US

Executive Director of ARNOVA, Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action

The Organization

The Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action (ARNOVA) is a diverse community of scholars, educators, and practice leaders that strengthens the field of nonprofit and philanthropic research in order to improve civil society and human life.

A. Primary Role:

Founded in 1971, The Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action (ARNOVA) is a diverse community of scholars, educators, and practice leaders that strengthens the field of nonprofit and philanthropic research in order to improve civil society and human life. We bring together both theoretical and applied interests, helping scholars gain insight into the day-to-day concerns of organizations, while also providing nonprofit professionals with connections to research they can use to improve the work of their organizations and the quality of life for citizens and communities.

As ARNOVA embarks on its 50th anniversary, the Executive Director will work closely with the Board of Directors to co-design the future of the organization in realizing its strategic goals and vision. The Executive Director will join a high-integrity, vibrant, diverse, inclusive, and growing community that creates conditions for success for its members and other stakeholders. The Executive Director will be committed to the vision, mission, and values of ARNOVA, enhancing the value of member experience while growing membership; developing external relationships to enhance contributions to knowledge, policy, and practice; and expanding organizational capacity to fulfill ARNOVA’s strategic priorities, vision, and mission. The Executive Director serves as chief executive officer of ARNOVA and is an ex-officio member of the Board of Directors, the Executive Committee, and all other ARNOVA committees.

The Executive Director will be hired through the HR system of Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) and will report directly to the ARNOVA Board of Directors. Although ARNOVA is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, remote work is an option.

B. Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

33.3% Enhance Member Experience, including to:
Increase membership in accordance with strategic priorities;
Uphold diversity, equity, and inclusion goals;
Continue to improve the quality of engagement among members through ARNOVA’s activities and governance.
Expand opportunities for, and quality of, members’ professional development;
Continue to improve member satisfaction.

33.3% Expand Organizational Capacity, including to:
Measurably accomplish goals and objectives of the organization’s strategic plan;
Effectively manage and support the operational infrastructure and programs of the organization;
Provide information and support to the board and committees;
Continue to improve staff capacity and volunteer satisfaction.

33.3% Enhance External Relationships, including to:
Manage strategic partnerships;
Sustain and generate new revenue;
Effectively negotiate contracts (such as for staffing, publications, and conference locations);
Expand ARNOVA’s international footprint (such as through the journal NVSQ and regional conferences);
Increase the visibility, branding, and positioning of ARNOVA;
Increase ARNOVA’s presence as an advocate for nonprofit research.

C. Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree plus at least 7 years of experience, or a master’s degree or equivalent terminal professional degree plus at least 4 years of experience; either with a demonstrated record of success.
  • Management experience in membership associations preferred.
  • Additional education or advanced knowledge of the fields of nonprofit, philanthropic, and civil society studies is desirable.

Preferred knowledge, skills, and abilities:

  • Ability to lead and collaborate in a multicultural environment that requires a high level of cultural competency; including motivating and managing staff and working collaboratively with, and supporting, the Board of Directors.
  • Ability to support members in advocating for research and evidence-based practice.
  • Management and organizational skills with the ability to motivate and manage a decentralized networked organization with global remote teams.
  • Ability to maintain a “big picture” strategic view while translating policies into daily routine operations.
  • Ability to identify challenges and opportunities facing the Association and offer feasible solutions for addressing them.
  • A proven track record of strong contract negotiations and fiscal management as well as revenue generation (including development and fundraising) success.
  • Excellent oral, written, and communication skills; excellent interpersonal skills essential.
  • Capacity to leverage technology and manage large events, publications, and association/ membership programming.

D. Level of Decision Making: 

The Executive Director will work closely with and report to the ARNOVA Board of Directors. All other ARNOVA staff, both local and remote, report to the Executive Director, who is responsible for supervision and providing reports on their performance to the ARNOVA Board of Directors.

E. Scope and Impact: 

The Executive Director serves as chief executive officer of ARNOVA and is an ex-officio member of the Board of Directors, the Executive Committee, and all other ARNOVA committees. In accordance with the organizations’ policies, goals and visions, the Executive Director ensures value and quality of engagement and services to a diverse community of approximately 1,500 scholars and practitioner members, nine sections, and twelve interest groups; manages the association’s professional development programs and online presence and activities; manages a portfolio of about $2 million in financial assets and develops revenue generation activities including fundraising and sponsorships; manages international and institutional partnerships including collaboration with the Association for Research on Civil Society in Africa (ARoCSA) and partnerships with foundations and universities; organizes three annual international conferences (in Africa, Asia, and North America) and an annual national policy symposium; and negotiates and manages multiple contracts including the contract with Sage that publishes the association’s journal Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly, which is a leading international, interdisciplinary journal for nonprofit sector research.

F. Direction Provided to Others:

  • Associate Director
  • Assistant Director, Communications, Marketing, and Operations
  • Additional contract staff

G. Physical Requirements:
Frequent domestic and international travel required.

H. Compensation:

Compensation commensurate with experience.

How To Apply

https://iujobs.peopleadmin.com/postings/75808

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