFSJ at international meetings and events.

III-     Functions

STRATEGIC

• Develops in collaboration with the Board and following consultations with the member associations the strategic vision, long term goals, key activities, work plan and budget of the World Federation of Science Journalists (WFSJ);
• Develops, designs and writes a strategic plan for sustainability for approval by the WFSJ Board that includes objectives, funding strategies and tactics;
• Develops, designs and writes a yearly work plan for approval by the WFSJ Board;
• Reports quarterly to the WFSJ Board on the implementation of the work plan and programs.

WFSJ SECRETARIAT AND DAILY OPERATIONS

• Maintains and manages the WFSJ Secretariat;
• Recruits, trains, and supervises the WFSJ staff;
• Authorizes and supervises all important financial transactions to control expenditures and overall budget;
• Travels to participate in board members, meet donors, and to visit associations. 

WFSJ PROGRAMMING

• Develops, directs and supervises all WFSJ activities and projects;
• Direct the planning and organization of the World Conference of Science Journalists;
• Prepares approval of all new donor-funded and WFSJ projects by the Board;
• Recruits and supervises required personnel for the implementation of WFSJ projects;
• Ensures that WFSJ projects have the required resources and deliver expected results;
• Makes sure that the donors’ requirements and expectations are met;
• Ensures that financial and accounting reports and practices meet international standards of quality.

 RELATIONS WITH MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

• Ensures that member associations are involved in WFSJ affairs and activities and that the member associations and partners are informed about their rights and responsibilities, particularly regarding the election process and governance issues;
• Implements a process of regular consultation with member associations regarding the WFSJ goals and activities;
• Informs member associations of WFSJ activities and projects;
• Makes sure that membership dues are collected.
  
  WFSJ BOARD SUPPORT
• Maintains ongoing and close communications with the President and the Board;
• Reports quarterly to the Board; and
• Organizes quarterly meetings of the Board in close collaboration with the President. 

FUNDRAISING

• Develops fundraising,  marketing and income generation strategies and plans;
• Maintains relationships with current donors and identifies new partnerships;
• Plan, organize and coordinate the various activities and visits;
• Designs and reviews funding proposals and budgets;
• coordinate the production of a range of information tools and products for promotion and fundraising purposes ;
• Reports quarterly about fundraising results and prospects to the Board.

IV-       Competencies and Critical success Factors

 Corporate Competencies

• Management experience in national and international organizations;
• Ability to understand and implement the mission, vision and values of the worldwide community of science journalists;
• Enjoys fundraising;
• Thrives in a multicultural and international context;
• Ability to communicate effectively and present complex issues with clarity to a wide variety of audiences;
• Exceptional ability to develop and manage all aspects of international projects and partnerships, from inception to evaluation.