The Foundation

The mission of the Geological Society of America Foundation (“Foundation”) is to develop and provide funds to support the goals and programs of the Geological Society of America. These funds are distributed according to the needs of the Society and in a manner consistent with the desire of the donors.

The Foundation was created in 1980 to raise funds in support of the Decade of North American Geology—the signature event of GSA’s centennial in 1988. The Foundation subsequently secured support for a major expansion of GSA headquarters in Boulder, Colorado. Today, the Foundation continues to serve current and future donors by providing information and solutions that align their philanthropic interests with GSA programs and priorities. Through this partnership with GSA members and potential corporate supporters, the Foundation is now able to provide over $1 million annually to GSA. 

Communicating Our Science 

From its first published proceedings in 1890, GSA has existed to advance and share the extraordinary promise of geoscience. Across its many decades, we have seen industries, technologies, and frontiers of knowledge rise and fall; we have seen the landscape of geoscience shift around us, often through the leadership of our own members. Through every change, our deepest commitment has remained constant: to support our science with the full range of tools and tactics available to us. The Foundation stands firm as a steadfast partner, committed to advancing quality science and the application of geoscience in the service of humankind. To this end, the Foundation supports GSA in a variety of programmatic fronts including: 

Scientific Meetings: Vibrant scientific meetings remain essential for the exchange of innovative ideas and knowledge within the geoscience community. The Foundation’s support of GSA meetings amplifies the quality of technical sessions, fosters cutting-edge short courses, and guarantees an array of field trips that enrich the experience of those in attendance. 

Outreach and Education: Our initiatives, encompassing scholarships, lectureships, and fellowships, are designed to foster effective communication and engagement within the geoscience community and extend our reach to non-scientific audiences, including policymakers and key decision-makers. Through our support of GSA, the Foundation is committed to ensuring that we not only advance scientific understanding but also bridge the gap between science and society. 

Field trips: Experiencing the geosciences firsthand in the field, where vibrant and insightful conversations enrich our understanding of geological relationships, is an indispensable benefit for both professional and student GSA members. Field trips both deepen knowledge and foster collaboration and innovation, making them a vital cornerstone of the geosciences. 

Future Geoscientists 

The future of our field—and the brightest future for our world—depend on the young geoscientists we engage today. The next generation of scientists bring a new and exceptional diversity of backgrounds and strengths to their work. As early career research, fellowship, and mentorship opportunities increase, our field’s pipeline of workforce-ready, trained professionals does, too. 

The Foundation is dedicated to empowering the next generation of innovators, explorers, and leaders in the geosciences. Through our active solicitation for donors in support of many endowment funds, we assist GSA through programs including: 

• On To the Future (OTF) Program 
• GSA Student Research Grants Program 
• J. David Lowell Field Camp Scholarship program
• Roy J. Shlemon Mentor Program in Applied Geology 
• GeoCorps Program 

Policy 

Every day on Capitol Hill, lawmakers and leaders create and enact the policies that fund the majority of earth science research, regulate natural resources and drive resource exploration, and shape the broader landscape of science education. We must ensure that wherever these critical issues are discussed, geoscience is at the table. The Foundation’s support of engagement with both policy makers and decision makers is crucial for GSA to meet this need. 

Purpose of the Position

• Create GSAF strategic and operational plans in coordination with the GSAF Board of Directors, other staff, and the GSA.

• Create and implement professional development opportunities for GSAF staff to ensure the Foundation remains an appealing workplace to current and future staff members.

• Oversee the Foundation’s endowment, maintaining fund management records, reporting on investment performance to interested donors, and serving as ex officio member of the GSA/GSAF Joint Investment Committee.

• Serve as an ex officio member of the GSA Executive Committee.

• Establish goals for Foundation operational performance – develop and execute strategies and tactics that achieve tangible results.

• Develop, enrich, and sustain relationships with members of GSA, other scientific professionals, students, and related stakeholders.

• Oversee the coordination of annual auditing of GSAF accounts and implementation of audit recommendations.

• Promote a positive staff culture based on inclusivity, performance, and integrity.

• Expand existing fundraising efforts across various avenues.

• Develop a fundraising strategy to create new revenue channels targeting the expansion of existing donor relationships and the cultivation of new, including but not limited to planned/estate giving.

• Evaluate and continuously update long-term fundraising goals and strategies related to annual and special campaigns.

• Expand the Foundation’s branding and communications branding initiatives to ensure the organization is recognized as a charitable foundation and a trusted steward of donations.

• Lead donor and member communications on behalf of GSAF and the Board of Directors. Collaborate on the identification, introduction, stewardship, and cultivation of major donors in partnership with the Board of Directors.

• Partner with fundraising staff on fundraising campaigns and donor engagement.

• Serve as the primary ambassador of GSAF, impactfully conveying the history, mission, and vision of the Foundation.

• Further a culture of philanthropy, partnering with Board Members on fundraising initiatives.

• Identify potential Board Members, partnering with the Executive Committee on subsequent recruitment.

• Serve as the primary advisor to the Board of Directors, providing meeting agendas, timely and transparent information, and notice of events as applicable.

• Serve as an ex-officio member of the GSAF Executive Committee, implementing Board directives and reporting on Foundation activities.

• In partnership with the Board of Directors, ensure the financial health and stability of the Foundation. Prepare and oversee annual operating and transfer budgets as well as monthly budget monitoring.

• Work with the Board Governance Committee to ensure that all policies and procedures are current and adhered to by the Foundation.

• Facilitate a constructive working relationship between GSAF staff and GSA program officers and staff, communicating and collaborating in areas of GSA strategic focus and those areas that receive significant donor support.

• Assure frequent, regular, and direct communication with the GSA Executive Director and CEO on all matters of common concern

• Provide semi-annual written report to GSA Council on GSAF activities.

• Communicate GSA priorities to the GSAF Board and align Foundation fundraising activities and communications with those priorities to the extent possible.

• Inform the GSA Executive Director and CEO about the meetings, minutes, and activities of the Foundation’s committees.

• At least 5 years of senior leadership experience with oversight across multiple functional areas.

• Extensive fiscal management experience, and the ability to craft and execute an organizational plan.

• A proven track record in philanthropic revenue generation, including that from individuals, companies, foundations, and other institutions.

• A strategic mindset and creative personality, able to balance competing priorities and partner with industry and non-industry stakeholders to positively impact geoscience.

• A dedication to staff development and an inclusive leadership style.

• Exceptional communications skills, both oral and written, with an enthusiasm for the mission of the Foundation and a passion to serve as the organization’s ambassador to a variety of stakeholders.

• Experience reporting into, serving on, and/or partnering with Board of Directors highly preferred.

• Demonstrated skill and success in several critical aspects including philanthropy, fundraising, organizational management, and staff supervision.

• Unquestionable personal ethics, integrity and accountability.

• Prior foundation and/or not-for-profit experience are desirable.

• Experience with standard software (e.g., MS Office) as well as fundraising and donor management software (e.g., Blackbaud Razor’s Edge)