The National Cooperative Business Association aims to become “the voice of cooperatives” as a leader and unifier among diverse cooperative organizations, as an advocate and defender of the cooperative economic model among policy makers, and as a promoter of the cooperative enterprises domestically and internationally. The Board seeks a new CEO who will build upon the organization’s excellent foundation and legacy and provide fresh leadership to help the organization achieve its strategic priorities:

• NCBA will foster a robust and vibrant environment for the creation and expansion of cooperatives.

• NCBA will promote the effectiveness of cooperative approaches to addressing social and economic needs within the US.

• NCBA will carry the message of social and economic advancement to the developing world through a robust program of international cooperative development.

• NCBA will increase public awareness and utilization of cooperatives.

• NCBA will secure the financial resources to enable cooperatives to be a primary source of sustainable social and economic advancement.

• NCBA will identify synergies among cooperative sectors and provide access to opportunities for cooperatives from different sectors to benefit each other and the whole.

Background

The current economic climate combined with the International Year of the Cooperative make 2012 a great year to move the organization forward. The NCBA has a huge opportunity to create synergy and promote cross sector collaboration among its diverse membership. The organization must also build the cooperative brand and awareness of this important economic and business model with policymakers and with the general public. The Board believes NCBA has tremendous unrealized potential for growth and impact.

Position responsibilities

Reporting to the Board, the President & CEO is responsible for the overall leadership of the organization and its service to member organizations, with the following major responsibilities:

• Build effective working relationships with NCBA members, relevant industry groups, other cooperative organizations, and legislative contacts.
• Develop and implement a vision that will unite the organization, a strategy to accomplish the vision, and accompanying tactical plans to achieve the strategic priorities noted above, including a balance of domestic and international operations.
• Organize opportunities for NCBA members to exchange or gain information important to their business and leverage their ability to influence the political process.
• Serve as the principal spokesperson before Congress and the Administration on policy issues important to cooperatives.

• Increase the size of the domestic membership base

• Determine the overall organizational structure and staffing

• Provide accurate and timely information to the Board of Directors

Other position parameters

• The position is supported by a team of five direct reports and total staff of about 50 in the Washington and 500 globally.
• The post is located in Washington, DC.
• Significant domestic and occasional international travel will be required.

Candidate profile

We seek a confidence-inspiring leader with a strong blend of strategic vision and tactical implementation skills coupled with a servant’s heart and especially strong communications skills. The successful candidate will be a proven value proposition and membership builder who knows how to forge consensus and bring focus and balance to an organization’s priorities and the execution thereof.

Experience

• Proven record of functioning as a catalyst and partner in an effective CEO/board relationship that assures proper alignment between the governance and management functions of the organization.

• Demonstrated success in forging productive and collaborative relationships, coalitions, and/or partnerships.

• Experience and success in representing a constituency and its interests to business entities, capital suppliers, and government entities.

• Proven ability to communicate effectively both internally and externally, and comfort as a highly visible public spokesperson

• Superior track record building the membership base of an association, or a relevant commercial leadership track record.

• Blend of domestic and international leadership experience with an active network of applicable contacts.

• A general understanding of and passion for cooperatives and the cooperative business model, both domestically and internationally, and from an economic and political perspective. 

Skills

• A proven visionary and strategist, able to identify central issues and focus the organization on engaging NCBA’s membership in identifying, creating, and implementing cooperative strategies and solutions.
• Strong leadership and management skills, able to identify, organize and utilize resources creatively and effectively. The ability to focus and prioritize and say “no” as necessary.
• Effective interpersonal skills, starting with strong listening skills.
• Consensus building and team building skills; ability to lead, engage and inspire constituents.
• Ability to actively initiate and establish relationships important to cooperatives;
• Organizational skills resulting in clear priorities and accountability for results. 

Personal characteristics

• Invigorates and unifies.
• Political (broadly defined) savvy.
• Entrepreneurial spirit.
• Unquestioned Integrity and ethical standards.
• Relates to all types of people at all levels and values diversity in all its dimensions. 

NCBA is an equal employment opportunity employer.  It is the intent and policy of NCBA to bar discrimination in the recruitment, selection, employment, assignment, payment, training, development, promotion, discipline, and termination of its employees.  It is also the intent of NCBA to treat all applicants for employment and all employees on the basis of job-related qualifications, and not based on race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, pregnancy, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, or any other classification prescribed under local, state, or federal law.

For consideration as a candidate or to suggest a prospective candidate, please contact in confidence:

Position Scope

The International Marketing Communications Director is responsible for day-to-day management, development and delivery of marketing and communications functions/materials in support of NCBA’s International Development department (CLUSA). This is a senior-level individual contributor role, both strategic and tactical in nature, with significant responsibility for project management, writing and strategy execution.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead the marketing communications function in support of CLUSA (NCBA’s International Development department), its related initiatives, campaigns and materials
• Work closely with the NCBA Communications team to ensure CLUSA’s marketing activities align with NCBA’s broader organizational strategies
• Write promotional content for the International Development community/audience, e.g. case studies, collateral, white papers, video scripts, web content, social media, event materials, etc.
• Project management of external marketing vendors, e.g. designers, video production, media relations consultant, printers, web developers, etc.
• Develop campaign concepts and messaging for brand awareness, promotional outreach and fundraising initiatives
• Oversee PR and media relations initiatives for the International Development department, which may include writing and pitching stories, press releases, media advisories, overseeing media relations consultant and events, such as signing ceremonies, program launches and other promotional event opportunities

The successful candidate must have the following experience, education and skills:

• 5-7 years of marketing communications experience, 2-3 years of international nonprofit, foundation or NGO experience strongly preferred
• Strong writing skills developing print and online content including case studies, collateral, newsletters, white papers, social media and web content
• Experience developing presentations and event materials
• Experience managing external marketing vendors and agencies
• Experience overseeing international media relations and strong understanding what works in PR
• Experience managing social media and online outreach and strong understanding of effective techniques and strategies
• Develop strategy and hands-on execution of email, social media and online outreach
• Proactive, entrepreneurial mindset with strong organizational and project management skills, particularly of overseeing production of deliverables and online, social media and PR savvy

To apply, please send a resume or CV, cover letter, and salary history to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with subject line “International Marketing Communications Director 2012”. No phone calls, please. NCBA has a comprehensive benefits package. Salary is commensurate with experience.