President & Chief Executive Officer. Search conducted by: waldronhr.com

Transcription

1 President & Chief Executive Officer Search conducted by: waldronhr.com

2 The Opportunity A rare opportunity to lead one of the most respected and successful associations in North America. Retailers of all scale and models face many paradigm shifts: regulation, customer buying trends, safety and risk management. Garnering the collective wisdom of its members, conducting solid research, and building relationships with elected officials, WRA is a most valued partner to the retail industry in Washington State. As the essential resource helping retailers navigate this dynamic environment, WRA is the leading advocate for retailers large and small in Washington State and effectively represents their shared interests on a diverse array of political and regulatory issues. Locally-based national chains such as Nordstrom and Costco are members alongside online retailer Amazon and service providers such as independently owned salons. The Washington Retail Association has distinguished itself as one of the most vibrant retail associations in the country. With its strong executive leadership, a team with deep expertise and dedication, and a stable source of earned revenue through its subsidiary, Retail Association Services, WRA provides its members with valuable services and a political voice. The individual selected for this position will be succeeding a highly regarded executive who has led WRA for nearly 20 years. The new CEO will have the opportunity to work with the board to build on the the Association s significant achievements to date and guide the organization through its next phase of growth, impact, and achievement. The CEO serves as a visible, dynamic leader advancing WRA s agenda among elected officials, the media, and industry executives statewide. The CEO will also provide leadership in assessing the changing retail landscape and identifying opportunities for increased visibility and expansion of influence, particularly in the Seattle area.

3 The Washington Retail Association The Washington Retail Association (WRA) was established in 1987 by merchants concerned with advancing and safeguarding the well-being of the retail industry. Today the Association is recognized by businesses, legislators, state officials, and other trade groups as a powerful and effective spokesperson for retail. Its office is located in Olympia, the state capitol. WRA s strength is in its membership, whose perspectives and needs shape the association s priorities and positions. WRA represents over 3,500 retail storefronts, from the largest national chains to the smallest independent businesses. Members include wholesalers, dealers, professional services, and mall owners/ operators. Through its representation of, and advocacy for the retail industry s interests, WRA supports a business-friendly environment in the state of Washington. The Association is a valuable source of critical information and provides members and the public with timely updates on important legislative and regulatory issues, as well as key retail industry news. WRA members rely on the Association as an effective intermediary with state government and for its business resources and Retroactive Rating Services program (RETRO). Nationally, the Association is affiliated with the National Retail Federation, the Food Marketing Institute, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, the Retail Industry Leaders Association, and the Council of State Retail Associations. WRA has strong partnerships with local chambers of commerce as well as the state chamber, the Association of Washington Business. WRA operates two key program areas on behalf of its retail members: Policy and Advocacy WRA examines every legislative bill and state agency regulation proposed from an exclusively retail perspective to make sure they do not have a negative impact on the retail industry. A lobbying team represents members interests during the legislative session and works with agencies and other interest groups year-round. It also engages in local government and Congressional issues in cooperation with various partners. Current State issues of concern to WRA and its members include: tax and fee increases, minimum wage, organized retail crime, worker s compensation reform, and scheduling mandates. Retail Association Services, Inc. The WRA owns a subsidiary, Retail Association Services, Inc. (RASI), which offers members access to business resources (planning, HR and Legal services, advertising, and safety resources) as well as group enrollment in its Retrospective Rating Program (RETRO), a safety incentive program offered by Labor and Industries. The RETRO program is a key source of revenue for the organization.

4 The Position Reporting to the Board of Directors, the new CEO will provide overall leadership for the daily operations of WRA with the ultimate responsibility for effective governance, membership services and advocacy on behalf of the organization s members. The CEO will position the organization at the forefront of key trends and issues in the retail industry, identify new opportunities for revenue, ensure services are meeting members needs and maintain a strong and fiscally sound organization. Advocacy, Legislative/Governmental Relations: Under the CEO s leadership, WRA represents its members in the state legislature in Olympia, in local municipalities around the state, and with its Congressional delegation on issues affecting retailers. In addition to shaping the policy agenda and overseeing the work of a team of lobbyists the CEO is actively engaged in meeting with legislators, building coalitions, occasionally testifying on bills, and serving as the organization s primary spokesperson with the media. Membership Programs and Services: WRA offers its members a range of valuable services, including political representation, the Retrospective Rating Program, safety training, cost saving services, retail payments systems, HR/Legal services, leadership training, and business planning. The CEO is responsible for identifying innovative ways to demonstrate the value of membership to maintain current members and recruit new ones. One of WRA s most significant revenue sources and membership benefits is the RETRO program; the CEO will support this program s ongoing expansion as well as identify additional strategies to diversify non-dues revenue that provides tangible member benefits. Administrative Oversight: The CEO will apply strong business acumen to manage and support WRA s operations, which include a staff of 15 and an annual operating budget of just under $2M. She or he will develop strategic and operational plans, have full fiscal responsibility and accountability, and oversee personnel, technology, and facilities management. Board of Directors: The CEO works with the board to ensure that the organization stays abreast of key issues, opportunities and priorities. The CEO is responsible for planning and managing meetings, maintaining communication with the board, and supporting consensus building.

5 Ideal Candidate The CEO of Washington Retail Association is a talented and versatile executive who is passionate about the retail industry and dedicated to ensuring WRA s continued success and influence. A well-respected leader, the ideal candidate will bring to the role knowledge of the retail industry and its unique challenges, possess a sophisticated understanding of policy and advocacy, and have a strong track record of professional experience in the nonprofit or association sector. He or she has successfully worked for a volunteer board of directors and is adept at both exerting a guiding hand and building consensus from diverse points of view. As the public face of WRA and an advocate for the retail industry, the CEO must possess exceptional communication and interpersonal skills. She or he can quickly establish credibility with diverse audiences including legislators from both sides of the aisle, leaders of state agencies, and members of the media. The CEO is leading a state-wide organization whose members reflect varied industries in assorted locations; the ability to as readily connect with the proprietor of a tire store in rural Washington as with the senior executive of a national retailer headquartered in a major city is critical. With much of its success dependent on finding common cause among members who represent a range of interests and needs within the retail industry, the CEO is a consensus builder, adept at promoting cooperation and collaboration among individuals and organizations. She or he has knowledge of the political advocacy or legislative process, enjoys thinking about strategy and has a futurist mindset. A creative problem solver with a positive outlook, the ideal candidate is a team-centered and adaptive executive who operates with an entrepreneurial approach that extends the Association s position as an innovator in a rapidly shifting retail environment. She or he also excels at operational leadership to ensure that existing programs, a strong financial state, and a dedicated team are effectively supported and maintained.

6 About Olympia, Washington Olympia proper has a population of 50,000 living in the seat of Thurston County, which has a population of 250,000 people. With an economic engine fueled by state government, Olympia enjoys the benefits of a stable work force, engaged and educated community, and well-supported school system. Historic downtown Olympia offers a variety of eclectic shopping and dining experiences, while Olympia s Westside is a regional shopping destination at numerous national brand stores. A vibrant public market sits next to the Olympia s Port District and marinas. Mild winters and pleasantly warm summers make the Olympia area an ideal place for outdoor recreation you can get out of town without even leaving the city. Olympia maintains 40 public parks and enjoys easy access to the Puget Sound and the Washington Coast. Public trails lead to saltwater beaches where native tribes once met for potlatches through woods thick with big-leaf maples and towering Douglas firs. Olympia s strategic geographic location along Interstate 5 at the gateway to the Olympic Peninsula puts one within two hours or less of regional recreational attractions and the metropolitan areas of Seattle and Portland, Oregon. Qualifications Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of experience in progressively responsible, hands-on executive leadership roles. A bachelor s degree or equivalent industry experience is required. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential. Prior financial management experience is necessary; oversight of budgets of $1M or more is preferred. A track record of successfully managing high performing teams and driving entrepreneurial efforts is particularly important. Diverse professional experience is valued and may include the nonprofit sector, trade associations or chambers of commerce, or government or policy organizations.

7 To Be Considered The Washington Retail Association is an equal opportunity employer and we encourage all qualified candidates submit both a cover letter and resume via candidate web portal. Cover letters should be addressed to Tom Waldron and Sarah Meyer and thoughtfully crafted to articulate your interest in the position and fit for the role. The search for the President/CEO is being assisted by a team from Waldron: Tom Waldron CEO tom@waldronhr.com Sarah Meyer Search Director sarahm@waldronhr.com Lauren Pederson Engagement Manager lauren@waldronhr.com

8 Waldron is honored to work with the Washington Retail Association in the search for a President & Chief Executive Officer. We believe in and support the work of the Washington Retail Association and we are doing our best to recruit a talented leader who will accelerate this mission. As the consulting partner strategic leaders choose to help attract, engage, and inspire effective leaders, Waldron provides a unique combination of executive search, leadership development, and career transition services across sectors and industries. Our passion is helping people and organizations realize their full potential and increase their impact. Seattle Portland San Francisco waldronhr.com