Executive Director- RBAW

The Recreational Boating Association of Washington (RBAW) is a membership association representing the interests of Washington boaters, and made up of individual, yacht club, and contributing members. As a 501c4 advocacy organization, RBAW maintains a healthy legislative agenda each year advocating on behalf of northwest boaters and effectively communicating new and pertinent information to our members throughout the year. RBAW was originally founded in 1956 and was known previously as the Puget Sound Interclub Association and the Interclub Boating Association of Washington. As the mission and membership of the organization expanded, the name was changed to the Recreational Boating Association of Washington in 1992. Today, RBAW activities center around advocacy, awareness, and the preservation and growth of boating opportunities while working on behalf of over 250,000 registered boaters and supporting the $9 billion Washington recreational boating industry.

Recreational boating and the issues surrounding it have never been at a more exciting place, and also have recently been under unprecedented pressures. These pressures create an opportunity, and RBAW is at the next expansion point of hiring its first Executive Director to organize and lead operations of the association under the direction of a 20 member volunteer Board.  

An ideal candidate will steer RBAW through this period of growth and change, initially taking on a tactical role and eventually growing into strategic and public relations roles.

With the support of an active President and Executive Committee, the Executive Director will have opportunities to grow the organization’s membership, revenue base, and geographic presence across the state. Reporting to the RBAW President (and in close alignment with the other officers), the Executive Director will oversee the operational functions of the organization to include Board and committee support, membership administration and growth, event coordination, and database and website management.

This new staff position will be an advocate for recreational boating in the region by coordinating and supporting volunteer leaders to further RBAW’s mission and goals. A successful candidate will be passionate about recreational boating and any additional knowledge of marine trades or maritime industries will prove useful. Above all, the Executive Director should be highly effective in a leadership role that requires clear communication skills, logistics organization, pro-activity, and a willingness to learn.

Objectives of this role

• Oversee daily operations of the organization while working closely with Board members and committees to assess and address issues affecting the organization, including process creation and documentation
• Manage to revenue and expense goals as budgeted, to include expansion of contributing members
• Increase awareness of the organization by being the main point of contact for members and inquiries, and serving as an additional spokesperson for RBAW (with the progression to be the main spokesperson and face of the organization).

Responsibilities

•  Support the Board of Directors, organizational member delegates, and committees with meeting logistics, materials, and action items arising from meetings
• Manage membership database, website, and all electronic communications using membership management software
• Execute an actionable plan for dues collection and membership growth and strategy in all categories (individual, organizational, and contributing)
• Manage logistics for organizational events to include annual legislative day, annual meeting, partner organization meetings, annual boat show presence, and future membership events
• Oversee general organizational management and RBAW’s procedure manual and continued process improvement
• Manage contract or staff positions, and support organization’s contract lobbyist
• Ensure compliance with employment labor and tax laws, all relevant national and local regulations, and organizational bylaws

 Preferred qualifications and experience

• Three or more years of experience in organizational management, contract or grant management, and high level volunteer support, preferably with nonprofit organizations
• Interest and passion for the mission of Recreational boating
• Experience with Microsoft Office products, membership management databases and website management software
• Knowledge of leadership and management principles for nonprofit organizations including proved success in working with volunteer leaders
• Experience in partnering with or working for state and local government agencies to include advocacy and lobbying practices
• Entrepreneurial mindset, with innovative approach to organizational and logistics planning
• Strong experience in public relations, marketing, and fundraising
• Dynamic and charismatic team player who enjoys being both the first point of contact and “glue” for an organization
• Experience in managing budgets, basic accounting functions, and financial reporting
• Exceptional verbal, written, and visual communication skills

 Work Schedule

General business hours of Monday through Friday 8am-5pm with flexible schedule adjusted for night and weekend events and meetings. This position is remote requiring location in the Puget Sound region with regular in-person event management and meeting attendance required in Seattle and throughout the region.

Compensation

This is a full-time exempt staff position with an annual salary of $70,000 - $80,000 depending on experience. Generous paid time off and health benefits.

Application Process

Please submit a resume and letter of interest (noting specifically how you heard of the position and any boating or maritime background) to [email protected]. The position will be open until filled, and first round of resume review will take place on May 2nd. 

RBAW believes in equal access and opportunity to anyone who qualifies, regardless of sex, race, age, color, religion, mental or physical disability, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression and/or military status. RBAW is an equal opportunity employer who believes every employee has the right to work in surroundings that are free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and does not tolerate any unlawful discrimination or harassment.