POSITION OVERVIEW ARCHERY TRADE ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER THE BRIDGE BETWEEN PROFESSIONALS SearchWide Position Overview www.searchwide.com
ABOUT THE ARCHERY TRADE ASSOCIATION The Archery Trade Association is the organization for manufacturers, retailers, distributors, sales representatives and others working in the archery and bowhunting industry. The ATA has served its members since 1953. It is dedicated to making the industry profitable by decreasing business overhead, reducing taxes and government regulation, and increasing participation in archery and bowhunting. The organization also owns and operates the ATA Trade Show, the archery and bowhunting industry s largest and longest-running trade show worldwide. The Archery Trade Association was conceived during the 1947 National Archery Tournament in Salt Lake City as an organization to harness the energies of the archery industry to ensure its long-term survival. As part of its new mission and vision, the AMO became the Archery Trade Association in late 2002. The ATA also incorporated two nonprofit foundations, ArrowSport and the Bowhunting Preservation Alliance, to create independent links to those interested in growing archery while protecting and promoting bowhunting. In 2007, the ATA merged the two foundations into one entity, which operates as a nonprofit effort to grow archery and bowhunting. In July 2002, the ATA assumed control and operation of the Trade Show. For the first time, the industry s trade show was managed by ATA staff. This generated greater profits for promotional efforts and improved the show s value to the industry. Since this change, the show s net proceeds have averaged nearly $2 million, has and have become the funding base for ATA, its two foundations, and ATA grants and support to grow archery and bowhunting. In 2004 the ATA launched initiatives to work with state wildlife agencies as an investment partner. In addition to support the archery industry provides states through Federal Excise Taxes on archery equipment, the ATA also facilitates partnerships with states to recruit and retain archers and bowhunters. These efforts include building archery shooting facilities, especially in urban and suburban areas ATA MEMBERS The ATA aids its members by improving communication and business interactions among and between industry members, and by growing, protecting and promoting archery and bowhunting. Its membership includes manufacturers, retailers, distributors, sales representatives and others working in the archery and Bowhunting industry. ATA members are the core of the archery and bowhunting industry, which depends on reliable service and longterm business with consumers at the local level. For more information, click here. THE ATA TRADE SHOW The ATA Trade Show is the archery and bowhunting industry s LARGEST show. It s also the industry s MOST INCLUSIVE show. The ATA Trade Show is a member-driven event to promote commerce within the archery and bowhunting industry. Owned and operated by the ATA, the show is closed to the public and is an order writing event. SearchWide Position Overview 2
The Archery Trade Association (ATA) will bring the industry s largest trade show back to the Indiana Convention Center Jan. 11-13, 2018. The Show is expected to draw more than 10,000 retailers, buyers and exhibitors. For more Trade Show information, click here. POSITION OVERVIEW The board of directors, members and staff seek a strong leader with current executive level experience in the outdoor, sport/recreation or state agency (e.g. DNR) or a current association executive with experience working with retailers, distributors, and manufacturers that also has a lobbying effort to create awareness to a brand or sport. A strategic thinker with a proven track record for effective management and the ability to lead change. It will also be important to understand the complexities of public and private sector partnerships. It is imperative that the President/CEO be an excellent communicator who can identify, focus on and deliver solutions to key issues. The President/CEO is a highprofile, dynamic, forward-thinking leader and administrator with an exceptional work ethic and solid experience in managing, mentoring and motivating staff, who inspires those working with him/her toward accomplishing the objectives of the Association. The President/CEO is responsible for operating the Association in a manner that successfully balances service to the mission, to members and has fiscal sustainability. The President/CEO is accountable for setting and implementing the strategic vision and goals of the Association for both the present and the long-term. The ATA is a US 501(c)(6) non-profit organization that also has a 501(c)(3) Foundation that is not active. Budget: $6.4M Responsible for the overall leadership, execution of the Board s strategic initiatives, and the economic well-being of the Archery Trade Association (ATA). Reports to the Board and specifically reports to the Board Chair and Executive Committee (EC) of the Board. Manages all professional staff which currently includes 20 professional positions. Six of these staff members are located in the Headquarters in New Ulm, MN while 14 are either remote or home based. JOB DUTIES: (But not limited to ) The President will function as the ATA s general manager and chief executive officer, and will manage the ATA in administering the conduct of its business. A critical part of this individual s responsibility is the preparation of a tentative budget to meet the priorities as established by the EC, obtaining the Board s approval of the proposed budget and then the successful implementation and administration of the agreed on budget, as established by the Board of Directors. The President is responsible to and is governed by the Board of Directors, will report to and will advise the Board on all significant matters of the ATA s business, and will see that all orders and resolutions of the Board are carried into effect. The President is empowered to act, speak for, or otherwise represent the ATA between meetings of the Board within the boundaries of policies and purposes established by the Board and as set forth in the ATA s Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws. The President is responsible for the hiring and firing of all personnel and is responsible for keeping the Board apprised of staff performance and for implementing any personnel policies adopted by the Board. The President is also responsible for all contractors and vendors with whom the ATA has valid agreements and is responsible for keeping the Board informed of contractor and vendor performance with the exception of the ATA s auditing firm, which will work directly for and report to the EC, in conjunction with the President. The President is responsible for informing the EC of any illegal or unethical acts committed by staff or contractors while in the employ of the ATA, and to inform the EC of any perceived threat of any litigation or legal action against the ATA or that might involve the ATA or its activities. SearchWide Position Overview 3
The President is authorized to contract, receive, deposit, disburse, and account for the ATA s funds with proper checks and balances in place; to execute in the ATA s name all bonds, contracts, deeds, leases, and other written instruments authorized either generally or specifically by the Board or the EC; and to negotiate all the ATA s material business transactions again with the proper checks and balances in place. PROVIDING LEADERSHIP & REPRESENTATION: To ensure that the ATA Board has provided a long-term vision and strategy to enable it to achieve its goals and to monitor and review this strategy on a regular basis. To budget for and manage the programs of the ATA and ensure the goals and objectives are being met and that the ATA s funds are used in a cost-effective manner. To inspire people to join the ATA to further support the Archery Trade Association and to support archery and bowhunting. To raise the international and national standing of the ATA significantly within the shooting, hunting, conservation, and outdoor recreation sectors. To enhance and grow participation in archery and bowhunting. To provide leadership to staff, board and committees of the ATA. To ensure that ATA is represented in a dynamic and professional manner to all external individuals, groups, organizations, agencies, and other entities. To foster good relationships with members of ATA. To foster good relationships with government, statutory and voluntary bodies and other relevant organizations. To provide the membership with expertise and support with Federal Excise Tax issues. To secure proper research and information by coordinating contractors and research firms who develop and produce data and analytics about archery and bowhunting based on Board requests. To ensure the execution, profitability, and viability of the ATA Archery Trade Show. QUALIFICATIONS: Ten years of experience in a comparable industry with at least five years in an executive leadership position with direct responsibility for large and complex operating and capital budgets and oversight of professional staff. Experience and knowledge of the shooting, hunting, conservation and outdoor recreation industry and Federal, state and local conservation and wildlife agencies. Able to provide leadership and vision to the ATA and those involved in growing and protecting archery and bow hunting. Dignity to represent the ATA to local, state, national and international legislative, executive and political bodies and institutions in order to enhance the industry and advance its purposes. Clear passion for, commitment to and demonstrated knowledge of archery/bow hunting/outdoor sports. Capable of harnessing the tremendous energy, experience and enthusiasm of the diverse membership. Proven record of meeting organizational goals with non-profit service or for-profit organizations and corporate partners. Demonstrated ability to plan, implement and manage at both strategic and operational levels. High energy, drive and fortitude to move an organization forward. Values integrity and honesty. Demonstrated ability to create inclusive and trusting work environments. Exceptional communication skills, both oral and written. Ability to speak effectively to a wide variety and size of audience. Demonstrated evidence of successfully working with media, elected officials, members of boards of directors, sponsors and partners, donors, interest groups and affiliated organizations. Proven ability to build image and brand identity, and to market and promote organizational programs and value. Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, staff and a Board of Directors to create a high-functioning, team oriented culture. Enable team to accomplish targeted results. Proven record of planning and executing successful conferences, trade shows, networking and educational opportunities live and via web-based content. Experience in advocacy/government relations. Politically astute and articulate with an unflappable personality under media or public pressure. Demonstrated experience working with a Board of Directors within a coherent governance model. Demonstrated ability to manage complex data and provide timely and accurate analysis to staff and volunteer leadership. Proven track record of increasing membership in an association where appropriate while concurrently improving satisfaction metrics with focus on member value. SearchWide Position Overview 4
EDUCATION: Bachelor s degree in business, public administration, management or related discipline required, MBA or equivalent preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. PREFERRED SKILL SET: A leader with outstanding communication skills who is also a very persuasive public speaker. A command of the trade show industry, sales and marketing fundamentals from a global perspective. An individual with strong interpersonal skills and sensitivity who is able to gain and maintain the respect of industry colleagues, clients and government contacts and build coalitions with key partners. A strong manager with a proven track record of demonstrated success in the areas of finance, human resources and governance and an ability to effectively run a business. Ability to absorb, write, review/edit, analyze and interpret research reports and data. Ability to attract, develop and grow talent. Entrepreneurial spirit; business owner perspective, with strong leadership skills and vision. A successful candidate will have a keen interest in all aspects of the venue management industry and will easily relate to the opportunities and issues of its constituents. KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Excellent Communicator / Public Speaker Visionary Strategic Thinker Strong Leader Consensus Builder High Integrity and Transparent Energy and Enthusiasm Persuasive Politically Savvy Genuine Drive Extrovert Motivator Nimble TOP PRIORITIES FOR THE PRESIDENT & CEO: 1. Evaluate current strategic plan, advertising campaigns, sub committee s (Dealer Council, Finance Committee, Archery 360 Committee, etc.), staffing deployment and current programs. 2. Immediately form strong and meaningful relationships with all stakeholder groups, members, exhibitors, staff and BOD and evaluate their input and the association s strengths and concerns. 3. Personally visit Board Members at their office to understand their operation and know what keeps them up at night. 4. With the board, identify the 4 5 key pillars that the organization should focus on in order to consistently add value to all members and stakeholder groups, and to ensure long term success. 5. Discuss with BOD an option for a strategic planning session with an outside consultant. 6. With Advertising agency, conduct RFP to create a National Bow Hunting Campaign and/or a National Archery Campaign similar to Go Fishing or Go RVing. 7. Know the tradeshow, major exhibitors (and those exhibitors that left) and revenue stream of ATA (successes and challenges by asking questions). Develop strategies to produce ancillary revenue in addition to member dues or the tradeshow. Investigate the option of creating education tracks within the ATA Tradeshow. 8. Develop a strong understanding of the ATA s Bylaws, Governance, Policies and Procedures. 9. Rally support with sister associations / organizations such as ASA, NFAA, World Archery, USA Archery, State Agencies (DNR), US Fish & Wildlife, etc. to create a co-operative awareness and enthusiasm. 10. Understand CWD (Chronic Wasting Disease) and how it is affecting the deer population. 11. Foster Federal and State Agency relationships. If this could be a great opportunity to extend your professional reach, please respond though the SearchWide website or email your resume to the following SearchWide Executive: Mark Gnatovic, Senior Vice President SearchWide www.searchwide.com gnatovic@searchwide.com 817-251-9118 (direct) 817-789-9879 (mobile) About SearchWide SearchWide is a full service executive search firm primarily for companies in the travel, tourism and convention, and hotel and lodging industries. We specialize in C-Level, Director and Management level executive searches for companies ranging in size from Fortune 500 corporations to mid-sized public and private companies. SearchWide Position Overview 5