The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) is in need of a dynamic Executive Director to lead the drive to increase visibility, improve member awareness, and grow the brand of the world's largest aeromodeling organization. In addition to directing a 50-person staff, the Executive Director will be responsible for working with an active president and Executive Council (board of directors) to create member growth and retention initiatives, review and improve member services, and lead marketing, advocacy, and outreach programs. The Executive Director will represent AMA's aeromodeling community to national and local governmental regulatory bodies and agencies, other stakeholder organizations, donors, funders, supporters, and the general public.

Responsibilities

• Directs the overall operations of AMA, with direction on policy from its Executive Council, including managing an annual $10-plus million operating budget.
• Manages AMA's headquarters facility and International Aeromodeling Center (IAC), its operation, maintenance, and development.
• Maintains official records/documents to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Works with the Executive Council, staff, and committees in developing policies, programs, organizational plans, and long-range strategies to carry out AMA's mission.
• Maintains a working knowledge of significant developments and trends in the aeromodeling community, related fields, government policies and regulations, and association management.
• Develops and maintains professional liaisons with all levels of government, the modeling community, and other stakeholders.
• Maintains coalitions and alliances with allied organizations that support AMA's mission and goals.
• Serves as an effective spokesperson representing and promoting AMA and its programs to members, agencies, organizations, the general public, and the media.
• Leads the Academy's advocacy efforts and oversees AMA's government relations activities, in concert with the AMA president and Executive Council.
• Oversees the essential programs, including aeromodeling competitions, youth development and education, charter club relations, and the historical preservation of AMA and the National Model Aviation Museum.

Qualifications

• Must be an experienced leader with proven executive management and administrative skills.
• Must possess strong planning, implementing, executing, and evaluation skills.
• Must be able to work effective with the Executive Council, president, executive vice president, staff directors, and staff.
• Must demonstrate excellent interpersonal, verbal, written, and electronic communication skills.
• Must have the ability to work with and supervise others as a team builder and team player.
• Must be a role model and a lead-by-example team builder who is willing to empower and delegate authority.
• Must have the ability to mentor, inspire, motivate, and maintain the morale of the staff.
• Must be able to develop and lead lobbying initiatives intended to influence, advance, and promote the mission of AMA.
• Should have a four-year degree in business/management or equivalent work experience.
• Should have five years of work experience in an executive management position with organizational and administrative experience in a large membership, non-profit, or governmental/public organization.
• Should have experience managing a professional, technical, and clerical support staff.
• Should have experience managing a multimillion-dollar annual budget.
• Aeromodeling or aviation experience a plus, but not required.

The full job description can be found at