Chief Executive Officer

The Washington State Veterinary Medical Association (WSVMA), a 501c6 professional membership organization for veterinarians, is seeking a results-focused Chief Executive Officer to provide visionary and strategic leadership, and continue to build upon the organization’s legacy and to execute and oversee operations and activities to serve the veterinarians of Washington state.

As CEO, you will lead a 3+ person remote team and oversee an annual budget of $1 million with approximately 1,700 members. As we explore new opportunities to fuel our growth, you will play a lead role in elevating the Association to help advance our mission, vision, and goals. In collaboration with the WSVMA President and Board (volunteer positions elected by the members), you will oversee all aspects of the Association and its’ portfolio of activities. Your ability to communicate effectively, inspire internal and external stakeholders, build consensus, and drive action will be central to your success in this role.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The CEO provides strategic leadership and executive management consistent with the strategic plan and direction of the Board, manages and leads the professional staff and day-to-day operations of the Association to achieve the Association’s mission and vision. The CEO develops and nurtures strategic relationships, represents the association to all stakeholders, advances the mission, and achieves financial and operational objectives. In addition, the CEO will:

• Advise and support the Board of Directors in governing the organization; participate fully in deliberations of the Board, Board committees, and other elements of governance; participate in the development of the strategic plan; provide the Board with regular reports, thought leadership, data, analysis, and recommendations to assist in governance and strategic thinking.
• Develop and propose: the annual Budget; Board and operational policies; new program and service opportunities; amendments to the Bylaws and other governing documents.
• Execute the annual strategic plan and budget as adopted by the Board.

Within the limits of WSVMA’s policies and bylaws, the Chief Executive Officer is responsible for, and has commensurate authority to accomplish, the following duties and responsibilities.

Organizational Leadership

• In collaboration with the Board of Directors, develop the strategic goals and objectives that align with the WSVMA’s mission and vision.
• Give direction and leadership toward the achievement of the Association’s mission, strategy, goals, and objectives.
• Responsible for day-to-day operations; oversight and supervision of the staff including monitoring staff performance, staff hiring/firing and ensuring an adequate staffing plan.
• Foster an organizational culture that attracts, engages, motivates, and retains a diverse team of competent, qualified staff and volunteers.
• Utilize and implement proven, sound association management practices to ensure the organization follows applicable state and national laws, rules, and policies governing non-profit associations.
• Manage the office, infrastructure, systems, policies, and procedures necessary to administer the headquarters operation, serve members and ensure consistent, high-quality, professional operation

Member Growth & Engagement

• In collaboration with the Board of Directors, ensure membership services are robust and responsive to meet the variety of needs of the members.
• Develop and implement programs and policies to attract new members and incentivize current members to renew.
• Develop and implement initiatives to enhance member engagement and satisfaction.
• Champion all aspects of member service to ensure the highest quality experience for members and prospects.

Financial Management

• In cooperation with the President and Board of Directors, oversee the financial management and records of the Association, including the preparation of the annual budget and reports that are required by governmental agencies in accordance with federal and state laws.
• Strengthen the organization’s finances by identifying and pursuing funding opportunities, including non-dues revenue, sponsorships, and partnerships to support the Association’s programs and initiatives.
• Implement appropriate risk management practices including insurance coverages, association policies, and legal documents.
• Solicit donations for our companion charitable organization and maintain appropriate reporting.

Program Planning and Management

• Produce the annual conference, maintaining its stature as the Association’s premier conference; deliver outstanding attendee experiences and achieve budget targe
• Plan and coordinate all aspects of WSVMA’s meetings, conferences, and events:
  • Work with respective committees on program development and speaker management.
  • Negotiate all outside contracts, including hotels, meeting facilities, decorator, logistics, registration, staffing, security, food and beverage and general meeting management.
  • Generate promotional content.
• Develop and manage relationships with sponsors, partners, advertisers, strategic allies, and other

Publications, Social Media & Marketing

• Oversee WSVMA publications, Member Alerts, and other organizational media. Develop and draft copy for news, informational articles, and promotions.
• Manage contracted web/graphic designer and maintain overall quality of website. Draft copy for WSVMA and WSAHF websites.
• Manage social media strategy and develop content for delivery through Association social media channels.
• Manage marketing strategy and draft copy for Association programs and events.

Liaison Responsibilities

• Serve as the professional liaison and maintain a working relationship with state and federal agencies related to veterinary medicine.
• Serve as the professional liaison to ensure strong relations are established and maintained between WSVMA and local associations, the AVMA, and other state-based organizations.
• Serve as the liaison between the general public, the media, and the Association, communicating the Association’s positions and policies as defined by the Board of Directors.
• Attend and represent WSVMA at various national, regional, and local meetings and events. Includes approximately four to six events requiring travel.

Legislative and Regulatory

• Work with WSVMA’s Legislative Advocate to achieve the legislative objectives of the Association.
• Review proposed state legislation that may affect veterinary medicine and where appropriate, develop an Association position.
• In collaboration with WSVMA’s Legislative Advocate, direct the activities of WSVMA-Political Action Committee (PAC).
• Assist with the organization and maintenance of a grassroots-lobbying network.
• Monitor state regulations that affect the profession and advocate with appropriate agencies to achieve the goals of the Association.

Board and Volunteer Engagement

• Execute and implement all decisions of the Board, the annual strategic plan, and budget as adopted by the Board, and ensure the Board is kept fully informed on activities and operations around progress towards strategic goals and financial performance.
• Proactively bring ideas for service and program improvements to the Board.
• Inform the Board regarding the condition and operations of the organization and trends, events, or emerging issues that can impact the Association’s or profession’s succe
• Identify volunteers to serve on committees, task forces, and the Board.

Chief Executive Officer Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate for this position will be an effective, adaptable, and visionary leader able to understand and address the varying needs of WSVMA’s diverse membership. She/he will bring a variety of experiences and attributes to the Association including:

• Proven ability to lead and manage as evidenced by organizational growth from past association, agency, organization, or company leadership experience.
• Ability to build and cultivate strong relationships with various constituencies.
• Excellent and effective communication skills including the ability to articulate the value of WSVMA to its diverse members and external stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to lead and direct diverse groups of individuals in carrying out the Board’s strategic vision.
• Respectful, honest, transparent, and ethical leadership style; strong moral compass.
• Ability to build, lead and motivate an effective management team.
• Insight and vision in identifying and anticipating trends within the profession.
• Proven association management leadership and best practices.

Qualifications

The Chief Executive Officer is committed to WSVMA’s mission and vision and should have an authentic interest in promoting a safe and healthy Washington for animals, veterinarians, and the public. Concrete demonstrable experience and other qualifications should include:

Required

• Bachelor’s degree preferred;
• Ability to work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people;
• Comfortable speaking in front of professional groups;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; a persuasive and passionate communicator;
• The ability to think strategically and critically, synthesize complex issues and information, and manage change;
• Ability to plan organization-wide activities (setting objectives, developing strategies, budgeting, and organizing the functions necessary to accomplish the activities);
• Minimum of 5 years of management experience;
• Financial management experience, including budget preparation and implementation;
• In-depth knowledge of the management process, especially as it applies to growth and long-term planning;
• Has served as a CEO, Executive Director, Chief Staff Executive, staff Director/Vice President, or similar title of a non-profit organization.

Preferred

• Experience maintaining a presence with the public and elected officials;
• Holds CAE (Certified Association Executive);
• Veterinary nonprofit or related healthcare or similar association management experience;
• Proven track record of working successfully with a Board;
• Has managed or lead a team of 3+;
• Fundraising experience;
• Advanced degree, ideally MBA, MPA or similar.

Additional Requirements

• Full-time presence in Washington
• Ability to travel locally and nationally 
• Willing to take a criminal background check

Work environment and benefits

• Fully remote, based in Washington, with ability to meet regularly in-person with staff currently based in Seattle metro area.
• This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, medical/dental/ vision, life insurance, and 401k.

Salary Range

$118,000 to $178,000

About the WSVMA
Mission: Advancing the cause of veterinary medicine to better the lives touched by it.

The WSVMA has advanced the standard of veterinary care statewide since 1909, and is committed to serving its membership and community through innovative leadership and to improving animal and human health in an ethically and socially responsible manner. The WSVMA monitors state legislation and regulations that pertain to veterinary medicine, educates the public about veterinary medicine and animal health care, and keeps members current on state and national veterinary issues. The Association also provides continuing education for veterinarians and related professionals. It serves as a resource for information on the practice of veterinary medicine and animal health to both members and the public.

The WSVMA also has a companion 501c3 charitable organization, Washington State Animal Health Foundation (WSAHF), created to allow those who love animals an opportunity to donate money to assist in improving animal health and wellbeing through tax-exempt contributions. WSAHF’s Vets Helping Pets Veterinary Grants provide funds to supplement a veterinarian’s charitable care for animals of low-income families or families that are facing an undue financial burden.

To Apply

Email your cover letter and resume to [email protected]. Initial screenings will occur as of August 1, 2023.