Executive Director

Job Details

The Executive Director of the ECSGA serves as the chief executive and administrative leader of the Association, supervising a team of committed staff and working with the Board of Directors, industry stakeholders, and other associations. The ED serves at the pleasure of the Board of Directors and is responsive to their direction.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Policy and Regulatory: Engages in national, state, and local policy and regulatory environment to ensure opportunities for ECSGA’s mission are realized.

• Educate and lobby governmental and regulatory agencies on behalf of member’s interest as directed by the Board.
• Represent the organization and its members at the ISSC by assisting in drafting proposals for members, coordinating efforts to prioritize actions for new proposals (oppose, support, or amend), and being an active participant in the conference: leading industry involvement and joining committees.
• Communicate information within the organization to seek consensus on ECSGA positions.
• Provide opportunities for ECSGA members to engage with state and federal decision makers and attend events and meetings such as congressional hearings.
• Monitor the Federal Register for notices about upcoming regulatory changes affecting growers and submit comments when needed.

Governance: Works with Board of Directors and Committees to fulfill the organization mission.

• Communicates effectively with leadership and stakeholders providing necessary, timely and accurate information in support of policy decisions, fundraising and organization mission.
• Organize and lead the Board in policy development (by bringing pressing industry issues/concerns to the board).
• Work with the Board to set legislative priorities, develop position papers, and work with other associations (PCSGA among others) to align on priorities and host receptions/fundraisers for stakeholders.
• Organize 4 (or more) meetings of the Board of Directors per year; establish an agenda, ensure minutes are kept/distributed, and run meetings efficiently allowing all members to be heard and priorities are shared.

Partnerships and Collaboration: Initiate and nurture relationships with multi-state public and private organizations/associations, partners and stakeholders and utilize relationships to strategically enhance ECSGA’s mission.

• Support ECSGA’s reputation as a willing, knowledgeable, reliable, collaborating partner.
• Seek opportunities to meaningfully engage within the broader shellfish community.
• Handle press inquiries to provide accurate information and establish the ECSGA as a trusted source for major press outlets that cover issues of importance to our members.
• Represent ECSGA at public engagements, and attend regional conferences as needed.

Internal Administration: Manage office operations to efficiently and effectively support ECSGA’S mission.

• Responsible for the fiscal integrity of ECSGA; including fundraising, sourcing advertisers, ensuring taxes are paid, soliciting grant funding, developing diverse revenues and annual budgeting necessary to support ECSGA’s mission.
• Work to increase membership and grow revenue for organization.
• Identify topics and source (or write) articles for quarterly newsletter.
• Execute work on grant-funded projects.
• Distribute quarterly budget (with aid of treasurer) for Board review and develop an annual projected budget for board approval.
• Manage staff including priorities, workload balance, and performance evaluations.
• Manage external contracts, including scope of work and cost negotiations.
• Identify appropriate material to post on website.
• Moderate postings to the LISTSERV.
• Oversee and coordinate meetings for various committees established by the Board.
• Track Board member attendance and ensure state reps are replaced as needed.
• Coordinate with the Board to hold the Annual Membership Meeting at a location that will rotate between regions.

Requirements

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's or advanced degree in political science, public health, natural resources management, law or related field.
• Five years' experience managing an organization or program that supported policy/program development, stakeholder/member/legislative relations, and agency interaction.
• Experience working with food safety, environmental, agricultural, or natural resources (Aquaculture experience a plus).

Desired Qualifications: Leadership, Supervision and Management Experience:

• General management of a program or organization, including contract administration, financial diversity/health, and policy/goal setting.
• Management skills to assemble and lead or facilitate high-functioning, fast-paced teams and deliver timely and effective results that direct and coordinate the organization's efforts in support of the mission.
• Ability to manage multiple high-priority projects.
• Demonstrated leadership ability and program implementation skills in a complex environment that demands highly developed political sensitivity, and the ability to establish and maintain collaborative working partnerships with a variety of constituencies.
• Knowledge of strategic planning and its connection to organization priorities and budgeting.
• Maintain a clear understanding of the Board’s priorities.

Policy Experience:

• Demonstrated knowledge and skills in, policy development and management.
• Demonstrated ability to conceptualize and develop strategies, policies, and budgets for the future direction of this organization.
• Knowledge of, and experience in, the legislative process.
• Experience in complex policy developed through collaborative processes.
• Knowledge of research methods and experience in research in the areas relevant to this position.

Exceptional communication and interpersonal relationship skills:

• Effectively present oral and written materials to a wide range of audiences including elected officials, boards, agencies, media, and stakeholders. Preparation of comments and presentations reflecting organization’s mission and goals.
• Knowing when and how to get Board members involved.
• Ability to keep confidence despite pressure to divulge.
• Understanding and crediting opposing points of view; persuading without pressure; advocating persuasively for something you may not personally support.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in Fisheries, Marine Policy.
• Knowledge of shellfish aquaculture.
• Knowledge of state and federal permitting processes for natural resources-related activities.
• Knowledge of the legislative and budgeting process.
• Experience working with teams, boards and or councils.
• Familiarity obtaining and managing grants.

Other Skills:

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; comfortable with virtual communication platforms; experience with databases; learns new software quickly.
• Works independently, prioritizes tasks, and is a self-starter. Understands what needs to be done and how best to accomplish tasks.
• Appreciation for farming and/or working waterfronts.
• Exhibits discretion, confidentiality and professionalism when working with sensitive, private or adverse information.
• Demonstrates attention to detail.
• Demonstrates flexibility, willingness to try new approaches for the sake of experimentation.
• Adopts a positive attitude when under pressure to meet deadlines, or confronted with unexpected challenges.
• Demonstrates resiliency, persistence, and tenacity when working with difficult, challenging situations.

Contact Information

510

open until filled

Email your cover letter, resume, and three professional references to:

Jeffrey Auger, President
careers.ecsga@gmail.com

207-475-5767
Subject line: Executive Director Job Application