Hiring Organization Information
Position Information
The Position and the Leadership Opportunity: Executive Director
Alaska Airmen’s Association (the Association) seeks an ambitious leader to serve as its next Executive Director (ED). The Association’s next ED will lead the most influential General Aviation association in Alaska, the state with the highest per-capita pilot licenses and a dedicated community of aviation enthusiasts. An excellent reputation, a strong financial position, engaged membership and a dedicated team of staff and volunteers provide a solid organizational foundation for a new ED to strengthen popular programs and services, while looking ahead to future opportunities to grow and diversify membership and promote general aviation across the state. The ideal candidate will have a passion for preserving and advancing general aviation in Alaska’s unique landscape and a minimum of five years of leadership and management experience.
The Organization
With more than 2000 active members, Alaska Airmen’s Association is the largest general aviation (GA) organization in Alaska and one of the largest GA associations in the country. Founded in 1951, the Association is a non-profit, 501 (c) 3 membership-based organization whose sole purpose is to protect, preserve, and promote general aviation in Alaska. A small team of dedicated staff and more than 50 volunteers work to promote aviation, enhance safety, support initiatives that benefit pilots, and grow the aviation community. The eight-member board of directors stewards a $1.4 million budget funded primarily by the annual raffle fundraiser, event revenue, membership dues and donations.
The ED is the internal driver and external face of the Association and oversees its day-to-day affairs. Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Management of daily operations of the Alaska Airmen’s Association;
- Working with the Board of Directors (BOD) & committees in developing the strategic direction, financial and program goals, and key performance indicators in alignment with the Association’s mission, vision, & goals;
- Developing and presenting a financial plan and budget for the fiscal year for BOD approval and managing and monitoring the Association’s finances within the parameters of the budget;
- Recommending, developing, and executing programs that support the Association’s strategic plan and goals;
- Maintaining productive relationships with users and constituency of the Association, including members, volunteer groups, local, state, and federal agencies, and the general aviation community;
- Supporting and attending all Board meetings; including meetings of the Executive Committee, Finance Committee, NextGen board, and other committees of the Board of Directors; preparing written reports and board packets in advance of meetings;
- Responsibility for recruitment, hiring, retention and supervision of paid and volunteer staff as well as outsourced contract labor; evaluating staff on a regular basis using a consistent and fair evaluation tool and maintaining personnel records;
- Participating in advocacy, aviation industry, and working group meetings and enhancing the credibility of the Association through public presentations and development of professional contacts;
- Designing and executing fundraising events and overall fundraising strategy, including donor solicitation;
- Ensuring the preservation and safety of the Association’s assets within guidelines established by the BOD and routinely monitoring the physical conditions of the building and grounds, ensuring that the highest degree of housekeeping and maintenance standards are followed; and
- Recommending, developing, implementing, and maintaining institutional policies and procedures to ensure effective and efficient operations.
While no one candidate will embody all the qualifications enumerated below, the ideal candidate will possess many of the professional and personal abilities, attributes and experiences described below.
- Passion for preserving and advancing general aviation in Alaska’s unique landscape is required.
- A minimum of five years of leadership and management experience; nonprofit management experience preferred.
- Knowledge, experience, and connections to the aviation industry; understanding of Alaska’s specific aviation challenges and opportunities a plus.
- A strategic thinker capable of anticipating aviation industry trends and proactively positioning the organization to stay relevant and impactful to members.
- Demonstrated commitment to excellent customer service, public relations, and building partnerships.
- A detail-oriented and organized project manager; experience planning large events a plus.
- Comfort with basic accounting, budgeting, HR functions, and contract negotiations.
- Exceptional verbal and written communications skills with ability to connect to different audiences.
- Excellent time-management skills; capable of balancing the competing priorities of long-term planning and managing day-to-day operations.
- Experience and acumen in diversifying revenue, marketing and/or fundraising.
- Comfort with occasional travel and weekend/evening work as necessitated by duties.