Executive Director

Full job description Title: American Bonanza Society Executive Director
Reports to: President; oversight and review by Executive Committee (ABS Bylaws Art. II(13))
Direct reports: All staff except those otherwise assigned Exemption status: Exempt (full-time)
Job location: Wichita, Kansas, on site full time
TO APPLY: Submit by email to , no later than June 17, 2024 :
1. Your resume
2 . A cover letter
3. A one- to two-page essay detailing why you are uniquely qualified to serve as executive director of a 10,000-member aircraft owners association, as well as be hands-on leader a small office staff including remote operation at air shows and trade shows.
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JOB PURPOSE: Serves as chief staff executive, recommends and participates in the formulation of policies and makes decisions within existing policies as they have been approved by the ABS Board of Directors. Plans, organizes, directs and coordinates the staff, programs and activities of ABS to assure that objectives are attained, plans fulfilled and member needs met. Maintains effective internal and external relationships by leveraging ABS resources. Responsible for setting the strategic plan to address growing ABS and providing economical, productive and forward looking programming.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES AND AUTHORITIES: This role is responsible for and has commensurate authority to accomplish the duties set forth below.
1. Ensures the Board of Directors is kept fully informed on the conditions and operations of the ABS and on all important factors influencing them. In conjunction with the President, sets the agenda for and attends all meetings of the ABS Board of Directors. Also attends all meetings of the ABS Air Safety Foundation and, when requested, the ABS Executive Committee.
2. Defines the strategic plan for ABS and recommends for the approval of the Board of Directors, policies and programs that will further the objectives of ABS.
3. Executes all decisions of the Board of Directors.
4. Develops for the purpose of day-to-day administration, specific policies, procedures and programs to implement the general policies as needed or directed by the Board of Directors.
5. Establishes and re-evaluates annually, the organization structure and roles and responsibilities of the ABS Staff and proposes any significant changes to the Board of Directors for approval.
6 . Directs and coordinates all approved programs, projects and major activities of the ABS staff, including off-site events.
7. Recruits, hires, trains and motivates ABS staff. Responsible for all promotions and terminations, following consultation with the Board of Directors.
8. Ensures the ABS Staff resources are optimized and where appropriate, staff resources are provided growth opportunities. Defines the staff responsibilities, establishes performance standards, conducts performance reviews and maintains competitive salary structures. Identifies training or other development needs of the staff to ensure ABS can meet the defined objectives. Leverages staff to execute on objectives, events, planning and implementation of programs and related responsibilities, where appropriate.
9. Executes such contracts and commitments as may be authorized by the Board of Directors or established policies.
10. Maintains effective relationships with other organizations, both public and private, to enhance the reputation of ABS and its members in accordance with the policies and objectives of the organization.
11. Coordinates, recommends and upon approval of the Board of Directors, operates within an annual budget. Ensures that all funds, physical assets and other property of ABS are properly procured, safeguarded and administered. Executes bylaws provisions with respect to the financial statement audit and generates recurring financial reporting in accordance with requests by the Board Finance Committee.
12. Responsible for contracting with accounting/bookkeeping contractors and managing all aspects of the accounting for the books and records of both ABS and the ABS Air Safety Foundation. Responsible for ensuring proper controls, policies, and processes are in place to protect the financial assets and tangible/intangible property of ABS and the ABS Air Safety Foundation. Ensure procedures are in place to accurately capture all financial transactions and provide appropriate financial reporting to the Board of Directors. Develop an annual budget for ABS and coordinate the budgeting process.
13 . Manages the publication of the ABS Magazine, including writing monthly articles, editing other magazine content, and overseeing all aspects of ABS's periodical publications.
14. Oversees development of educational programs by the appropriate staff to advance the professional and technical skills of the membership, operating within budget and program objectives approved by the Board of Directors.
15. Plans, organizes and directs membership promotion and retention programs, evaluates results and recommends policies, procedures and actions to achieve membership goals. Ensures the collection of dues and termination of delinquent members.
16. In conjunction with the President or an Events Committee and staff, plans, manages, coordinates and conducts the flagship airshow appearances (Sun n Fun, Oshkosh and the Beech Party) as well as the annual membership meeting and periodic conventions. Exercises control and oversight of all events budgets and in particular, the convention budget.
17. Provides security for all files, legal and historic documents, membership and mailing lists.
18. Using appropriate internal and external resources, plans and executes all communications to the membership, industry and the general public. Uses available media to accomplish this objective.
19. Evaluates and decides merchandise deemed appropriate for marketing to the membership, purchases and maintains inventory control.
20. Accomplishes other general responsibilities as may be delegated by the Executive Committee or Board of Directors.
21. Responsible to the Board of Directors for the administration of the headquarters office in Wichita, KS including location, space, rent, utilities, and other infrastructure type items required to provide a professional office environment to allow the staff to effectively and courteously serve the needs of the membership.
22. Maintains such personal contacts and relationships with other associations, industry, government, public service organizations and vendors as are desirable or necessary in the best interest of the Society and in conformity with its overall objectives and policies. This includes but is not limited to AOPA, EAA, FAA, Textron Aviation and Continental Aerospace executives, insurance companies, aviation journals and the ABS magazine advertisers, editor and printer. Maintains frequent personal contacts and involvement with the presidents of the regional societies. Travels as necessary and practical to carry out these responsibilities.
23. Responsible for understanding member expectations, identifying opportunities for process improvement with staff and executing the objectives of ABS.
JOB REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, minimum education, training, licensure, experience, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Strong organizational and leadership skills. Ability to communicate verbally in one-on-one and small group situations with employees, including the ability to speak clearly, effectively, and professionally in positive or negative situations; listens to others without interrupting and gets clarification; and responds well to questions. Ability to travel and represent ABS at week-long events such as the Oshkosh Airventure and the Sun n Fun airshow. Ability to read, write, edit and comprehend articles, instructions, correspondence, and memos. Ability to write correspondence, policies and procedures. Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form. Ability to reason transactions. To perform this job successfully, an individual should have experience with Windows based software and ability to operate a computer, calculator, telephone, facsimile and copier. Ability to interact in a positive and professional manner and to develop and maintain strong working relationships with members, vendors, and employees. Ability to respond promptly to customer needs and requests for service and assistance. Ability to meet commitments. Strong attention to detail and focus on quality and accuracy. Ability to maintain confidentiality and privacy of customer and employee information. Ability to make good decisions, including exhibiting sound and accurate judgement; supporting and explaining reasoning for decisions; including the appropriate people in decision-making process; and making timely decisions. Exhibits dependability and taking responsibility for own actions. Ability to take initiative, including asking for and offering help when needed; performs work independently without being prompted. Ability to prioritize and plan work activities; use time efficiently; and work within deadlines. Ability to perform repetitive mental and physical activities.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; stand; use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee may lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distant vision, and ability to focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The work environment is usually well-lighted, heated and/or air-conditioned indoor office setting with adequate ventilation. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate (examples: business office with computers, printers and light traffic).
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY WORKPLACE: The American Bonanza Society is an Equal Opportunity Workplace. We do not discriminate in employment based on race, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, disability, age, marital status, medical history, parental status or genetic information. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by the Board Members.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $80,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year
Benefits:
401(k) matching Health insurance Paid time off Experience level:
5 years Pay rate:
Yearly pay Shift:
8 hour shift Day shift Weekly day range:
Monday to Friday Weekends as needed Experience:
Management: 5 years (Preferred) Ability to Relocate:
Wichita, KS 67226: Relocate before starting work (Required) Work Location: In person