Executive Director

Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association | Westerville, Ohio

SCOPE:

Reporting to the ONLA board of directors, the executive director serves as the association’s chief employed officer and is responsible for the leadership and management of the association, its programming, and its office and employees. The executive director, in close coordination with the Board of Directors, provides leadership in the development of the association's vision, mission and goals and of the corresponding strategies, plans and budgets to achieve them; advises, makes recommendations to and assists the board of directors in formulating policies for the association; and monitors the development of strategic plans, priorities, performance measurements, management controls and critical success factors, ensuring the effective design, marketing, promotion, delivery and quality of the association's programs, products and services.

In addition, the executive director:

Is responsible for staffing, employee management and engagement, preparation of an annual budget, budget control and execution of policies adopted by the association;
Maintains association records, files, accounts and assets and prepares timely financial reports for Officers, Board of Directors and members as required;
Has general superintendence of the administrative affairs of the association, including investments and protection of the association funds and other assets;
Serves as responsible representative of the association for fiduciary, trust and official liaison needs of the association when so designated by the Officers or Board of Directors;
Oversees the administration and execution of the annual association meeting (generally held first quarter of each year).
Plans and executes membership retention and recruitment programs throughout the year. Oversees existing member services and actively seeks out other services and publications which would benefit the membership. Oversees maintenance and processes of members’ records and member applications. Personally visits with ONLA members and non-members either at their place of business or at trade shows, field days, seminars, special events, etc.
Acts as chief employed officer of the Ohio Nursery Industry Group Rated Workers Compensation Program;
Assists the ONLA legislative consultant in representing the nursery and landscape industries in the legislature, keeping the membership fully informed of legislation pertaining to the industry;
Travels regularly in state to visit members, as needed for association meetings, and as directed by the Board of Directors;
Handles any other duties as ascertained by the Board of Directors.

SKILLS:

Administrative skills, including budget preparation/maintenance and personnel management.
Trade show management skills including show layout concepts, exhibitor relations, booth sales and negotiating strategies for dealing with venue, sub-contractors and hotels.
Excellent written and oral communication skills including report writing, displaying creativity in editorial and graphic content for publications, brochures, internet content and business letters.
Excellent public relation skills and a personality that interacts favorably with a diverse membership.
The ability to plan, coordinate and execute various meetings and educational events as well as write and deliver speeches in a professional manner.
Ability to plan, budget and direct projects toward a specific goal, with the ability to direct and coordinate the work of support staff and the efforts of volunteers.
PC computer and word processing skills (Windows) with internet access and usage skills.
Ability to review, analyze and adapt to Board of Directors’ established goals for improvement and benefit of the association and its members.

OTHER ACTIVITIES:

Maintains close working relationships with the following:

Academia at secondary and post-secondary schools providing horticulture programs to students
The Ohio State University (OSU)
Directors/managers/department heads of the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA). Specifically, has periodic contact with the ODA Director and works closely with the Chief of the Division of Plant Industry and the Specialist-in-Charge of Plant Pest Control
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), and has periodic contact with the Director of the ODNR and works closely with the Chief of Division of Forestry and the State Urban Forestry Coordinator
AmericanHort
National Association of Landscape Professionals

QUALIFICATIONS:

A bachelor’s degree and successful leadership and management experience at a senior level with fiscal responsibility for an enterprise with a staff and significant annual operating budget are required. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated commitment to promoting and advancing diversity, equity and inclusion at all levels and functions of an organization. In addition, the ideal candidate will possess demonstrated success in effectively leading change and organizational growth; significant experience in fiscal management; a track record of hiring outstanding people and building a strong team; demonstrated public affairs skills, including electronic and print media relations; the ability to work collegially with senior management and staff, board members, members, and external partners; and a substantial understanding of current issues in the nursery and landscape industry.

To apply: Interested applicants may submit their resume, cover letter and salary requirements to execdirsearch@onla.org

Deadline for submissions is 11/30/2020

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