Executive Director (Oklahoma City, OK)

About the Organization 
The Oklahoma Energy Resources Board (OERB) is one of the most distinctive public-benefit energy organizations in the country and is funded by almost 3,000 companies from Oklahoma’s oil and natural gas industry.  

We are known as The People of Oklahoma Oil and Natural Gas.  

The organization is funded voluntarily by Oklahoma oil and natural gas producers and royalty owners through a one-tenth of 1% assessment on oil and natural gas sales and remains the gold standard for programs of this kind. 

We exist to help Oklahomans understand the value of the oil and gas industry, advance the prudent use of energy, promote responsible production, support research and education, strengthen the future of Oklahoma’s natural resources, and restore land impacted by often decades-old historical oilfield activity. Ours is a mission rooted in stewardship, public trust, and the long-term well-being of Oklahoma. 

We work to help Oklahomans better understand that our industry remains critical to the state of Oklahoma’s economy, communities, and future. 

Position Summary 
The Executive Director serves as the chief ambassador for the OERB - The People of Oklahoma Oil and Natural Gas - and works closely with the Board of Directors and key stakeholders to fulfill the mission of the organization and to provide lasting relevance and impact.   

In this role, they will lead with a clear sense of responsibility to the people who voluntarily fund it and the people of the state it serves. This includes connecting with industry and non-industry audiences, media, state elected officials and communities across Oklahoma.  

This person will also work to develop programs and ensure the long-term sustainability and impact of the organization. This is an opportunity to lead an organization with tangible statutory purpose and visible statewide impact. 

Key Responsibilities 
• Serve as the organization’s chief public representative and primary voice through meaningful engagement and strategic partnerships, advancing its mission with credibility across media, education, government, and industry institutions and platforms. 
• Facilitate and maintain an open dialogue with the producers, non-operating partners, royalty owners, and the vendors of the people of Oklahoma’s oil and gas industry, that support the organization with voluntary funding and giving of their time and efforts.    
• Provide transparency as to the organization’s efforts toward the mission with a focus on the return on investment of the voluntary funders of the organization is paramount. 
• Lead the development and execution of strategic initiatives and public outreach. 
• Provide visionary leadership to staff, partners and stakeholders and ensure alignment with the organizations’ mission and strategic goals. 
• Oversee budgeting, financial management, and the responsible stewardship of organizational resources. 
• Cultivate partnerships with industry, state and local leaders, educators, policy makers and community organizations. and the public to fulfill the mission of the organization. 
• Guide marketing, branding, and communications to elevate public awareness and support 
• Foster a culture of innovation that uses modern technology, digital tools, and data-driven insight to improve performance, expand reach, and strengthen impact. 
• Pursue cutting-edge and novel approaches to fulfill the statutory mission of the organization, which is: To help Oklahomans understand the value of the oil and gas industry, advance the wise use of energy, promote responsible production, support research and education, strengthen the future of Oklahoma’s natural resources, and restore land impacted by often decades-old historical oilfield activity. 
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Qualifications, Skills and Competencies 
• Demonstrated ability to serve as the public face of an organization and represent it with credibility across diverse audiences.  
• Knowledge of the oil and natural gas industry and the issues shaping its future. 
• Passionate about the responsible production of oil and natural gas and its impact on modern life. 
• A commitment to education and energy literacy. 
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including strong public speaking and executive presence.  
• Experience leading teams, setting culture, and driving organizational alignment and performance.  
• Proven ability to build trust and work effectively with boards, staff, donors, industry leaders, educators, public officials, and community stakeholders.  
• Strong strategic judgment, with the ability to translate mission into clear priorities, measurable outcomes, and lasting impact.  
• Experience leading change, guiding growth, and strengthening organizations through periods of evolution or modernization.  
• High emotional intelligence and sound judgment, skilled in consensus-building and navigating diverse stakeholder perspectives. 
• Commitment to stewardship, accountability, and mission-driven leadership.  
• Comfort with modern technology, digital tools, and data-informed decision-making.  
• Demonstrated ability to identify opportunities, solve problems, and lead with initiative.  

Reporting Structure 
The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors of the Oklahoma Energy Resources Board as well as the President of the Oklahoma Independent Petroleum Foundation (OIPF) and coordinates day-to-day activities of a staff of ~10 full-time employees (+1 or 2 individual contractors). 

Work Environment & Travel 
• Based in Oklahoma City with regular in-state travel and occasional national travel required. 
• Frequent public and media engagements as well as frequent engagement and presentations to legislative, educational, and industry groups. 
• In person 5 days a week.

Schnake Turnbo Frank is an executive search and recruiting partner with the Oklahoma Energy Resource Board. 

This is a management position
This is a full time position