Dear World Affairs Councils of America Leaders and Members,

 

 

 

 

 

 

The World Affairs Councils of America (WACA) seeks nominations and applications for the position of President & CEO, a full-time position based in Washington, DC. This position, a highly visible platform in the nation's capital, nationally, and internationally, reports directly to the Board of Directors. The successful candidate will be an entrepreneurial, energetic and forward thinking visionary -- one who will provide strategic, creative leadership to advance the mission of the WACA. The successful candidate will further build the WACA brand, expand its programming and outreach, secure its resources and strengthen and develop its Councils nationwide.

In order to be successful, the President must be engaged in the nation's capital, as well as with its regional Councils and national and regional sponsors. Salary is commensurate with experience and ability.

The ideal candidate to lead the World Affairs Councils of America (WACA) will be a person passionate about its mission with some degree of visibility in policy circles and with a record of success in contributing to, and ideally leading, organizations with missions compatible with the work of WACA. In addition, he or she will also possess the following traits and skills:

• Be highly entrepreneurial - making things happen, producing efficiently and effectively;

• A high level of business acumen - be able to quickly develop a thorough understanding of the organization's business affairs, operating and capital budgets and cash flow, along with a market focused approach to the mission and a big picture understanding of the World Affairs Councils of America and its interrelationships;

• High level fundraising abilities including marketing skills;

• Strong leadership skills with experience running a vast and complex organization with many stakeholders;

• Be a communicator and relationship builder with many constituencies including foreign officials and top policy makers, corporate, academic and civic leaders, the general public, regional councils and their members, as well as other DC based NGOs, foundations and potential donors;

• Have an adept understanding of social media technologies and strategies;

• Have a strong understanding of policy and have significantly contributed to policy debates;

• Have a sincere willingness to mentor younger professional staff;

• Be committed to engaging in the foreign policy community and events in Washington, DC and eager to represent the national network and its constituencies to the international community;

• Able to build the perception of WACA as an effective network presenting information on issues of global significance and to enhance WACA's reputation in Washington as one of the most effective organizations communicating foreign policy information to the citizens of the nation.

Information on the WACA system and strategic priorities can be found here. 

The timeline that has been established is:

• Expressions of interest from the WACA National Network by July 12, 2013. Please include: A cover letter and resume/ CV.  Send submissions in complete confidence to Dixie Anderson, Search Committee Chair and Vice Chair, WACA National Board of Directors, at info@worldmichigan.org. 

• Search committee/board review of the candidates and final decision by August 31, 2013.

• New President takes responsibilities, if possible, by October 1, 2013.

If you have questions or to discuss the position in more detail, please contact Ms. Anderson at (616) 776-1721 or da@worldmichigan.org.