National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS)

Chief Executive Officer

The Opportunity

The National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) is conducting a search for an experienced executive with strong leadership skills to guide NIBS as its next Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO is responsible for the overall effective management and operations of the organization and for supporting the Board in setting strategic direction by providing advice and guidance to advance the NIBS mission, goals, objectives, and policies.

About NIBS

NIBS is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit, non-governmental organization that supports advances in building science and technology. Approximately 50 years ago, Congress recognized the need for an organization to serve as an interface between government and the members of the building industry to identify and resolve problems that hamper the construction of safe, affordable housing and commercial structures throughout the country. To meet that need, NIBS was established by the U.S. Congress in the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974.

Located in Washington, DC, NIBS currently has a budget of $22M and employs a staff of 40, which is augmented by a team of contractors with specialized skills and expertise. NIBS is governed by a 21-member Board of Directors, six of whom are appointed by the President of the United States. NIBS’ revenue sources include contracts and grants from federal and state agencies and private sector contracts and contributions, membership dues, events, and publication sales.

The CEO Role

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership and Governance

• Strategic Leadership: Provides leadership, vision, and guidance to assist the NIBS Board of Directors in the strategy development to advance and grow the organization and its relevance to the built environment. Collaborates with the Board to develop strategies to ensure NIBS’ financial stability and success through diversification of revenue streams and other means that are in keeping with NIBS’ vision, mission, and values.
• Industry Awareness: Champions the incorporation of science and technology into the built environment, staying on top of trends, challenges, and opportunities, and developing resources, programs, and events to inform and assist the industry in dealing with today’s most pressing issues.
• Federal Government Partnership: Serves as the trusted voice in the building industry bridging government and private sectors and delivering efficient and effective results, including interfacing with the Executive and Legislative branches of the government.
• Communications: Serves as the primary spokesperson, ambassador, and champion for the organization. Raises the organization’s visibility with the government and private sectors and promulgates a positive image. Demonstrates a passion for the building sciences and technology, the NIBS mission, programs, and services.

Contribute to Member and Organizational Success

• Relationship Building with Members, Clients, and Partners: Strengthens existing relationships; identifies and builds new partnerships with relevant leaders and organizations to maintain and grow the business and be open to those which offer new collaboration and business opportunities.
• Volunteer and Membership Engagement: Oversees seven Councils that identify and resolve problems and potential problems that stand in the way of safe, affordable, and sustainable structures for the built environment. Each Council retains a unique focus and is governed by a volunteer board with nationally recognized leaders in appropriate disciplines.
• Client Services: Serves client needs and advances the building industry toward realizing high-performance buildings and communities. Through the strategic use of expertise, develops services in areas such as strategy and visioning, subject matter expertise, independent review, validation, research, facilitation, criteria, guidelines, best practices, education and training, and tool development. Ensures that clients remain satisfied with NIBS performance and deliverables and seeks feedback for improvement.
• Resources: Oversees the development of publications and resources aligned with the mission to serve the public interest and improve the built environment. Collaboratively develops resources, including Standards and Reports.

Management/Administration

• Staff Leadership: Sets goals, manages, coaches, and develops a high-performing team. Demonstrates and promotes a climate of continuous transformation and accountability that keeps the organization agile and responsive. Champions and hold staff leaders accountable to maintain a diverse and inclusive environment. Oversees a well-qualified contracting team that supplements the staff in mission delivery work.
• Operational Management: Oversees appropriate office space, equipment, and technology to carry out the organization’s business effectively and efficiently. Ensures the financial and legal compliance and integrity of the organization.
• Financial Oversight: Manages budget development and execution. Ensures that appropriate fiscal controls and procedures are in place to ensure transparency and accountability and reduce risk.

Required Skills, Experience, and Qualifications

• Must be able to obtain and maintain Secret Level Security Clearance from the Diplomatic Security Services (DSS).
• Proven leader with 7+ years of executive or senior-level leadership experience.
• Familiarity with federal government contracting is highly desirable.
• Outreach and networking skills, including the ability to serve as an ambassador for an organization and clearly articulate the value and strength of an organization to current and potential public and private clients.
• Track record of success in leading new business growth and generating new revenue lines is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated strong leadership skills and ability to build high-performing collaborative teams.
• Professional experience in building sciences, built environment, construction, or related fields is highly desirable.
• Proven experience in strategic planning and successfully operationalizing and executing a plan.

Compensation

A competitive compensation package will be offered to attract an outstanding candidate.

To Apply

To apply, please send a cover letter and current resume (Microsoft Word® format preferred) here. The cover letter should outline how your experience fits the requirements of the position as this will be an important factor in considering your candidacy.

Sterling Martin Associates is committed to providing equal opportunity for employees and applicants in all aspects of the employment relationship, without regard to race, religion, color, age, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, political affiliation, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.