Executive Director

Posted by Outdoor Gear Builders on 10/18/2021

Job Basics

Industry Sector: Outdoor

Job Categories: Management - Executive

Company Type: HardGoods/Equipment

State: NC

City: Asheville

Country:

Required Experience: 3 - 5 years

Job Type: Full Time

Salary: $50,000

Required to Relocate: Yes

Required to Travel:

Employee May Telecommute: No

Job Seeker Must Live Within: 50+ miles

Job Description & Requirements

Background

Founded in 2013 by a small group of gear manufacturers, Outdoor Gear Builders of Western North Carolina (OGB) is a non-profit outdoor industry trade association including more than 60 members, and is made up of businesses and organizations representing the entire outdoor industry in Western North Carolina. Our members include: Gear Builders, Experience Providers, Skills Instructors, Outfitters, Retail Shops, Supporting Businesses, and Nonprofits all collaborating to share talents, encourage new ideas and inspire each other. Our members are dedicated to creating exceptional outdoor gear and experiences with a focus on responsible business practices, cutting edge innovation, and economic growth in our region.

Responsibilities

The OGB Executive Director position will be tasked with advancing the Outdoor Gear Builders’ mission and strategic goals in the following ways:

• Implement a consistent member engagement strategy to increase member interaction via regular communications and programs including website content, social media, newsletters, member listserv, member meetings and socials, and end of the year banquet
• Recruit new members, sponsors, and partners to grow the outdoor industry network in WNC
• Coordinate educational programs and workshops for OGB members to support the growth of all types and sizes of member organizations
• Lead event planning and execution including the annual Get in Gear Fest
• Seek out opportunities for member companies to increase exposure and sales
• Manage all grant reporting and funding requirements from various partners
• Provide operational management for the OGB including administrative tasks, bookkeeping, board communications, and other typical non-profit functions
• Expand the organization’s financial capacity and sustainability through growing memberships, strategic partnerships, grants, and exploring earned-income opportunities
• Organize and manage the OGB member and outdoor sector stakeholder contact database
• Maintain a high level of engagement with the broader outdoor industry community to help ensure strong brand awareness with key funders/partners (both regional and national) and an understanding of national outdoor economy development trends and best practices
• Lead OGB activities under the new Accelerating Outdoors regional initiative to expand the WNC outdoor industry, including managing a new job board, coordinating member trainings, creating resource guides, engaging supply chain partners, coordinating regional trade show delegations, supporting the Made By Mountains brand campaign, and assisting with regional events

Qualifications 

• Commitment to the Outdoor Gear Builders Vision and Mission and passion for the work we do
• Bachelor’s degree in outdoor recreation, marketing, business, or equivalent
• Knowledgeable and passionate about the outdoor industry
• Self-driven initiative and performance, with keen attention to detail
• Highly organized and able to manage and keep up to date databases and planning documents
• Project management experience, successfully handling multiple priorities and meeting deadlines both independently and in coordination with colleagues and community partners
• Professional and friendly communication skills including public speaking, meeting facilitation, community organizing, and writing/editing content for website and social media platforms
• High level of computer software proficiency including Google Suite and Adobe Suite
• Ability to work with clients and partners from various backgrounds
• Availability to participate in occasional evening and weekend events across WNC
• Leadership skills to unite the membership base and foster an engaged and positive organizational culture
• Experience with non-profit fundraising and organizational development is preferred
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and functional vehicle

Commitment & Compensation 

• This full-time position reports directly to the OGB board of directors
• The Executive Director will have a home office and must reside in the WNC region
• In-region travel will be common and some out-of-region travel may be required
• Annual compensation starts at $50,000
• Generous holiday schedule and paid vacation time

To Apply

Qualified/interested candidates should email their resume and cover letter to info@outdoorgearbuilders.com. The subject line should read “OGB Executive Director Application”. Applications will begin to be reviewed on October 18th, 2021 and the position is to remain open until filled thereafter.

The Outdoor Gear Builders of WNC values and respects all types of diversity and strongly encourages applicants from traditionally marginalized groups to apply. We prohibit discrimination and harassment and provide equal employment opportunity without regard to, and not limited to, ethnicity, religion, race, national origin, abilities, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, or genetic information.

About Outdoor Gear Builders

Founded in 2013 by a small group of gear manufacturers, Outdoor Gear Builders of now includes m e outdoor industry in Western North Carolina. Our members include: Gear Builders, Experience Providers, Skills Instructors, Outfitters, Retail Shops, Supporting Businesses, and Nonprofits. ore than 60 members, and is made up of businesses and organizations representing the entire