Executive Search
Executive Director
Client Overview
The United States Society on Dams (USSD) has retained Sterling Martin Associates to search for
the organization’s next Executive Director (ED). The position may be located anywhere in the
continental United States, with a preference for Denver, Colorado or elsewhere in the Western
U.S.
Incorporated in 1988, the United States Society on Dams is a 501(c)(3) professional society of
individuals with established professional competence who are dedicated to advancing the science
of planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance of dams, levees and associated civil
engineering works. USSD accomplishes its mission by bringing together relevant information and
studying related questions including technical, economic, financial, environmental, and social
aspects of dam and levee projects/systems. USSD represents the United States as an active
member of the International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD).
USSD members include approximately 1,100 individuals and nearly 70 sustaining and
organizational members. The sustaining and organizational members include governmental and
military agencies, power companies, large engineering and construction firms, and technology
companies. Technical and Operating Committees form the volunteer-led backbone of the
organization and are involved in publishing white papers and conducting technical workshops.
Most of USSD’s committees align with those of ICOLD. In 2014, the USSD Board of Directors
approved a new 5-year Strategic Plan which outlines key strategic initiatives currently under
various stages of development.
USSD is in a strong financial position, with a current annual operating budget of nearly $600,000
and total equity of over $500,000. In addition to the annual operating budget, USSD’s strategic
investments fund scholarships and other special long-term projects outside the purview of the
operating budget. The organization is governed by a 12-member Board of Directors, and USSD’s
volunteers support 18 technical and operating committees.
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United States Society on Dams | USSD | Executive Director | Position Description
Executive Director
The Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief executive staff officer of USSD in accordance with
the Operating Manual and By-laws and its policies and directives, having responsibility for the
active management of the affairs of USSD and its interactions with the Central Office of the
International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD). The ED reports to the USSD President and Board
of Directors and takes a leadership role in the implementation of the Strategic Plan and annual
strategic initiatives. Through program and fiscal management and staff leadership, the ED achieves
economical, productive, and constructive growth of USSD while assisting the USSD Board in
maintaining a leadership role in the dams industry both domestically and internationally. This is an
exciting opportunity for candidates who have an interest in history and how the dam industry was
built in the United States.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities
Under the general direction of the President and Board of Directors, the Executive Director will:
 Be responsible to the President and the Board of Directors and administer the programs
and activities of USSD as directed by the Board of Directors.
 Be responsible for day-to-day administration of USSD, including hiring and supervision of
support staff and/or support contractors; record keeping; preparing minutes of Board of
Directors’ meetings; budgeting and accounting support; assist the Treasurer and Finance
Committee with management and review of checking and investment accounts;
membership information; committee activities; assist with preparation of the quarterly
newsletter, annual report and other publications; coordination of ICOLD activities; website
maintenance and upgrades; marketing; communications and other activities as outlined in
the USSD Operating Manual; or as directed by the President and/or Board of Directors.
 Serve as Assistant Secretary/Treasurer, and, subject to review by the Secretary and
Treasurer, perform all duties of the Secretary and Treasurer as outlined in the Operating
Manual. Also, as USSD is the US National Committee of ICOLD, the ED may assist the USSD
Board in reviewing the financial status of ICOLD as may be required from time to time.
 Support the President to provide leadership in the direction of USSD through identification
and implementation of annual strategic initiatives in accordance with the Strategic Plan.
 Organize and participate in Board of Directors Meetings, conference calls and activities.
Support the Board in proposing annual operating budget, administer the scholarship
program, and in organize and achieve the goals and activities under the USSD Strategic
Plan.
 Support the USSD Vice President who oversees the Technical and Operating Committees as
well as coordinate and cooperate with the Committee Chairs and Vice Chairs to assist the
Committees in carrying out their ongoing functions and strategic initiatives.
 Be responsible for the organization and execution of all activities related to annual
conferences, workshops, and other meetings or conferences co-sponsored with outside
organizations as approved by the Board of Directors. This includes recommendation of
types of workshops and training opportunities as well as the identification and utilization of
conference support staff.
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United States Society on Dams | USSD | Executive Director | Position Description
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United States Society on Dams | USSD | Executive Director | Position Description
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Attend the ICOLD Congress and Symposium with the USSD President and represent USSD at
meetings of related professional societies and organizations, if so requested by the
President and approved by the Board of Directors.
Report on administrative activities, activities of committees, effectiveness of policies,
strategic and action plan activities, and other courses of action to the President and Board
of Directors.
Report monthly on the status of budgets and expenditures to the Treasurer and Executive
Committee, and no less than quarterly to the full Board of Directors as required in the
Operating Manual.
Communicate frequently with the membership through broadcast e-mail announcements
and/or social media, including upcoming conferences, workshops, employment
announcements/vacancies, etc.
Requisite Background and Experience | Desirable Qualities and Characteristics
All highly qualified candidates for the Executive Director should possess the following:
 Proven successful executive leadership and management experience in large, diverse, and
decentralized global nonprofit associations or other relevant executive leadership and
management experience.
 Strong, but flexible knowledge-based leadership qualities and the ability to operate in a
constantly changing environment.
 Sufficient high-level experience, preferably including professional association experience
with a public/private sector based membership.
 A proven track record in successfully dealing with complex issues and relationships,
including leadership styles that successfully meet diverse situations.
 The vision to anticipate the future needs of the organization and the ability to recommend
and initiate productive actions to meet those needs, including organizational change.
 A bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution, preferably in public
administration, business administration, or a related field. (Note: other relevant
educational degrees, such as science, engineering, construction or other fields related to
the dams industry will also be considered, provided the candidate demonstrates
appropriate business administration, management, and leadership competence and
experience.)
 A commitment to preserving and enhancing USSD’s technical base; further, possessing a
high level of comfort with both existing and emerging technology as well as the ability to
work with volunteers and staff to meet the technological needs of USSD’s membership
and customers.
 Appreciation for USSD’s unique role as the US National Committee of the International
Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD) and the interest to enhance USSD’s role.
 A commitment to preserve the collegial nature of a volunteer professional society that
continues to take pride in operating as a volunteer-staff partnership.
 The ability to recruit and empower capable staff to work productively with the volunteers
to meet the goals and objectives of USSD.
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United States Society on Dams | USSD | Executive Director | Position Description
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Well-developed communication skills and the ability to listen, to act, and to stand behind
decisions.
An appreciation for the political and regulatory processes at the international, national,
and state levels which have the potential to impact the dams and hydropower
infrastructure/industry.
Capability and proven skills to manage the financial affairs of USSD and sustain USSD
viability as well as maintain an understanding of ICOLD finances as may be required.
Computer literacy (including basic website development/maintenance for administrative,
technical and communications needs) and business knowledge.
The ability to travel frequently, national and internationally, in support of USSD objectives
and external alliances.
Compensation and Availability
USSD will provide a competitive compensation to attract the right candidate. The position is
available immediately.
USSD is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity in the workplace.
For more information, please contact:
Sterling Martin Associates
1025 Connecticut Avenue, NW | Suite 1000
Washington, DC 20036
p. 202.327.5485 | www.smartinsearch.com
David S. Martin
Managing Partner
p. 202.257.1627 | ussd@smartinsearch.com
Leigh Beal
Senior Executive Recruiter
p. 510.529.4560 | ussd@smartinsearch.com
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United States Society on Dams | USSD | Executive Director | Position Description