Profile: Jeff Weir, Executive Director, Dolphin Research Institute

Our organisation: Dolphin Research Institute is a not-for-profit marine conservation organisation working to ensure the well-being of dolphins and their marine environment. We undertake research in partnership with Monash University, conduct marine education programs for over 15,000 children and adults each year and have developed the ‘i sea, i care’ communication program.

My responsibilities: As Executive Director, I am responsible for the strategic direction and operation of our organisation as a whole, including our research and education programs, fundraising and communication .

Our team: DRI is a small organisation that achieves a huge amount, thanks to a small and dedicated team. We have a full-time Education Director and a pool of sessional marine education staff; two part-time Research Officers who drive our research and support two PhD and one Honours research projects with Monash University; two part-time Administration officers and numerous volunteers. We also have a voluntary Board and Research Committee.

Our greatest challenges: Building the discretionary revenue to the point that we can properly drive organisational development and competitively bid for staff.

The main difference between the NFP and private sectors: Not for profits can be “martyr-like” and “charitable” at the expense of the welfare of their organisation. I’m working towards my organisation being a profitable (not for profit) business where the share-holders are the marine mammals and the marine environment – and I have a way to go.

What inspired you to get involved in your organisation? I had my arm twisted to become involved, at the very beginning over two decades ago, because of my background as a marine scientist and educator. It had its challenges in the early days, lacking focus and strategy but I always thought it had real potential. After two decades I am more inspired and proud today than I was at the beginning!

How have you utilized goodcompany? goodcompany volunteer projects have delivered four motivated and talented directors for DRI’s Board. Two senior bankers, a scientist with an MBA and a marketing executive have added great strength to the governance of my organisation. We have also had some volunteer projects for some shorter term projects.

Tips for Community Groups working with skilled volunteers: You need to ensure that you are totally up-front about your culture, your needs and expectations to ensure a good fit. You must be professional in all aspects of your relationship with these professional volunteers.

Tips for Volunteers working with community groups in skilled volunteering: You must understand the culture of the organisation to ensure that it is a good fit for you. Once you do understand the organisation, I think skilled volunteers should be proactive about adding value and being a problem solver, not waiting on being asked or to have a project developed for you.