Vice President

Vice President - Revive & Restore- updated June 23, 2025

Location: San Francisco Bay Area - hybrid position with 2 days per week in Sausalito office

Reports to: Executive Director

Start: September 2025

Why This Role Matters

Revive & Restore sits at the intersection of cutting-edge biotechnology and urgent conservation needs. Over the past decade, we've built an impressive track record of successful genetic rescue projects, raising $41M and working across 26 countries to develop solutions for 125 threatened species. We're expanding our work and broadening our portfolio of conservation solutions.

You'll be joining us at a pivotal moment: We're pioneering new areas of work (e.g. climate resilience and stem cell technologies) and expanding our conservation portfolio. We need someone who can navigate both the financial strategy and operational complexity of this growth.

The Opportunity

This newly created Vice President role puts you at the center of one of conservation's most innovative organizations. You'll partner directly with our visionary founder to transform the scientific breakthroughs emerging from our funded research into sustainable conservation impact—while building the operational foundation that lets our program managers effectively oversee our portfolio of grants and partnerships.

Our work includes everything from genetic analysis for population management to advanced reproductive techniques that could bring species back from the brink of extinction. We're not just studying these problems—we're solving them.

You'll be working at the cutting edge of conservation technology, where techniques like advanced gene editing, cryopreservation, and cloning are being applied to save endangered species and restore ecosystems.

The impact is real: Our genetic rescue projects are already helping species recover, and our research has influenced conservation strategies worldwide.

What You'll Do

Shape the Future of Conservation

• Envision new opportunities to demonstrate impact with our Genetic Rescue Toolkit
• Translate cutting-edge genetic rescue projects into compelling funding opportunities that attract major donors and foundations
• Build strategic partnerships with NGOs, government agencies, and biotech companies to expand our global reach
• Develop the financial infrastructure and operational systems needed to multiply our impact

Lead a Mission-Driven Team

• Mentor six direct reports, including three Program Managers, overseeing 60 active grants
• Foster a culture where diverse expertise—from molecular biology to bioethics—comes together to solve conservation's toughest challenges
• Refine systems to keep our growing team aligned, effective, and on track

Drive Strategic Growth

• Oversee financial planning and analysis for our five-year strategic expansion
• Manage relationships with major funders and ensure every dollar maximizes conservation impact
• Help determine which species and projects offer the greatest potential for breakthrough success

Operations

• Adapt and manage the five-year strategic plan and budget for program development in collaboration with the board and staff
• Contribute significantly to the general operations through financial analysis, insights, and forecasting
• Assist the ED in the analysis of financial reports related to project management
• Keep all of the program managers on track in alignment with cash flow
• Bring objectivity to program review and financial analysis

Building & Developing Staff

• Lead and mentor our diverse team and foster a culture of collaboration and innovation to bring out the best in all members of the organization
• Design and run regular team meetings and 1:1s with all direct reports
• Help staff with setting and meeting goals - for personal performance and programmatic goals
• Oversee performance improvement and employee issues with a high level of discretion, tact, and sensitivity

Partnerships & Development

• Support fundraising initiatives that secure major gifts, grants, and partnerships to fuel our ambitious conservation work
• Act as a liaison between partners, project management teams, and contractors to ensure the project goals remain aligned with all stakeholders' needs and expectations
• Explore/envision possibilities for genomic innovations with various conservation organizations and government organizations
• Develop strategic MOUs
• Determine/negotiate the funding requirements for each project
• Champion our conservation mission through strategic public speaking engagements, thought leadership opportunities, and high-level meetings with potential partners, demonstrating the transformative potential of biotechnology in species recovery

Finance & Accounting

• Establish internal controls, financial policies, and procedures to ensure compliance with best practices and legal requirements
• Develop/refine cash flow and cash management tools
• Prepare financial statements and budgets in order to provide insight to the ED and the Board
• Manage costs and revenue to ensure expenses are consistent with the organization's budget, goals, and mission
• Manage investments with external partners
• Assist with the annual audit and oversee the 990 tax filing

Requirements

• Bay area resident within close proximity to Sausalito
• Science or Business degree minimum
• Prior working experience in biotechnology, conservation, or related scientific fields is preferred
• 15+ years of business experience, the last 5+ in executive leadership positions
• A team player with excellent communication skills, leadership ability, initiative, sound judgment, and creative originality
• Collaborative working style
• Experience managing and mentoring team members
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Manage outsourced accounting firms and oversee monthly financials and annual audits, ensuring a strong and healthy organization
• Proven track record of building relationships that result in significant funding
• Experience refining operations in entrepreneurial environments—whether startups, growing nonprofits, or innovative science organizations

Who You Are

Your Mindset

• Demonstrated interest in wildlife conservation and biodiversity
• You understand how urgently we need conservation solutions and you’re motivated to seek innovative approaches
• You thrive in nimble environments where big ideas need both funding and practical implementation
• You build genuine connections across diverse stakeholders—from PhD researchers to foundation executives

Bonus Points For

• Ability to translate complex genomic concepts into stories that inspire major donors
• Experience working with small and large NGOs and government agencies
• Experience with grant proposals, legal, and contractual negotiations
• Demonstrated capability for fundraising 6+ figures

Compensation

This is a high-level executive position, with a competitive salary commensurate with professional experience and industry standards.

Benefits include premium medical coverage with PPO or HMO options, 401(k) plan with employer matching, and paid time off.

To Apply

Send your application to ryanphelan@reviverestore.org, including:

1. A cover letter addressed to Executive Director, Ryan Phelan, explaining how you meet the above criteria, why this role excites you, and how your experience aligns with our mission.
2. Your CV as a PDF

About Revive & Restore

Revive & Restore is a Sausalito, California-based nonprofit. The core team has spent the past twelve years working with 300+ scientists to develop the emerging field of biotechnology-based genetic rescue, acting as a catalyst, a facilitator, and a funder. Our mission is to develop and apply genomic technologies for biodiversity conservation, specifically for endangered species, with the overall goal of enhancing global biodiversity and ecosystem health.

To advance biotechnologies for wildlife, we are building the Genetic Rescue Toolkit, which is a suite of biotechnology tools to help solve some of the world’s most pressing conservation challenges. These tools are the building blocks of genetic rescue. Sequencing and biobanking are foundational tools that enable more advanced technologies, such as cloning and genetic engineering.

We achieve this by working in partnership with a wide range of interdisciplinary experts––from conservation biologists, molecular biologists, and veterinarians to bioethicists and communications experts, to help prevent species extinction and to help enhance species recovery. We fund research partners worldwide to develop new tools for the Genetic Rescue Toolkit and support early-stage, proof-of-concept projects that translate advanced biotechnologies to wildlife conservation applications that currently lack viable solutions. Our projects come with a lot of technical risk, but offer the potential of major rewards for species restoration.