Job Title: Executive Director
Reports To: Board
Job Purpose:
The Executive Director serves as the strategic leader and public face of the association, driving its vision, growth, and operational success. Working closely with the board, and particularly the Chairperson, the Executive Director will define and execute the strategic direction of the association, ensuring its relevance, sustainability, and value to its members. This role requires a dynamic leader with P&L accountability, a strong ability to build relationships, and the vision to promote the association as the “must-join” organisation in the industry. 2 days PW Salary TBA.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership:
- Collaborate with the board to define the long-term vision and strategic objectives for the association.
- Drive initiatives to enhance the association’s reputation and influence, ensuring its brand is visible and respected in the industry.
- Develop and oversee the execution of a business plan that aligns with the strategic goals, ensuring measurable outcomes and clear accountability.
- Act as a thought leader, identifying trends, opportunities, and challenges to position the association at the forefront of the industry.
Membership Growth and Retention:
- Develop and execute strategies to target potential members and drive recruitment campaigns, ensuring a diverse and balanced membership base.
- Build and implement robust retention strategies to maintain high member satisfaction and loyalty.
- Regularly engage with members (including patron members) to understand their needs, foster relationships, and deliver exceptional value through association services.
- Promote member achievements and contributions through communication platforms, events, and social media.
- Manage the planning and delivery of an engaging calendar of events, ensuring they are self-funding and add significant value to members.
Brand Promotion and Representation:
- Serve as the face and voice of the association, representing its interests at industry events, conferences, and in the media.
- Collaborate with Marketing Communications Co-ordinator to develop and execute marketing and communication strategies to elevate the association’s profile.
- Act as a spokesperson for the association, ensuring consistent messaging and engagement with press, partners, and the wider industry.
- Build beneficial collaborations with other associations, businesses, and industry leaders to drive added value for members.
Operational and Financial Management:
- Oversee the financial health of the association, ensuring budgets are planned, monitored, and adhered to.
- Produce and update an annual budget, reporting progress monthly to the Chair and Treasurer.
- Build financial reserves equivalent to 3–6 months’ operating costs to safeguard the association’s sustainability.
- Manage staff and resources effectively to deliver on the business plan, ensuring operational efficiency and cost control.
- Lead recruitment, development, and performance management of staff, ensuring the team is aligned with strategic objectives.
Board Collaboration:
- Act as a key liaison the board, ensuring seamless communication and delivery of agreed objectives.
- Organize board elections, meetings, and ensure compliance with governance requirements (e.g., minutes, articles of association).
- Work closely with the Chair to review and adjust the business plan as needed and provide regular updates on progress.
Event and Sponsorship Management:
- Design and deliver an annual program of events, such as:
- Campfire Sessions
- CEO Summit
- EVCOMference
- Clarion Awards
- Talking Pictures
- Fellowship Awards Lunch
- London Live/Screen Awards
- Ensure all events are cost-effective and contribute to the association’s revenue where possible.
- Identify and secure sponsorship opportunities from suppliers and industry partners to support events and initiatives.
Skills and Competencies Required:
- Strategic Vision: Ability to define and drive a clear, impactful vision for the association, balancing strategic priorities with day-to-day operations.
- Leadership: A proven track record of leading teams, managing stakeholders, and fostering collaboration across diverse groups.
- Financial Acumen: Strong P&L management skills, with the ability to budget, forecast, and ensure financial sustainability.
- Membership Growth Expertise: Demonstrated success in recruiting, retaining, and engaging members, with a focus on delivering exceptional member value.
- Brand Building: Experience in promoting and raising the profile of an organization or association, with strong public speaking and representation skills.
- Event Management: Proven ability to plan, deliver, and oversee a calendar of impactful and engaging events.
- Relationship Building: Skilled at cultivating relationships with board members, members, sponsors, and other key stakeholders.
- Communication Skills: Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal skills, with experience in preparing reports, newsletters, and presentations.
- Innovative Thinking: Creative problem-solver with the ability to identify and implement innovative solutions to drive growth and engagement.
Qualifications and Experience:
- Extensive experience in a leadership or senior management role, ideally within an association, nonprofit, or industry organization.
- Proven experience in strategic planning, financial management, and operational oversight.
- Demonstrated success in member engagement, recruitment, and retention.
- Background in event management, sponsorship acquisition, or marketing is highly desirable.
- Knowledge of the industry (e.g., events, media, creative) is an advantage.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):
- Growth in membership numbers and retention rates.
- Financial health and achievement of budgetary targets.
- Successful delivery of events, including attendee satisfaction and revenue generation.
- Increased visibility and reputation of the association in the industry.
- Positive feedback from members, board, and other stakeholders.
To apply send your CV and Cover Note to andrew.smith@evcom.org.uk