CEO job in Olympia

Position Purpose

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is responsible for carrying out the day-to-day programs and activities of the association in accordance with the mission, goals, and annual budget as approved by the Board of Directors. The CEO is the organizational leader and represents the association before the members and other persons and organizations. The CEO is responsible for the business and financial aspects of the association and for management services to AWC’s related entities and their governing boards, The CEO keeps the Board of Directors informed of current issues, needs and operations, and works with the Board to carry out Board policies and directives. The CEO maintains the highest standards of ethics, honesty, and integrity. The CEO stays abreast of trends, issues, challenges, and opportunities that may affect the members or the organization and proposes ideas, programs, or changes that result in better service to the members.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Organization leadership - Responsible for understanding AWC’s mission. Focuses all organizational plans, programs, and initiatives to be in line with the mission. Works as an advocate for the organization before members, the state and federal government, and the general public.

Responsible for understanding the needs of the organization’s members and seeks to fill those needs with the organization’s programs and services. Earns the respect and support of other persons and organizations to advance the AWC mission. Responsible for staying abreast of new ideas and current trends affecting the members and state municipal organizations. May serve on governing or advisory boards to represent and advance the interests of AWC and/or members.

Business and financial management – Responsible for understanding the financial needs of the organization and allocates resources in a balanced, sustainable manner. Understands and provides oversight to the budgeting and financial systems and programs for AWC and related entities. Ensures that organization’s funds are spent appropriately, always in the best interest of members served. Provides the board accurate, timely and understandable information about the financial status of the organization through regular financial reports. Makes annual budget recommendations to the Executive/Budget committee and Board. Responsible for advising the board regarding measures to keep the organization financially sound and sustainable, including new potential sources of funding for ongoing or new programs and services. Demonstrates that duties are being performed in a timely and organized manner. Ensures that all governmental and legal requirements of the organization are met.

Advocacy and government relations – Responsible for overseeing a comprehensive policy development and advocacy program to advance the interests of members. Ensures that legislative priorities are effectively, boldly, and respectfully promoted in a non-partisan manner at the state and federal legislative levels. Maintains strong working relationships with state elected officials, executive departments, boards, commissions, and task forces. Oversees engagement in the rule making process and in the court system on issues of collective interest. Assures collaboration with organizations where interests align.

Relationship with the board – Responsible for keeping board members informed about issues, needs, and operations of the organization. Provides options and direction to the board on issues requiring board action, and makes appropriate recommendations based on thorough study and analysis. Demonstrates clear understanding of Board policy and is responsible for executing same. Responsible for responding to requests by the full board in a timely manner. Maintains impartiality with board members and treats all board members fairly and equally. Demonstrates a clear understanding of the employee/employer relationship with the board and maintains accountability to the board at all times.

Innovation/improvement – Readily works with staff on fostering new ideas and concepts that develops and promotes positive organizational change to continuously improve service to members. Regularly presents ideas to the board for better service to the members. Fosters an organizational learning culture and actively encourages staff to seek out training that will enhance and improve job skills and organizational contributions.

Personal characteristics that impact job performance – Always maintains high standards of ethics, honesty, and integrity in personal and professional relationships. Earns the respect of professional colleagues. Devotes the appropriate time and energy to effectively perform the responsibilities of the position. Works well with members, board members, committee members, staff and other groups and individuals who have an interest in or working relationship with AWC. Consistently exercises good judgment. Always maintains poise and emotional stability in the full range of professional activities, especially when faced with unexpected or difficult/disturbing situations. Able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Consistently remains open to ideas, suggestions and criticisms from the board and actively seeks input and insights from the board.