This is a broad role comprising organisational leadership, front-facing cause advocacy, communications, income generation, community empowerment and strategic systems change.
BV’s presence, work and influence is globally significant, and though there is not an expectation of heavyweight experience in every area, it will be important that, over time, the CEO succeeds in all aspects of the role.
BV is looking for an intentionally inclusive and ambitious leader who lives the organisation’s values, who is fundamentally motivated to make the world a better place, and who will ensure that it is a high-performing and truly transformational organisation. BV is open to a first-time Chief Executive as much as an experienced one. How the new CEO leads is of fundamental importance to the organisation.
The role is also open to a variety of professional backgrounds. Community empowerment is at the heart of what BV does and it recognises that this approach cuts across many causes, from human rights to climate justice, from disability advocacy to poverty alleviation. Experience within the marine conservation space is not essential, though it will be important for the CEO to demonstrate authenticity and credibility here over time. BV would particularly value someone with experience leading globally distributed, multidisciplinary teams, appreciating the nuances across geographies and cultures.
BV is a rapidly growing organisation with big ambitions. Prior success in leading change and growth would be advantageous, especially at an international level.
On-paper skills aside, BV is looking for an emotionally intelligent strategic thinker, a passionate, credible CEO who lives the mission of restoring the world’s oceans and improving the livelihoods of fishing communities, and one who can connect people to purpose and impact.
During the recruitment process, it will be important for you to provide evidence of the following:
Experience & Abilities:
- A demonstrable track record of positive impact on the lives of communities, ideally at the international level
- A clear track record of creating values-led cultures that tackle issues with clarity and consistency, orienting them towards the explicit delivery of purpose, mission and impact
- A demonstrable track record of placing lived experience at the heart of organisational strategy and an appreciation for what this might mean for BV’s influence and impact
- Demonstrable experience in working effectively with a Board of Trustees in an executive capacity with a wider understanding of how to maximise the resources of a voluntary Board of Trustees
- Keen people management skills grounded in inclusion, collaboration and participation, with the ability to create the conditions for colleagues to excel and develop to their full potential
- A natural ability to cross institutional boundaries, with excellent stakeholder skills across audiences from small-scale fishers through to international advocacy actors
- A strategic mindset with an appreciation of working in a multifunctional global organisation and how the various components fit together to form the ‘big picture’ of positive social change
- Demonstrable prior success in fundraising through different income streams, especially philanthropic
- An ability to act as a credible, authentic ambassador for BV, equally encouraging and working with other ambassadors across the organisation for fundraising and advocacy purposes
- Sound financial acumen
Characteristics & Style:
- A resilient, values-based coalition builder with the ability to balance the needs of BV’s many stakeholders and audiences in the delivery of the mission
- An authentic passion for the change BV is trying to achieve in the world and an ability to communicate this through every level of the organisation
- An ability to balance giving strategic direction and fostering intentional collaboration
- High levels of emotional intelligence and diplomacy, with a participatory and inclusive approach to leadership grounded in positive stewardship