To formally apply, please e-mail your resume and a cover letter describing your interest and qualifications to AAAsearch@forakergroup.org.  You can read more about the position here: https://www.forakergroup.org/site/index.cfm/cboard-view/10607

The Position and the Leadership Opportunity: Executive Director

Alaska Airmen’s Association (the Association) seeks an ambitious leader to serve as its next Executive Director (ED). The Association’s next ED will lead the most influential General Aviation association in Alaska, the state with the highest per-capita pilot licenses and a dedicated community of aviation enthusiasts. An excellent reputation, a strong financial position, engaged membership, and a dedicated team of staff and volunteers provide a solid organizational foundation for a new ED to strengthen popular programs and services, while looking ahead to future opportunities to grow and diversify membership and promote general aviation across the state. The ideal candidate will have a passion for preserving and advancing general aviation in Alaska’s unique landscape and a minimum of five years of leadership and management experience.  

The Organization

With more than 2000 active members, Alaska Airmen’s Association is the largest general aviation (GA) organization in Alaska and one of the largest GA associations in the country. Founded in 1951, the Association is a non-profit, 501 (c) 3 membership-based organization whose sole purpose is to protect, preserve, and promote general aviation in Alaska. A small team of dedicated staff and more than 50 volunteers work to promote aviation, enhance safety, support initiatives that benefit pilots, and grow the aviation community. The eight-member board of directors stewards a $1.4 million budget funded primarily by the annual raffle fundraiser, event revenue, membership dues, and donations.  

While no one candidate will embody all the qualifications enumerated below, the ideal candidate will possess many of the professional and personal abilities, attributes, and experiences described below.

• Passion for preserving and advancing general aviation in Alaska’s unique landscape is required.
• A minimum of five years of leadership and management experience; nonprofit management experience preferred.
• Knowledge, experience, and connections to the aviation industry; understanding of Alaska’s specific aviation challenges and opportunities a plus.
• A strategic thinker capable of anticipating aviation industry trends and proactively positioning the organization to stay relevant and impactful to members.
• Demonstrated commitment to excellent customer service, public relations, and building partnerships.
• A detail-oriented and organized project manager; experience planning large events is a plus.
• Comfort with basic accounting, budgeting, HR functions, and contract negotiations.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with the ability to connect to different audiences.
• Excellent time-management skills; capable of balancing the competing priorities of long-term planning and managing day-to-day operations.
• Experience and acumen in diversifying revenue, marketing, and/or fundraising.
• Comfort with occasional travel and weekend/evening work as necessitated by duties.