Environmental Writing Job: OWAA Executive Director

I have fond, fond memories of attending conferences organized by the Outdoor Writers Association of America, which is effectively the professional association for hunting and fishing journalists, plus a smattering of those who write about travel and related activities. The group seeks a new executive director. I hate to post the entire description word for word, but it’s not available on their website anywhere. So here goes:

Job Description

To manage and direct the day-to-day affairs of a professional organization of approximately 1,200 outdoor communicators and to implement the policies established by its board of directors.

Major Responsibilities

• Hire, train and supervise staff and contractors to serve the needs of the membership. Oversee all functions of the headquarters business.
  Work toward achieving the OWAA strategic plan and mission by developing strong, positive working relationships with members, volunteers, the board, other association leaders and professionals and vendors. Initiate and maintain excellent communication with OWAA members and leaders to foster an environment of inclusion and fairness in the activities of a diverse membership.
• When needed, counsel members on how to settle complaints and/or disputes with employers and media markets. Advise members on business questions and problems as well as OWAA policies and ethical considerations. Intercede in such disputes when advisable and agreeable to the member(s).
• Implement board policies. Alert and counsel leaders when these policies appear to contradict bylaws or past board directives.
  In concert with the treasurer and Finance Committee, plan the annual budget, explaining assumptions and changes clearly. Present the budget for board approval. Provide forecasts and analyses of the organization’s programs and fiscal health. Give monthly financial reports to the Executive Committee, quarterly reports to the board and semi-annual reports to the membership. Control expenses to operate within the budget. Suggest ways to boost non-dues revenues and streamline costs. Invest assets consistent with association goals, board directives and bylaws.
• Oversee staff production and content of all association publications, including the monthly trade journal Outdoors Unlimited [print and online]; annual directory and various brochures, manuals and handbooks.
• Responsible for obtaining and evaluating bids as well as inspecting all possible sites for the annual OWAA conference. Direct staff planning the annual conference and support the conference program chair. Oversee coordination of the mid¬winter board meeting. Oversee negotiations with host facility managers, vendors and corporate members to ensure smooth-running, cost-effective annual conferences and board meet¬ings. Under the direction of the chair of the board, prepare an agenda for and attend all scheduled board and OWAA meetings.
• Support and assist members, and serve as a liaison among elected leaders, committees, and others. Keep president informed about members’ views and problems.
• Serve as a key spokesperson for the organization and develop a clear understanding of the outdoor media so the diverse interests of members are fairly represented.
• In concert with the secretary, maintain organization’s meet¬ing minutes, policies, membership and financial records.
  Membership recruitment.
• Grant writing and grant experience preferred, but not required.
  OWAA is an equal opportunity employer.

To apply: Send resume to resumes@owaa.org

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