Director, Strategic Initiatives

IWLA, a leading supply chain trade association, seeks a Director, Strategic Initiatives with demonstrated success in association government affairs directives, in harnessing technology and member data, and creating a cohesive association brand. Working directly with the CEO, you will be a key player in shaping the association’s voice, member service, and the future of the warehouse logistics industry.   

Who We Seek

A dynamic, well-rounded, seasoned association professional to join our small staff. Our successful employees are proactive, resourceful, adaptable, creative, and technologically savvy with great interpersonal, planning, and business skills.

About Us

The International Warehouse Logistics Association is the only trade association for the third-party warehousing industry. Since 1891, we have served warehousing and logistics companies by providing networking, education, business development, and advocacy. IWLA is a 501(c)6 nonprofit located in Des Plaines, Illinois, north of the Rosemont Blue Line station and near the I-294 Touhy exit.

What You Will Do

• With the CEO, align strategic plan with the operational, financial, technological, and human resources activities
• Create campaigns/strategy for public policy outreach
• Collect data and information to formulate arguments essential to communicate effectively with inside and outside the organization
• Conduct regular SWOT analysis and assess external factors that affect association performance and growth
• Analyze industry trends and develop plan for capitalizing on market opportunities
• Work with President to build corporate and PAC donations and acts as a liaison to these groups
• Work with Federal and State contracted lobbyists to find opportunities
• Act an adviser to the CEO regarding regulatory and legislative advocacy
• Develop and coordinate strategic and tactical public relations programs and communication
• Develop, with marketing personnel, and implement external marketing and public relations programs that enhance third-party warehousing and IWLA
• Build, as directed by CEO, relationships with related associations, commercial groups, government agencies, and other stakeholders
• Report directly to CEO and manager government affairs, marketing, and IT personnel
• Work with relevant members, committees, and vendors

What You Need

• Seven or more years of relevant experience
• Demonstrated expertise in business or association management and association systems and technology
• Bachelor’s degree (master’s and/or CAE preferred)
• Comprehensive knowledge of Congress and the federal regulatory agencies and experience working with lobbyists/government affairs agencies
• Understanding of trade associations
• Ability to effectively work with and through committees to accomplish IWLA projects
• Ability to effectively handle numerous issues, committees, tasks and assignments
• Proven track record of success in developing and executing strategic plans
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate strategies to all levels of an organization
• Able to travel via airplane and/or automobile within North America
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills
• Ability to multitask and prioritize
• Emotional intelligence, leadership, self-reliance, a good attitude, and honesty

 What You Get

• Competitive salary, opportunities for professional growth, and a bonus based on company and personal performance
• Excellent 401(k) match
• Low- or no-cost health, dental, vision, and life insurance
• 10 paid holidays and an accrued PTO plan
• Members that support staff and help build a collaborative and welcoming culture

Please include a cover letter with your resume submission. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. 

About IWLA

IWLA is the only trade association serving the third-party warehousing industry.

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