Job Title: Executive Director and CEO

Organization: Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (SME)

Location: 12999 E. Adam Aircraft Circle; Englewood, Colorado 80112

Position Type: Full-Time Exempt

Application Deadline: October 31, 2024

 Compensation and Benefits:

• Salary Range: $275,000 - $375,000 DOE

• Bonus: Discretionary, defined by the SME Board

• 401(k): 3% automatic safe harbor contribution, plus an elective deferral match of 80% of the first 5% of contributions

• Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA or HSA*, Short-Term Disability Insurance, Employer Paid Life Insurance, Employer Paid Long-Term Disability, Colorado Paid Family Medical Leave, Travel Assistance, and Employee Assistance Program. Sick Time, Vacation Time, and Holidays including Winter Break office closure from 12/24-1/1.  9/80 Work Schedule option. 

About SME:

The Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (SME) (smenet.org) is a leading professional society with roots dating back to 1871. In 1957, SME became an autonomous Society advancing the global mining, minerals, and tunneling communities through information exchange, professional development, and innovation. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, SME supports over 14,000 members worldwide, including mining engineers, metallurgists, geologists, tunnellers, academics, and environmental scientists. The Society offers programs such as conferences, publications, educational workshops, and industry outreach advocacy, all aimed at promoting responsible practices in the industry.

Over the last 20 years, the Society has experienced significant growth and currently enjoys a strong financial and reputational position.  Lead by a strategic plan that prioritizes association growth, industry innovation, environmental stewardship, and industry workforce, SME currently hosts approximately 10 conferences and meetings each year with up to 9,000 total attendees and 1,100 exhibitors.   With 50+ staff members, an annual budget of $18 million, and over $40 million in total assets, the Society is a global leader in the mining, minerals and tunneling industries.

Position Summary:

The Executive Director is the Chief Executive Officer of SME, responsible for strategic, operational, and financial management. This role involves implementing the Society’s strategic plan, overseeing membership growth, program development, and stakeholder engagement, while fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. The ideal candidate is a creative and engaging leader who can build upon SME’s success of membership growth and financial stability. The individual is also a visionary leader with strong communications skills and a proven track record in association management.

The Executive Director’s leadership will directly influence SME’s ability to advance the mining, minerals and tunneling industries. This role ensures that SME remains a leader in professional development, industry advocacy, and membership engagement, thereby contributing to a record of long-term success and growth of the organization. 

 Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Implement SME’s strategic objectives in alignment with the organization’s mission, vision and values; build relationships with industry leaders; and oversee the SME Foundation and OneMine entities.
• Staff and Volunteer Management: Lead and mentor a diverse team of staff and volunteers, attract and retain world-class talent, foster high performance, and promote teamwork.
• Board and Committee Liaison: Serve as Secretary-Treasurer on the SME Board, support leadership selection, and streamline board operations.
• Financial Management: Responsible for the Society's financial operations, including budget development, financial reporting, and fiscal responsibility.
• Membership Development: Develop strategies to attract and retain members, enhance engagement through valuable programs and services.
• Program and Event Management: Ensure successful delivery of SME’s conferences, publications, and educational initiatives; identify new products and services to meet the evolving needs of membership.
• Advocacy: Represent SME in industry and governmental forums, monitor industry legislation and support advocacy efforts.
• Compliance: Ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations, upholding the highest ethical standards.
• Travel: 50% Travel, including international travel to attend SME Conferences/Events; Section Meetings; partner organization events; business development trips; etc.

Required Education and Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in a related field
• Experience: Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience in association management, including experience as an Executive Director, COO, or CFO with a strong understanding of nonprofit governance and finance.
• Skills: Excellent communication, leadership, and financial management skills.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Advanced degree (MBA, MPA)
• CAE certification
• Experience in manufacturing, natural resource management, or materials industry organizations
• Leadership experience at a global organization
• Familiarity with the mining and/or tunneling industry a plus

The above qualifications and requirements are representative, but not all-inclusive, of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the position.

Application Instructions:

Qualified candidates, please submit a cover letter and resume to SMEjobs@smenet.org by October 31, 2024.

Candidates will be reviewed by the Executive Director Search Committee and top qualified candidates will be contacted regarding next steps in December 2024.  The anticipated start date for the new Executive Director will be in the 4th Quarter 2025.

SME is an Equal Opportunity Employer

About SME

SME, www.smenet.org, is a professional society (501(c) (3) corporation) whose more than 13,000 members represent all professionals serving the minerals industry in more than 100 countries. SME members include engineers, geologists, metallurgists, educators, students and researchers. SME advances the worldwide mining and underground construction community through information exchange and professional development. The Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration Inc. (SME) hires and rewards great people who are passionate about serving our members. We offer competitive compensation and benefits as well as distinctive benefits like a Safe Harbor 401(k) and Company Match 401(k) plan, flexible work schedules including a 9/80 Work Schedule, and Winter Break from December 24th – January 1st in addition to paid vacation and holidays.

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