Search for President/CEO of New Economics Institute
The New Economics Institute (NEI) seeks a President/CEO to help it achieve an ambitious, but essential agenda. Its mission is to go beyond questioning the current economic model and to begin to develop and promote a new one, which transforms traditional definitions of progress and includes an assessment of the impact of economic growth on personal well being and the quality of the environment.
The NEI is a think tank that will combine cutting-edge economics theories, innovative communications strategies and demonstration projects that will begin to construct the building blocks of a new economy. It will be organized around the imperative of developing an economy in which people can live fulfilling and healthy lives while nurturing the social and ecological systems on which all economic systems ultimately depend.
Founded in the summer of 2010, NEI has evolved from the EF Schumacher Society , organized thirty years ago to promote the building of strong local economies that link people, land and community. NEI is also modeled after, and intends to work closely with, the New Economics Foundation (NEF) in London. It is expected that NEF will provide valuable experience and examples of ideas and programs developed in the United Kingdom that may be applicable to the United States.
Supported by a strong and committed Board, the new President/CEO will lead the organization in forging a theory describing this new economic system; a narrative that will show how it is possible to get from here to there; and raise the funding necessary to do so.
The President/CEO will be expected to develop a New York City office that will serve as the organization’s headquarters and will also be expected to spend some time in London working alongside the organization’s partner organization, the New Economics Foundation, to gain a good working understanding of its projects, goals and staff. The organization’s existing library, publication, and educational programs will continue at their Berkshires site in Massachusetts with the current staff.
Background
Despite the twenty-first century challenges we face, mainstream policy-makers, businesses, and even reformers are still prisoners of old economic assumptions. NEI believes this adherence to economic theories of the past is delaying the emergence of the new economic thinking that is a key to the future.
The New Economics Institute will bring together new-economy organizations, intellectuals and innovators to frame a common story, to tell it in multiple voices, and to work together to help effectuate the transition to a different and more sustainable economic infrastructure.
Challenges for the New CEO.
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Build the new Institute as a leading and authoritative voice in the debate about economics and the future;
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Build an effective team of economists and economic thinkers, traditional and new media communications specialists and advocates, integrating their efforts with those of an outstanding board, loyal and involved funders, and an engaged wider audience.;
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Develop a communications strategy which enlists a chorus of voices to address different media outlets and multiple audiences in the national debate;
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Build and foster close and collaborative relationships with funders.
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Implement the Board-approved business plan.
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Develop and promote public policies and business practices that are capable of engaging public support and influencing the national debate.
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Establish demonstration projects to put the Institute’s theories into practice, and rigorously assess them.
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In co-operation with an Education Director, maintain and build in the Berkshires the projects and library that are the 30-year legacy of the former E. F. Schumacher Society, now the New Economics Institute.
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Build a long-term partnership with the New Economics Foundation in London that is capable of using the expertise of both organizations for maximum impact.
Professional Qualifications and Personal Qualities
The Role of the President/CEO demands a broad array of skills in leadership, economic policy, communications and institution building. While no one person will possess all of the qualities described below, the ideal candidate would have the following personal and professional characteristics:
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An informed and deep commitment to the vision and mission of the New Economics Institute and a sense of urgency about addressing the challenges central to its mission.
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Public presence and media savvy with outstanding written and oral communication skills.
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An appetite and aptitude for fundraising. Demonstrated experience raising significant funds from a variety of sources and a willingness to be very actively involved in development.
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A track record of senior leadership in a nonprofit, business, or governmental organization. Discipline in setting realistic priorities, meeting or surpassing goals, and running a fiscally sound operation.
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Tenacity and resilience in the face of political opposition.
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Entrepreneurial skill and drive with an ability to be opportunistic at seizing both funding and collaboration opportunities.
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A strong and substantive knowledge of economics, along with an ability to explain economic theory clearly to a wide audience.
All inquiries, nominations and applications may be director in confidence to maryeking@comcast.net. Questions and preliminary statements of interest are welcomed. New Economics Institute is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applicationsfrom individuals with diverse backgrounds.