The Opportunity: 

The Georgia Society of Association Executives, Inc. (GSAE) and the GSAE Foundation seek an experienced and personable Chief Staff Executive to lead the organization’s strategic and operational efforts and deliver exceptional value to GSAE members.

The Chief Staff Executive oversees GSAE and the GSAE Foundation. They will work closely with the GSAE Board and the Foundation’s Board of Directors to ensure the continued success of the organization and to maintain its strategic initiatives. This position will be a fully remote opportunity located in Atlanta, GA with expected travel. 

About GSAE:

GSAE's mission is to advance the profession of association management and to enhance the professionalism of association executives.

Position Title: President

Primary Function: The President serves as the Chief Staff Executive of the Georgia Society of Association Executives, Inc. (GSAE) and the GSAE Foundation under the general supervision of the Board of Directors. The President directs and controls the Society’s programs and activities in support of the mission and strategic plan of GSAE and the Foundation. The President has a responsibility to offer visionary recommendations for the Society and Foundation leadership as they consider the needs of the membership.

Administrative and Fiscal Responsibilities

• Oversees GSAE staff and is responsible for providing employees the opportunity for ongoing professional development, cross-training of critical operational functions and paths for employees to acquire new and challenging skills. The President is solely responsible for hiring and discharging employees within GSAE and the oversight of all personnel functions.  
• Responsible for developing a balanced budget which is proposed, reviewed, adopted, and monitored quarterly by the Board of Directors. Responsible for the financial management of the day-to-day operations of the Society and the Foundation. Supervises the bookkeeping firm and any other outsourced financial operations. 
• Monitors the investments of the Society and the Foundation reserves and is the primary liaison with the approved investment management firm.
• Manages the annual audit or review of GSAE and the GSAE Foundation’s financial statements in coordination with an approved accounting firm.
• As Corporate Secretary, executes contracts and commitments as may be authorized by the Board of Directors, approved in the annual budget, or established by policy. Ensures maintenance of all official records of GSAE and the GSAE Foundation including financial statements, minutes, policy and procedures manual, bylaws, etc.
• Manages all corporate filings with the State of Georgia, the federal government, as well as any regulatory agencies applicable to maintaining GSAE’s business operations.
• In consultation with GSAE’s Executive Committee, is responsible for developing and distributing Board meeting agendas, notifications, and supporting documentation. 
• Serves as an ex officio, nonvoting member of the GSAE Board of Directors and the GSAE Foundation Board of Trustees.
  • Works effectively to bring newly elected board members up to speed on GSAE processes and initiatives.
  • Implements Board policies and directives.
  • Provides relevant and complete information, including environmental scanning, to Board members so informed decisions may be made.
  • Keeps the Board regularly apprised of the status of projects and the strategic planning dashboard.
  • Works effectively with Board members to develop and achieve the adopted strategic plan.

Programming & Publications

• Guides the development and implementation of existing and future programs that are timely and relevant to the Society’s membership and in accordance with effective adult learning tenets. 
• Coordinates partnerships with the Certified Association Executive (CAE) Commission, other state, local and regional societies of association executives, and corporate entities to ensure programming meets various standards, including reporting of credit hours.
• Oversees the identification or development of relevant research to benefit the association community. 
• Ensures GSAE communications produced by partners and in house are high quality and professional in appearance (e.g., connections quarterly magazine, GSAEtv, GSAE Update, brochures, meeting programs, etc.) 
• Effectively promotes and manages GSAE programming including, but not limited to:
  • GSAE Leadership Academy
  • GSAE’s Annual Meeting
  • Luncheons and Workshops
  • Shared Interest Group (SIG) programming

Internal Relationships

• Cultivates a clear understanding of the needs of association and supplier members.
• Continually seeks member input using a wide variety of mechanisms.
• Oversees the development and implementation of additional membership services, including recommending non-dues revenue opportunities for GSAE and overseeing dues collection.
• Coordinates the activities of two standing committees: The Nominating Committee and the Awards Committee.
• Serves as primary liaison to additional committees as applicable. Manages GSAE staff activities within additional committees and Shared Interest Groups (SIGs).
• In consultation with GSAE’s Executive Committee, coordinates the annual selection and training of volunteer leaders.

External Relationships

• Serves as the primary GSAE representative to the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and the Association Societies Alliance (ASA), including attending a variety of regional and national events to represent GSAE’s interests.
• Develops and maintains relationships with a variety of local and national associations to further the mission and goals of GSAE and fulfil the professional development needs of the members.
• Serves as the primary point of contact with vendors, sponsors, and corporate partners of GSAE.

Visionary Goals & Characteristics

• Promotes innovation.
• Forges strong CEO-board partnerships.
• Is nimble in response to change.
• Inspires diverse and emerging talent within the membership and through association professional recruitment to accept positions in leadership.
• Translates creative ideas into concrete initiatives.
• Lays the foundation for future endeavors based on strategic planning initiatives.
• Communicates opportunities and potential issues that may affect GSAE on a timely basis.  
• Brings creativity and new ideas to the Board for consideration in achieving goals.

Desired Attributes

• Ability to enhance the value of corporate supplier relationships
• Financially astute
• Entrepreneurial mindset to diversify and increase revenue streams
• Innovative, can leverage technology to increase products and resources and be more efficient
• CAE or degree(s) strongly preferred or willingness to pursue CAE
• Ability to work with an Association Management Company, if needed

How to apply: Please submit your application materials detailing your experience and/or outlook using the Apply Now button. 

Association Management Companies are welcome to submit a proposal. Please acknowledge and include in your proposal a plan that includes an existing GSAE staff member, the Manager of Membership & Communications.

Application review will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until filled. Due to the anticipated interest in this position, only those selected to progress in the process will be contacted.

About Georgia Society of Association Executives (GSAE)

our mission statement GSAE's mission is to advance the profession of association management and to enhance the professionalism of association executives. our focus Creating meaningful and diverse opportunities that allow members to connect with each other. our position GSAE is the best place for Georgia-based association professionals and suppliers to form meaningful connections with peers. our promise GSAE’s supportive community and excellent resources help members at all levels maximize their potential. our core values GSAE is committed to professionalism, community, leadership and model of innovation. These values define who we are, what we stand for, and why we exist.

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