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Director of Industry Relations, Membership and Development

Position Title: Director of Industry Relations, Membership and Development 
Supervisor: CEO       
Status: Exempt F/T    
Level: Senior Management   
Location: At-Large 


Position Summary: The Director of Industry Relations, Membership and Development will serve as a primary face of the Organic Trade Association to attract and retain members and garner support for events, special initiatives, and our affiliated 501(c)3 research organization, The Organic Center. They will support the mission and purpose of the organization through the activities of the department they lead. As a direct-report to the CEO, with a team of three existing support staff, they will:

• Lead a data-based, process-oriented team that contributes to the strategic goals of the organization.
• Be a spokesperson to industry on the value of Organic Trade Association membership and the association’s top priorities.
• Create and measure membership engagement across all facets of the association’s work.
• Manage Membership and Development department staff and programs; administer fundraising and sponsorships related to event programs, develop and maintain projects and activities to promote the Organic Trade Association.
• Participate as a member of the management team. Serve as a creative leader. Build positive and strong relationships with other Organic Trade Association and Organic Center staff.
• Champion interdepartmental teams. Champion customer data management and processes. Champion the Organic Trade Association’s value proposition to the organic industry.
• Engage stakeholders from the farm to the C-suite.
• Demonstrate personal responsibility in job performance.

Functions:
1. Responsible for the overall administration of the Membership Department, including member recruitment and retention, benefits programs, and budget. Includes optimizing finance and communications participation in retention.
2. Build and implement campaigns to develop membership in targeted categories.
3. Work collaboratively with the Communications Department to develop relevant marketing materials, including print and web content for members and prospective members.
4. Work collaboratively with program staff to stay current, engage members, and communicate value to potential and existing members.
5. Responsible for the sponsorship revenue associated with special events. Serves as advisor to policy events and other association special events as they develop.
6. Responsible for Organic Trade Association special fundraising initiatives: setting goals with the CEO and management team, and working with development staff and volunteers to implement campaigns.
7. Responsible for fundraising and stewardship for The Organic Center’s unrestricted revenue and for facilitating connections between the scientific team and potential industry restricted donations.
8. Build solid relationships with current Organic Trade Association members, contributors and program participants. Serves as champion of industry stewardship.
9. Actively engage issue that are priorities to the Organic Trade Association.
10. Lead the association’s participation in U.S. trade shows and special events, as required.
11. Comfortably present publically on Organic 101, 201, and Organic Trade Association priorities and value.
12. Take on special projects and organic community involvement.
13. Position requires periodic extended travel.
14. Other duties as assigned.


Minimum Requirements:

Experience: 7-10 years related experience, including supervisory and management experience.

Education: Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree or job-related continuing education a plus.

Skills/Knowledge: Knowledge of and passion for organic agriculture and the organic industry. Existing networks within the organic sector a plus. Excellent written/oral/public speaking communication skills. Solid knowledge and appreciation of the value of CRM-based processes. Ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders. Attention to detail, ability to work independently and perform routine work, strong interpersonal skills and the ability to motivate. Ability to work well under pressure with critical deadlines and multiple projects.

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