Position Profile Executive Director Ohio State Bar Association Columbus, Ohio

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1 Executive Director Ohio State Bar Association Columbus, Ohio The Organization The Ohio State Bar Association, founded in 1880, is a voluntary 501(c)(6) nonprofit unincorporated association representing approximately 25,000 members of the bench and bar of Ohio as well as nearly 4,000 legal assistants and law students. Through its activities and the activities of its related organizations, the OSBA serves both its members and the public by promoting the highest standards in the practice of law and the administration of justice. The Association has an annual budget of nearly $12MM, assets of $26+MM and a staff of 65. The organization is headquartered in an OSBAowned office building located four miles from downtown Columbus. The OSBA s core purpose is to advance the professional interests of members of the Ohio State Bar Association. Its core values are member satisfaction, professionalism, foresight and quality services and products and the Association s goal is to make membership in the Ohio State Bar Association indispensable to Ohio lawyers. The organization has a number of nonprofit and for-profit affiliates that provide services and assistance to attorneys, judges, paralegals, teachers and law school students throughout Ohio. Key affiliates include: Ohio State Bar Foundation: 501(c)(3) charitable organization with $30MM in assets that supports the Association s charitable and educational purposes. Ohio Bar Liability Insurance Company: for profit affiliate providing professional liability insurance; OSBA Insurance Agency: for profit affiliate to provide insurance to OSBA staff and members, including their employees and families; Ohio Lawyers Assistance Program: nonprofit formed to help lawyers and law students obtain treatment for mental health, substance abuse and/or chemical dependence issues; Ohio State Legal Services Association: nonprofit providing assistance and representation to low-income Ohioans on civil legal issues; and Ohio Center for Law-Related Education: partners with teachers to bring citizenship to life for students. In addition, the OSBA creates a number of printed and online publications including Ohio Lawyer magazine, newsletters, and specialty reports and also has a variety of CLE programs and resources. Members throughout the State participate in District meetings and activities as well as an annual Convention. The OSBA also provides Casemaker, a free-to-members online library of state and federal laws and opinions. The OSBA Board of Governors reviews legislation pending before the Ohio General Assembly and recommends positions on such legislation while providing liaison with state offices (governor, attorney general, secretary of state, etc.) and agencies. In addition, the OSBA provides contact with Ohio congressional delegation and federal government agencies, and works to support legislation that it believes is important, timely and in the public interest. The OSBA also reviews court rules and maintains regular contact with the Supreme Court of Ohio, Ohio Judicial Conference and other state courts and judicial associations. More information on the OSBA can be found on its website: The OSBA s Executive Director, Denny Ramey, has been with the organization for over 32 years, the past 26 years as the top staff executive. He will retire in July 2013, thus the OSBA s Board of Governors has embarked on a national search to recruit a new Executive Director.

2 The Position Location The position is located at the OSBA headquarters building at 1700 Lake Shore Drive, Columbus, Ohio, Columbus is the capital city of the State of Ohio and the largest city in the state with a regional population of 1.8 million. The region has a strong and diverse economy with operations of over 20 Fortune 1000 companies along with The Ohio State University and 20 other colleges and universities. Columbus was ranked as one of the top 10 best cities in the U.S. according to Relocate America. Reporting Relationships The Executive Director reports to the 24-member Board of Governors. This executive also interacts with the Council of Delegates as well as with the Boards or other governing entities of OSBA affiliate organizations, serving as an officer of some of them. The Executive Director oversees a current staff of 65 full-time employees, including: Assistant Executive Director- Administration, Assistant Executive Director-Public Affairs, General Counsel, Executive Director-Ohio State Bar Foundation, and 8 Directors of Bar Services, Business Affairs, CLE, Information Technology, Marketing, Membership Services, Public Relations and Publications. This executive will maintain and promote important interactions and working relationships with OSBA members; officials in federal, state and local government roles; outside financial advisers and consultants; executives at other national, state and Ohio s local county and city bar associations; the public at large; and members of the media. Position Charter The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of the Association under the direction of its officers and Board of Governors. The Executive Director is responsible for the effective conduct of the affairs of the Association. This person recommends and participates with the officers and the Board of Governors in formulation of the Association's mission, goals and objectives and related policies. Within that framework, this person plans, organizes, coordinates, controls and directs the staff, programs and activities of the OSBA. The Executive Director is responsible for budget and fiscal management, and also provides liaison with affiliated organizations of the Association. Major Duties and Responsibilities The Executive Director has the following responsibilities: Board of Governors Interaction The Executive Director provides the Association s Board and officers with appropriate resources and innovative ideas for growth and development. Working with the President of the Association, he/she is responsible for developing Board meeting schedule and agendas, maintaining Board minutes and records, carrying out plans and programs of the Board, serving as representative of the Board for all contacts with the OSBA staff, initiating and advocating programs for consideration by the Board, and advising the Board on all important matters under consideration. Responsibilities include: Provide leadership and work with the Board in establishing strategic, operational and tactical plans and priorities for the Association. Make recommendations to the Board regarding preferred or alternative courses of action. Assure that the Board is kept fully informed of the activities, operations, and financial condition of the Association required for the efficient and orderly conduct of business. Oversee the preparation and presentation of an annual budget for the consideration of the Board, and provide reports to the Board of the financial condition of the Association, its subsidiaries and affiliates. Maintain continuing communication with the Board President so that necessary actions can be taken between meetings of the Board. Account to the Board for carrying out all motions, resolutions, and directives approved by the Board. 2

3 Membership Activities and Interaction Provide leadership to and oversee the OSBA staff and volunteers in efforts to retain existing members and expand membership base and oversee activities related to maintaining effective member relations. Responsible for motivating members to personally, professionally and financially support the OSBA s programs and events. Responsibilities include: Oversee the management of the Association s Council of Delegates, Section and Committee meetings and related functions. Analyze and interpret the needs of members and recommend revisions in programs to improve service and assistance to make membership more valuable. Develop and identify other appropriate non-dues revenue opportunities Maintain communication with members through on-site visits, conversations, meetings, and writings. Work diligently to insure that OSBA programs, services and products assist members to become increasingly competitive and successful. Solicit suggestions, proposals, and requests from members and translate them into action consistent with the fundamental objectives and policies of OSBA Demonstrate a willingness to render personal service to members as may be required and as time allows. OSBA Staff As the CEO of the organization, oversee employment, assignment of duties, supervision, evaluation, training and ongoing leadership of all OSBA professional and support staff. Responsibilities include: Ensure the general competence of staff and ensure that they are prepared to successfully implement the organization s programs and services. Foster a daily working environment that values teamwork, an entrepreneurial spirit and creativity while providing the highest levels of customer service and volunteerism. Create an environment of ethical compliance in conformity with the highest standards of nonprofit operations. Reflect and reinforce a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Ensure appropriate staff participation in professional conferences and seminars to develop and maintain efficient operations. Determine competitive compensation levels of all staff employees in line with budgetary guidelines approved by the Board. Subsidiary and Affiliate Operations Provide appropriate liaison with all related subsidiaries and affiliates of OSBA. Responsibilities include: Provide executive leadership for the Association s wholly- owned, for-profit insurance agency. Assure compliance with IRS regulations governing the operations of a tax-paying subsidiary of a tax-exempt association; consult with financial and legal counsel as and when necessary to assure such compliance. Inform the Board at regular intervals of the financial condition of the controlled subsidiaries and affiliates, including all aspects of income and expense. Work with the Executive Director-Ohio State Bar Foundation to provide leadership for the Foundation. Advocacy Activities Participate as appropriate in advocacy activities including: Maintain communication and relationship with the American Bar Association, other Ohio municipal and state bar officials as well as elected officials and their staffs, which may include interactions on behalf of the OSBA with other bar association representatives at the city, county, state and national levels. Serve as a spokesperson for the OSBA and communicate the organization s position on industry and public issues. Oversee the work of the Government Relations staff and work with the Board s Government Affairs Committee to help develop and manage the OSBA s annual legislative agenda. Supervise provision of pro bono assistance to committees of the State Legislature and their members on complex areas of law in which the technical and practical expertise of experienced lawyers may be useful. 3

4 Fiscal Management In concert with the Board and financial staff members, oversee the development of the OSBA budget and relate budget to program and service goals. Responsible for all expenditures within the framework of the budget. Responsibilities include: Ensure the efficient preparation of accurate and timely financial statements with detailed information relating to OSBA programs and prospective activities. Work collaboratively with financial staff to ensure that all financial records are accurately and properly maintained as required by law and generally accepted accounting principles. Work cooperatively with financial staff to present financial statements and reviews to the Board; ensure that financial reviews are audited annually. Interaction with Related Associations Maintain awareness of trends and developments in the legal profession, and activities and programs of other state, local and national bar associations and other professional associations. Responsibilities include: Maintain effective relationships with other public and private organizations, assuring that the position of the Association and its members is positively represented. Work cooperatively with other association leaders to advance the development of legal practice as well as other professional organizations in the State of Ohio. Represent the positive values of OSBA membership to all interested parties. Association and Headquarters Office Operations Supervise the operations of the Association and manage the personnel, facilities, operations and assets of the Association. He/she is responsible for the internal structure of the OSBA to ensure that the organization is effectively and efficiently managed. Responsibilities include: Maintain executive oversight of all activities of the Headquarters office with overall administration of all association activities. Investigate ways to improve Headquarters operations. Provide procedures and methods for the conduct of official business. Anticipate emerging and long-range opportunities and challenges to the Association; provide support for and contribute to the Association s strategic and operational planning processes. Evaluate the OSBA s program and services, with recommendations to the Board for change as needed, and a system of measuring progress toward the attainment of Association goals. Take all necessary steps to assure that the Association complies with the laws of the U.S. and State of Ohio; consult with legal counsel whenever necessary to achieve such compliance. Other Duties Perform such other duties as are provided by the Association bylaws or assigned by the Board. Travel The Executive Director will have several occasions each year to travel, including attendance at: Board and District meetings; Annual Convention; educational seminars; meetings of the National Association of Bar Executives, National Conference of Bar Presidents, the Great Rivers Bar Leaders Conference; other related events. Compensation The Executive Director is expected to earn an attractive compensation package; appropriate perquisites and some relocation assistance will be provided. The Candidate Education A Bachelors degree is required; an advanced degree in business, law, public administration or related field is highly preferred. A demonstrated commitment to continued professional development through the American Society of Association Executives or Certified Association Executive designation strongly preferred. 4

5 Professional Qualifications The ideal candidate has demonstrated a successful career track record in association management and is currently serving as the top executive of a comparable professional services-focused association or bar association with a proven track record of success. Alternative experience includes serving as a #2 or other senior-level executive at a complex business association, or as an executive from a private or public sector entity. Significant experience leading membership retention and growth of a voluntary association of professionals is highly preferred. Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Leadership (possesses and demonstrates leadership qualities including presence, vision; leading and managing department leaders, staff and volunteers). Membership development (has a track record of membership retention, and growth). Board management (experience working collaboratively with a volunteer Board of Directors) Volunteer organization experience (appreciates the value of voluntary organization structure and operating techniques; proven ability to motivate and utilize staff and volunteers). Management experience (senior staff oversight and general management experience; strong human resource development skills; has effectively organized and managed teams of people within a complex organization). Planning (experience in developing and implementing operational, financial, and strategic plans). Communication (effective communicator with internal and external constituents including Members, Board of Directors, government entities, staff, the media, and the public; has a clear writing and speaking style). Fiscal management (demonstrated ability to manage financial affairs of an organization; i.e., develop revenue sources and control expenditures so as to preserve financial stability). Entrepreneurial (has experience with perceiving and capitalizing on available business opportunities). Advocacy (play a key role in advocacy on behalf of the OSBA). Marketing orientation (ability to market and promote the organization to a variety of constituents; possesses a persuasive personality). Desired personal characteristics Servant leadership (able to achieve results for the Association by giving priority to and listening to the needs of its Members; proactive in leading the Board and Members while being deferential to them and the Association s mission and goals; offers a vision and the means to get there; a good steward of resources; can manage, motivate, and challenge the Staff to serve and meet the needs of the Membership). Participative management style (involves Members and staff in decision-making; provides basic direction and allows staff to execute while being held accountable; a mentor for staff). Collaborative (sees value in working with others to achieve positive results; demonstrates a willingness and ability to work with and through others; relishes in sharing credit with others). Consensus-building (able to forge effective working relationships with various parties and encourage them to work together toward common goals). Risk taking (encourages experimentation and innovation; creates processes and systems to reasonably evaluate opportunities and risks). Intelligent (bright; possesses natural intelligence). Conceptual (thinks beyond day-to-day realities; has the ability to see beyond the Association s current service offerings and also focus on long term operating goals.) Strategic and creative thinker (a visionary thinker; can plan for the future and also bring outside the box ideas; able to see the big picture beyond daily operations and lead an organization toward strategic goals). Genuine and personable (relates well to people; builds relationships; authentic; transparent; possesses warmth and personal humor). Energetic (enthusiastic; strong personal work ethic; self starter with a roll up the sleeves attitude; displays a passion for getting the job done ). Executive presence (credible; polished in demeanor and appearance; self-confident; will enjoy respect of Board, members, and staff). 5

6 Political acumen (possesses highly developed diplomatic skills; demonstrated ability to strategically work with a wide variety of constituents). Integrity (possesses unimpeachable moral character and high ethics). Visibility (highly visible to staff, members, and other key constituents). Organizational skills (results oriented; meets established goals and objectives). Persistence (ability to pursue good ideas across various administrations ). Challenges and Opportunity The projected first year accomplishments for the new Executive Director of the OSBA include: Establish presence as Executive Director and become completely familiar with all operating aspects of the organization including staff, finances, programs, and Board members. Initiate formal and informal introductions and connections with the OSBA membership through varied communications and in-person gatherings and meetings to develop strong relationships with key constituencies. In concert with the Board and staff, evaluate the strategic direction of and future opportunities for the OSBA through a review of current programs and personnel; develop strategic, operational, and budgetary plans. Evaluate and develop responses to important organizational challenges and operational goals such as: - Increase the products and services available to the OSBA members. - Increase the percentage of Ohio lawyers who belong to the OSBA. - Assure sustained financial stability through an increase in dues-paying member base, along with dues and non-dues income enhancements. The Executive Director position of the OSBA is an outstanding opportunity for a committed association or other executive to lead a professional association with a long history of success. An experienced staff and committed Board ensure the historical integrity of the organization and a strong foundation for the OSBA going forward. At the same time, the legal professionals that make up the association face challenges within their industry from changing client preferences and industry consolidation. The OSBA must continue to provide outstanding services and programs as well as advocate on behalf of the membership in the years to come. Contact Interested candidates should send a resume/cv to WAVERLY PARTNERS, the executive search firm retained by the OSBA Board on this search. The OSBA firmly supports the principle and philosophy of equal opportunity for all individuals, regardless of race, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, national origin or disability. Please OSBA@Waverly-Partners.com or call: Eric N. Peterson Managing Director & Principal Cleveland OH (440) Ellen M. Rhoades Managing Director Columbus OH (740) B. Harrison Turnbull Managing Director & Principal Charlotte NC (704) November