Managing Director

The Walkers Institute for Regenerative Research Education and Design (WIRRED) was formally established in 2018 to steward the regeneration of Walkers Reserve. The Reserve is a 277 acre bioregional hub, learning center and ecotourism destination located in the heart of the National Park System on the beautiful east coast of Barbados. Once a sand quarry, 10 years of regeneration has transformed this once degraded landscape into a bioregional hub, Caribbean climate laboratory, and center for climate resilient education and ecotourism. This holistic regeneration project showcases the successful application of nature-based solutions and over the last several years, we have built habitats, developed ecosystems and increased biodiversity, creating a model for climate resilience that can be scaled and replicated.

Purpose of the Position:

The Managing Director of WIRRED will play a critical role in the operational success, financial sustainability, business strategy, fundraising and leadership of the organisation. This position is responsible for the overall strategic and operational direction of WIRRED including but not limited to staff, programmes, donor funding, expansion, and execution of its mission.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership and Management:

• Lead, coach, develop, and retain a high-performance team
• Actively engage and energise WIRRED’s Board Members, volunteers, partner organisations, and funders
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the organisation ensuring ongoing programmatic excellence, rigorous programme evaluation, and consistent quality of finance and administration, fundraising, communications, and systems
• Ensure operational efficiency through the recommendation of timelines and resources needed to achieve the strategic goals
• Implement effective internal controls, administrative and reporting procedures
• Enhance the organisation's image by being active and visible in the community and by working closely with other professional, civil, and private organisations
• Represent the organisation and increase awareness of its work both locally and globally

Fundraising, Social Enterprise Development and Innovation:

• Develop fundraising strategies and financial projections for WIRRED and its primary project which is stewarding the regeneration of Walkers Reserve
• Lead the implementation of these strategies with careful tracking and effective management
• Engage in project proposal writing and implementation of donor funded projects from start to finish
• Work closely with the CEO and Board of Directors to build alignment and support for these strategies with stakeholders ensuring that services and funding relationships are robust enough to meet or exceed strategic goals and objectives
• Support the MD of Walkers Reserve to ensure tourism and programmatic excellence, and evaluate program components of social enterprises for continuous improvement
• Develop strong partnerships with regeneration and university partners both locally and abroad

Financial Oversight and Management:

• Oversee budgeting, financial forecasting, and cash flow for administration, existing programmes, and proposed new enterprise plans
• Prepare accurate and timely analyses that capture and communicate fundraising results, variances, and performance trends
• Lead annual budget reviews, monthly and quarterly reviews, and periodic forecast updates with operational and senior management
• Work with the financial staff and engage professional services to ensure the fiscal integrity of the organisation

Marketing and Communications:

• Oversee the refinement of all aspects of internal and external communications with the goal of creating a stronger brand and building public awareness around the work of the organisation
• Oversee the development of a marketing strategy to meet and maximise fundraising goals, build brand identity, and generate media exposure

Education:

• Minimum of a Bachelors Degree in Management, Business Administration or related discipline.
• An MBA, or Masters Degree in Management, Project Management, Organisational Development, Leadership Development, or related discipline.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 7 years experience in a senior management role within an impact oriented company, nonprofit or similar organisation
• Strong financial and fundraising background preferred
• Strong operational experience ideally in a high-growth environment
• Experience in developing business strategies
• Experience in tourism is preferred but not necessary
• Some knowledge of land regeneration practices, tourism products and agribusiness
• Established relationships in the global multilateral community
• Excellence in organisational management with the ability to coach staff, manage, and develop high-performance teams.
• Past success working with a Board of Directors with the ability to cultivate board member relationships.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; a persuasive and passionate communicator.
• Strong commitment to the professional ethics and integrity inherent in the role.

Work Environment

This job operates in an office environment however the incumbent will be required to move between the various project locations and spend some time in the field. Travel will be expected for this position.