Open Positions

Education & Training are central to the mission of the NSS and both are core functions of the organization. The NSS is looking for an Division Head to successfully lead the Teams in this department to achieve our approved 5-year Strategic Plan, which may include advising Teams on their goals, periodically participating in meetings, prioritizing effort, and ensuring teams have the resources they require. This Division manages the development and delivery of Educational resources for the public and membership such as creation of educational content, the Speleoguest program, brochures, and education grant distribution. In addition, this Division houses the two major Commissions of the Society - the National Cave Rescue Commission which trains cavers on rescue techniques and the Vertical Training Commission who provides vertical caving training. The Education & Training Department Head will report to the Executive Director (or Interim Executive Director) on department activities quarterly and meet with them regularly (monthly or as needed). A successful Division Head has the management skills and experience to protect the interest of the Society, manage and resolve challenges, and instill respect and confidence across the team and membership.

The Communications Division Head oversees all internal and external communication of the Society. They are responsible for making sure the NSS does the best possible job at convincing people why caves matter, why the NSS matters, and how they can get involved.

Conservation & Science are central to the mission of the NSS and is a core function of the organization. The NSS is looking for an Division Head to successfully lead the Teams in this Division to achieve our approved 5-year Strategic Plan, which may include advising Teams on their goals, periodically participating in meetings, prioritizing effort, and ensuring teams have the resources they require. This Division ensures our membership has Conservation resources, grants, and a network of experts at their disposal. It also coordinates Cave Management activities pertaining to the NSS Nature Preserves, Cave Conservancies, and the Landowner Relations Network. Finally, all Science based research, publications, and monitoring teams will report into this Division. The Conservation & Science Division Head will report to the Executive Director (or Interim Executive Director) on Division activities quarterly and meet with them regularly (monthly or as needed). A successful Division Head has the management skills and experience to protect the interest of the Society, manage and resolve challenges, and instill respect and confidence across the team and membership.

Facilities are central to the mission of the NSS and is a core function of the organization. The NSS is looking for a Facilities Division Head to successfully lead the Teams in this Division to achieve our approved 5-year Strategic Plan, which may include advising Teams on their goals, periodically participating in meetings, prioritizing effort, and ensuring teams have the resources they require. This Division manages the HQ Buildings and Grounds, the NSS Archives (Library, Museum, Photo and Video Archives, Cave Files), and the NSS Bookstore, supported by the paid Facility Manager and Membership/Bookstore Coordinator. The Facilities Division Head will report to the Executive Director (or Interim Executive Director) on Division activities quarterly and meet with them regularly (monthly or as needed). A successful Division Head has the management skills and experience to protect the interest of the Society, manage and resolve challenges, and instill respect and confidence across the team and membership.

The Interim Executive Director will be responsible for overseeing all operations of the organization. They will be responsible for managing and supporting the Division Heads in Communications, Education & Training, Conservation & Science, Facilities, Membership, Operations, and Accounting & Finance. This role requires a seasoned manager who can maintain continuity and support the execution of planned restructuring while the society works to hire a permanent Executive Director. The Interim Executive Director will report directly to the Board, specifically the Chair of the Board. The Society expects to hire a permanent Executive Director towards the end of 2024.

Composed of two departments(Membership and Convention & Events), the Membership Division is the central component of the NSS focused on the fellowship objective of our mission statement. Recruitment of those interested in caves and their retention is critical to the long-term health of the organization. The Membership Division Head oversees membership recruitment and retention, supports convention and other events in the Society, and generally strives to encourage fellowship among cavers. A successful Division Head will work with the Executive Director to help achieve our approved 5-year Strategic Plan, which may include advising Departments on their goals, periodically participating in meetings, prioritizing efforts, and ensuring teams have the resources they require. The Membership Division Head will report to the Executive Director (or Interim Executive Director) on Division activities thrice-yearly and meet with them regularly (monthly or as needed). A successful Division Head has the skills and experience to protect the interests of the Society, manage and resolve challenges, and instill respect and confidence across the team and membership.

The Secretary-Treasurer(ST) oversees all financial & account operations of the NSS. It is the non-profit equivalent of a CFO. They are accountable for financial strategy, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting. Additionally they are responsible for compliance with all regulations and tax requirements. The ST works closely with the Executive Director to support all components of the the NSS by insuring good financial practice and operations. As the Head of the accounting & finance division, they must have the management skills and experience to protect the interest of the Society, manage and resolve challenges, and instill respect and confidence across the team and membership.