Terms of Reference: SCB President Elect, Secretary and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice Officer

SCB is accepting nominations for its next President Elect, Secretary and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice (DEIJ) officer. Review the terms of reference for each position below. 

Please use this form to complete a self-nomination or to nominate someone else. The deadline to submit nominations is 5 May, 2023. 

Read the Call for Nominations (link to Informz mailing here). 

Responsibilities: President-elect
The President-elect is a member of the Global Network Board, works closely with the President to maintain a consistent vision over the long-term, and is responsible for the Global Conference Committee (GCC). This is a standing committee to ensure that SCB convenings advance the SCB mission, meet member needs, and are managed in a fiscally responsible manner that maximizes efficacy, and keeps the GNB informed of the Committee’s success and challenges.
 
The President-elect is encouraged to chair the GCC but may also appoint a volunteer with experience chairing SCB conferences to chair and remain as an active member and liaison to the GNB. The President-Elect is also encouraged to engage with partner institutions.
 
The President-elect will also familiarise themselves with GNB proceedings and policies prior to assuming the President’s responsibilities.  
Responsibilities: President
The President of the SCB Global Network Board chairs the Global Network Board (GNB) to carry out their governance responsibilities, liaises between GNB and staff to help ensure the GNB’s directives and resolutions are carried out, reflecting the Society’s mission and responsibility to members in line with the bylaws. 
 
Specific Responsibilities of the President:
  • Lead the Society for Conservation Biology in achieving its vision and mission and implementing new initiatives which support and grow SCB.
  • Chair meetings (at least quarterly) of the GNB and is a member of the GNB.
  • Responsible for leading governance of the GNB, including responsibility for all Board policies and procedures, conflicts of interest and confidentiality issues.
  • Assure effective orientation for new GNB members.
  • Preside over the General Members’ Meetings of the Society.
  • Review and ensure that the SCB budget produced by the Global Services Office is balanced and sustainable and that the GNB executes their fiduciary responsibility to the Society.
  • Coordinate strategic planning, governance and organizational structure changes as needed, with periodic evaluation.
  • Annually assess executive managerial staff, including development and review of a performance management plan.
  • Annually assess the performance of the GNB.
  • Organize, charge, or discharge Standing committees, in consultation with the GNB.
  • Select the Chair of the Audit Committee, in compliance with standards set by California law, with the approval of the GNB.
  • Serve as the GNB liaison to the Audit Committee.
  • Appoint/reappoint the Chair of the Governance Committee.
  • Mentor the President Elect for a smooth leadership transition.
  • Review high-profile outward facing communication sent to the membership.
  • Facilitate strategic partnerships and organizational engagements with SCB.
Qualifications: SCB President-elect / President
Eligible President-elect candidates should have a demonstrated track record of conservation achievements and leadership including: 
  • Is motivated to serve the SCB, the GNB, and its members in a leadership role.
  • Has served as a member of the SCB Board of Governors in a position other than President Elect (view eligible candidates).
  • Has a strong conservation science publication record and is internationally recognized in the field.
  • Experience with journal editorial boards is highly desirable.
  • Experience reviewing organizational budgets.
  • Able to facilitate meetings, engage participation by all participants, and foster collective decision making.
  • Credibility with the donor community and demonstrated success at fundraising.
  • Natural affinity for cultivating relationships and building consensus among diverse individuals.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills coupled with natural affinity for public speaking.
  • Able to make difficult decisions and assume accountability for the SCB’s long-term sustainability and growth.
  • Track record of fundraising success.
Responsibilities: Secretary
The Secretary is responsible for maintaining records of the Global Network Board and ensuring effective management of the Society’s records, recording, documenting, and managing the minutes of GNB meetings, tackling GNB action items, ensuring minutes are distributed to GNB members shortly after each meeting, and being sufficiently familiar with legal documents (articles, by-laws, IRS letters, etc.) to note applicability during GNB meetings.

Specific Responsibilities of the Secretary: 
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Qualifications: Secretary
  • Is motivated to serve the SCB, the Board of Governors, and its members in a leadership role. 
  • Over three years of professional/post-graduate work in conservation science and/or practice.
  • Proficient speaker and writer of English, ideally with additional language skills.
  • Has good, cross-cultural listening and written communication skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills.
  • Preferred experience working in several global geographic regions.
  • Interest in supporting students and early career conservation scientists and practitioners, and SCB members across all geographic regions.
Responsibilities: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice Officer
The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice Officer (DEIJ Officer) serves on the SCB Executive Committee and chairs the DEIJ Committee. The DEIJ Officer helps to lead Board efforts to carry out their governance responsibilities, leads governance efforts related to diversity, equity, inclusion and justice, and helps the Board and the Managing Director focus on matters of diversity, equity, inclusion and justice across all aspects of SCB.

Specific Responsibilities of the DEIJ Officer: 
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Qualifications: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice Officer
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