Outdoor Business Alliance - WNC · 1 week ago
Executive Director
Asheville, NC
Full-time
Hybrid
Director/Executive
$70K/yr - $84K/yrThe Outdoor Business Alliance (OBA) of North Carolina is a membership-based nonprofit supporting Western North Carolina’s outdoor recreation industry. The Executive Director will lead the organization through a period of growth, overseeing the development of new regional chapters, managing staff, and ensuring financial sustainability through partnerships and grant writing.
Industry Associations
Responsibilities
Lead OBA’s organizational expansion by designing and implementing a sustainable operating model in three new regional chapters
Develop and oversee Standard Operating Procedures and governance frameworks for regional chapters
Drive strategic planning that balances growth, collaboration, and inclusivity across businesses and communities served
Model transformational and democratic leadership, inspiring a culture of collaboration, transparency, and shared ownership among staff, board, and members
Provide operational leadership, including administrative functions, bookkeeping oversight, board communications, and general nonprofit management
Collaborate with the OBA Board and key partners to serve the interests of the region’s outdoor economy
Build and maintain strong relationships with partner organizations, government agencies, and community leaders to leverage opportunities for the region's outdoor industry and ensure the industry's needs are communicated
Represent the business community to advocate for policies and initiatives that strengthen the outdoor economy, support outdoor recreation access, and promote healthy public lands
Represent OBA at regional and national events, including but not limited to the Outdoor Economy Conferences, Get in Gear Fest, and SOBAN meetings and annual convention
Maintain a high level of engagement (ear to the ground) with the national outdoor industry community to help ensure strong brand awareness with key funders/partners (both regional and national) and an understanding of national outdoor economy development trends and best practices
Champion member engagement through communication, programming, and professional development opportunities
Recruit and retain new and existing members, sponsors, and partners to grow the outdoor industry network in WNC
Conduct the annual member census; organize and report findings to support regional and national partners and outdoor industry advocacy efforts
Support regional managers and committees in producing regularly scheduled facilitated networking events, roundtables, speaker events, and training programs tailored to local needs
Foster collaboration and information sharing among outdoor gear manufacturers, retailers, guides, and nonprofits through, for example, round tables, monthly socials, and board meetings
Identify opportunities for member companies to increase visibility, sales, and market reach
Collaborate with the Board and relevant Board Committees to provide oversight and strategic direction through various marketing channels, including the OBA website, newsletters, and social media. This collaboration will focus on storytelling initiatives that highlight the impact of the outdoor business community and promote the organization
Attend and support all monthly board committee meetings
Oversee the execution and reporting of any and all current and future grants awarded to the organization, and ensure compliance
Work with the Development Coordinator to identify and secure additional funding through sponsorships, grants, and strategic partnerships
Expand the organization's financial sustainability through membership growth, strategic partnerships, grants, and exploration of earned-income opportunities. Provide transparent financial oversight and budget management in coordination with the Board Treasurer
Collaborate with the Board and Development Coordinator on budgets, grant proposals, and annual fundraising campaigns
Present grant progress to the board of directors at monthly board meetings
Collaborate closely with the Board of Directors to uphold strong governance, transparent decision-making, and accountability
Supervise and mentor staff, consultants, regional managers, and volunteers, fostering a cohesive team and supporting professional development
Maintain regular communication and collaboration with the Board and Board Chair, providing monthly updates, quarterly impact reports, and ongoing reporting on key initiatives
Work with the Board Chair to lead and facilitate an annual strategic development retreat
Cultivate a positive organizational culture rooted in respect, inclusion, and shared leadership
Qualification
Required
Professional experience within the outdoor industry ecosystem, including outdoor recreation, conservation, outdoor business, or outdoor community development
Proven leadership experience in nonprofit or organizational leadership, preferably within economic development, outdoor recreation, or community-based networks
Demonstrated skill in organizational development, strategic planning, and team management
Strong background in fundraising, grant management, and partnership development
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire collaboration and trust among diverse stakeholders
Commitment to inclusive economic growth and community engagement across rural and underserved regions
Strong marketing and outreach background (including familiarity with social media, digital campaigns, and public communications) and ability to lead and direct informational campaigns
Skilled in program/event management and community engagement
Proficiency in operations, budgeting, and nonprofit compliance
Detail-oriented and organized in record keeping, maintaining OBA file networks, keeping shared files and folders accurate and updated
Computer software proficiency, including Google Suite
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all facets of the organization
Locally based in Western North Carolina and able to travel throughout the western region of the state and potentially throughout North Carolina as needed. Must possess a valid driver's license and a functional vehicle
Availability to participate in occasional evening and weekend events across WNC
Preferred
Experience developing and leading new programs, regional chapters, or organizational expansions
Success in managing grant-funded projects, including deliverables tracking and reporting, with familiarity in ARC or other federal grant compliance and reporting requirements
Understanding of democratic and transformational leadership principles and collective impact
Database or membership software management experience
Knowledge of Western North Carolina's outdoor industry landscape
Benefits
Designated funding included for approved travel expenses & reimbursement for select work-related supplies.
This position is not eligible for employer-sponsored benefits, including health insurance, retirement contributions, or paid time off.
Company
Outdoor Business Alliance - WNC
The Outdoor Business Alliance consists of Western North Carolina-based companies collaborating to share talents, encourage new ideas and inspire each other.
Founded in 2013
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageCompany data provided by crunchbase