The Georgia Forestry Association (GFA) is seeking a motivated individual with proven interpersonal skills and the ability to think strategically to serve as its President.
Candidates with experience in association management and state-level lobbying are strongly desired. A background in natural resources, agriculture or forestry would be helpful, but is not required. Applications received by June 1, 2015 will be given full consideration. Candidate interviews will be scheduled between June 15 and July 15. The successful candidate will begin full-time service on October 1, 2015.
GFA operates out of a modern headquarters located in Forsyth, Monroe County, Ga. Founded in 1907, the mission of the Association is to be the leading advocate for a healthy business and political climate for Georgia’s forest landowners, forest environment and forest-based businesses. Thus, the Association will concentrate its financial and human resources on building and sustaining a superior political advocacy program capable of achieving the organization’s mission and meeting the expectations of its members.
The President facilitates the entire operation of the Association under the general direction of the 13-person Executive Committee and the specific supervision of the Chairman of the Board. The primary responsibility of the President is to accomplish the mission of GFA through legislative, regulatory and industry representation, education programs, information, networking, and coalition-building activities.
The President will implement the Association’s strategic plan and is responsible to the Executive Committee for the effective conduct of the Association. Responsibilities include planning, organizing, coordinating and directing the staff of five and directing the programs and activities of the Association. The President will provide financial and administrative management for the Association, including the development and maintenance of the budget and the long-term financial plans.
Communication with the Executive Committee and Board of Directors is an important responsibility of the President, as is working with outside consultants. Maintaining a culture of collaboration and transparency will be the responsibility of the President as will developing and maintaining the technological capabilities required to achieve the mission of GFA and inform and engage its members. Since members look to GFA for its influence with government, the President will focus on increasing that influence and communicating the value of its advocacy to members.
The successful candidate will be expected to conduct himself/herself in a highly ethical manner so as to maintain the excellent reputation of the Association among all constituencies. The ideal candidate will be a leader who will be inclusive. Someone who is collaborative with leadership, staff and other associations will be effective. The President will be a consensus builder, a team builder and team member. A transparent and humble style is required.
Interested candidates are encouraged to send a cover letter outlining his/her qualifications including contact information, salary requirements and credentials contained in a SINGLE MERGED PDF FILE by June 1, 2015 to: steve@gfagrow.org.