Executive Director

The Moran Company 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.

Background

Founded in 1941, the National Speleological Society (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.

Position Summary

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

• Minimum of ten years of relevant nonprofit management experience. Additional financial and risk management expertise is preferred.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience; advanced degree preferred.
• Familiarity with cave and karst science, conservation, land management, or related environmental fields is desirable.
• Experience with land trusts, conservation organizations, or stewardship of protected lands is desirable.
• Outstanding leadership and interpersonal skills, with demonstrated ability to work effectively with staff, volunteers, members, and organizational leaders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with a wide range of constituencies, including Board members, staff, volunteers, members, donors, and external partners.
• Demonstrated ability to represent an organization effectively and to build and maintain productive relationships with donors, partners, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and other external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to anticipate and address strategic needs and risks. 
• Proficiency with contemporary workplace technology, including Google Workspace, Slack, and Microsoft 365.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, exercise sound judgment in determining organizational needs, delegate effectively, and adapt as priorities change. Must be highly organized and communicate clearly and consistently with staff, Division Heads, and the Board.

Leadership Priorities

The Executive Director will work with staff, volunteer leadership, and the Board of Governors to:

• Strengthen organizational systems and capacity to support the Society’s long-term effectiveness and sustainability.
• Foster productive collaboration among the Board, staff, Division Heads, committees, and NSS membership.
• Strengthen membership engagement, retention, and organizational growth.
• Expand and diversify fundraising, partnerships, paid staff, and other sources of financial support.
• Ensure that NSS programs, properties, and operations effectively advance the Society’s mission and strategic priorities.

Responsibilities

Operations & Management

• Assess organizational needs and strengthen systems, staffing, and resources necessary to support the Society’s long-term effectiveness and growth.
• Supervise NSS staff and assess staffing needs and priorities in support of the Society’s mission and strategic plan.
• Support staff professional development.
• Provide leadership and oversight to NSS divisions, working regularly with Division Heads to ensure Society volunteers are well supported, effective, and aligned with the Society’s strategic plan.
• Work with the Board of Governors to strengthen fundraising and development efforts, cultivate donor and prospective donor relationships, and pursue grant and other funding opportunities that support the Society’s financial sustainability.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with industry and other external organizations that advance cave and karst conservation, science, and the interests of NSS members.
• Identify and address staffing, resource, and organizational challenges as they arise.

Finance & Budgeting

• Oversee organizational spending and financial performance and ensure expenditures are consistent with approved budgets and organizational policies.
• Work with the Secretary-Treasurer and appropriate staff and Board leadership to develop the annual budget.
• Monitor performance against the approved budget and ensure that accurate and timely financial reports are prepared and provided to the Board.
• Identify external funding opportunities and coordinate grant development and applications in partnership with appropriate Division Teams and organizational leaders.

Board Communications & Relations

• Work collaboratively with the Board of Governors to assess organizational needs, inform strategic planning, and execute the Society’s strategic priorities.
• Ensure the Board receives timely and appropriate information regarding the activities, needs, and accomplishments of NSS divisions.
• Regularly provide the Board with timely information regarding organizational operations, finances, priorities, needs, challenges, and significant developments.

Location & Compensation

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.

Salary range: $130,000–$150,000, depending on experience and qualifications.

Benefits include:

• Health and dental insurance
• 20 annual paid vacation days and paid sick leave
• 401(k) match (fully vested after 5 years)
• Paid holidays
• Life and disability insurance

Non-Discrimination

The National Speleological Society is committed to diversity and inclusion. All interested individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.

Application Process

The search for the National Speleological Society Executive Director is being conducted by The Moran Company. To apply, submit a cover letter and resume through the secure online application portal link below. Resume should include a complete employment history, including months and years of service. For the best opportunity of being considered, applications should be submitted by November 6, 2026. Questions may be directed to Steven Byers via Steve.Byers (at) MoranCompany.com.

PLEASE NOTE: All email correspondence from The Moran Company will originate from our official @morancompany.com domain or using our applicant tracking system domain @applytojob.com.