Envelope Manufacturers Association (EMA)

The Envelope Manufacturers Association is the world’s largest non-profit trade association devoted exclusively to the envelope manufacturing and paper-based communications industry. EMA exists to promote the value of paper-based communications and, in particular, envelopes and printed products. EMA is dedicated to the business activities of manufacturers and envelope printers, forms companies, packaging companies, market intermediaries, and the suppliers that support these companies. We work closely with state, national, and global legislative and regulatory authorities to ensure business remains successful and to protect the industry.

Position Overview

Reporting to the Board of Directors, EMA’s President has overall strategic and operational responsibility for EMA’s staff and programs as well as execution of its mission and strategic initiatives. The President directs and administers all aspects of the Association’s operations. This individual is responsible for oversight of the Association’s sister organizations, including the Global Envelope Alliance (GEA) and the EMA Foundation, acts as the principal staff liaison to the Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and Finance Committee for EMA and provides guidance to all operating committees.

The President reports to a 5-member Executive Committee and an eleven-member board of directors, oversees a four-person staff and team of consultants, and manages an $8.1 million annual budget. The President will collaborate with internal stakeholders and staff in developing the organization’s strategy and goals, as well as securing and allocating sufficient resources to sustain EMA’s mission and operational requirements. The President will be integral to EMA’s work in achieving the key objectives of its current strategic plan and crafting the strategic plan of the organization moving forward. It will serve as the primary ambassador of the organization externally, furthering EMA’s advocacy efforts, engaging with its membership, and marketing organizational services. The ideal candidate has a successful record of association management and/or experience in the paper-based communications or envelope industry.

Key Responsibilities

STRATEGIC VISION

• Work with the Board and staff to maintain and refine EMA’s strategic planning process with regular updates to advance the Association’s mission, vision, and values.
• Provide leadership to assure that EMA is achieving its short and long-term goals and objectives.
• Identify and implement strategic partnerships that position EMA to effectively accomplish its mission.
• Examine internal and external data and metrics, industry insights, and shifts in public policy or opinions, to evaluate the effectiveness of the strategic plan and revise as needed.

ADVOCACY AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS

• Create and maintain EMA’s political platform and advocacy operation at federal and state levels, acting as the internationally recognized expert leader and authority in the industry.
• Continue building coalitions to work on regulatory or legislative issues, helping to create EMA’s political platform.
• Collaborate with related associations to create joint outreach and advocacy efforts.
• As Treasurer of the PAC and PEF, oversee the annual recruitment and giving of donors and the disbursement of PAC funds.
• Lead the day-to-day operations of the Global Envelope Alliance (GEA).
• Act as the public facing representative and liaison with the United States Postal Service, the Postal Regulatory Commission, and Congressional Committees that oversee the Postal Service; oversees the Postal Partner Program and acts as a staff liaison to the Postal Affairs Committee.
• Act as an organizational and industry representative in Washington, D.C. helping EMA keep up with (or ahead of) federal and state laws, and regulations that impact the industry. Provide or manage lobbying guidance to ensure EMA’s government affairs efforts are effective and that members are represented in the Congressional decision-making process.

MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND VALUE

• Oversee the Membership Marketing and Retention Plan for the attainment of membership goals.
• Maintain positive relationships with members, ensuring organizational excellence in membership service.
• Advise the Board of Directors on best practices for member engagement and ensuring EMA is working towards meeting the changing expectations and needs of members
• Provide leadership and initiate due diligence in the development of Association programs and services.

BOARD ENGAGEMENT

• Partner with Vice President on the creation of annual business plan, strategic long-range plan, and budget.
• Report regularly to the Board on material changes in the annual business plan or strategic long-range plan.
• Anticipate and assist the Chairman in conducting Board and Committee meetings.
• Research and advise the Board on best practices in not-for-profit governance, policies, and procedures.
• Ensure timely production and delivery of all necessary materials and documents for Board meetings.
• Ensure recordkeeping of corporate minutes, proceedings, and documents comply with state and federal laws.

FINANCE AND OPERATIONS

• Develop and manage EMA’s overall budget to provide support to programs for staff to achieve goals, specifically the Association’s initiatives, goals, and ideally, provide a contribution to surplus.
• Oversee investment programs and capital investments with an eye towards financial stewardship via the Investment Policy of the Board of Directors.
• Transmit monthly reports to the EMA Treasurer and Executive Committee with variance explanations.
• Develop policies, benefits, and compensation within available revenue to maintain dedicated staff for EMA and ensure alignment amongst future hires.
• Assure filing of all government reports and documents in accordance with compliance standards.
• Provide leadership to EMA staff to continue a culture of performance excellence, program continuity, and office efficiencies.

CONVENTION AND EDUCATION

• Participate in the Planning and Development of all new programs and any updates to existing programs relative to content direction.
• Serve as an industry expert and produce a wide range of trends reports on the industry and postal matters and is a regular contributor to industry publications and presenter at industry conferences.
• Work with the Marketing and Communications staff to ensure programs and messaging effectively communicate relevant member benefits.
• Partner with Committees to assure that EMA is advancing the industry and its members through its services.

Required Qualifications and Experience

The President must be a strategic and collaborative leader with high energy and a desire to innovate and establish operations on new projects in close partnership with a member driven association and its volunteer leadership. The next President will serve as the organizational ambassador and present a positive image of the organization and industry. The successful candidate must encourage a culture of respect and communicate openly with EMA officers and staff and will possess outstanding written and oral communication skills, problem solving and interpersonal skills, and an ability to listen and delegate effectively. The candidate must have a demonstrated knowledge of political and legislative process and be able to articulate the EMA’s value proposition (education, advocacy, and networking).

• Ten or more years’ experience in leadership within an association or corporate industry.
• Demonstrated experience and track record in advocacy and government affairs. Experience in regulatory and legislative practices plus.
• Prior experience in the envelope or paper-based communications industry or leading a trade association a plus.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills with ability to synthesize data and positions into clear vision representing the best interests of the industry.
• Demonstrated ability to delegate and motivate a successful staff team, evidenced by long standing tenure of direct reports, staff trust, and advancement.
• Credible experience setting and achieving strategic objectives and managing a multi-million-dollar budget.
• Experience working with a Board of Directors and senior-level management groups.
• Experience with a multi-faceted organization involving volunteer leadership, professional staff, large meetings, enduring educational materials, and member service preferred.
• Certification as an association executive (CAE) preferred.

Key Relationships

Staff Direct Reports

• Vice President

Outsourced consultant staff including –

• Accountant
• General Counsel
• Investment Advisor
• Board of Directors

Education

A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field from an accredited institution is required. A master’s or advanced degree in Public Policy or Business preferred.

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Korn Ferry shall provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified candidates, and will refer candidates without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected basis.