Executive Director Job Description

Position: Executive Director
Reports to: The Board of Directors (“BOD”)

Summary: The Executive Director (“ED”) strategically manages the organization and has a vital role in shaping, leading and implementing multiple projects that are aligned with the organizational mission, vision, and values and serves as the main point of communication between the Chair of the Board of Directors, the Board and the organization’s staff while maintaining a positive and collaborative attitude in a fast-paced environment. The ED supports the Board in advancing its strategic objectives and is responsible for the daily management of AmCham Abu Dhabi’s business affairs. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the ED provides beneficial services to the members and helps meet the organization’s strategic and financial objectives.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Marketing and Business Development

Identify and pursue strategic partnerships, collaborations, and alliances to enhance AmCham Abu Dhabi’s market positioning and expand its reach to benefit members.
Maintain excellent working relations with key internal and external stakeholders on behalf of the organization, including the US business community, the US embassy in the UAE, the managing directors and CEOs of the US Chamber of Commerce, AmCham Dubai, the US-UAE Business Council, AmCham MENA, MECACC, and other regional and US Business Groups, chambers and organizations.
Under board approval and guidance, form strategic partnerships and obtain sponsorship for AmCham Abu Dhabi events and programs.
Supervise and support the management of the annual membership renewal process.
Take an active role in staying in direct contact with all members organization and retaining them.
Identify and implement new revenue streams and sponsorship efforts, such as introducing new products and services to members, under the supervision of the Board of Directors.
Promptly inform the Board of Directors of all relevant functions hosted by UAE, Abu Dhabi and US governmental agencies and other international business groups and attend the events with board members.
Develop marketing, social media, and business development plans aligning with the organization’s objectives.
Establish key performance indicators and objectives for marketing campaigns and business development plans to track progress and success while staying informed about members’ trends, competitor activities and UAE national strategies and priorities.

Budget and Finance

In close coordination with AmCham Abu Dhabi’s treasurer and Accounting Manager, responsible for accurate financial planning and analysis, assessing and monitoring the organization’s financial health and investments, and maintaining detailed financial models and forecasts.
Prepare and present detailed financial reports to the board, including profit and loss statements, cash flow analyses, and budget-to-actual comparisons.
Projects revenues from members, estimates expenses, and prepares the annual budget for presentation to the board for review and approval.
Presents annual budget to the board every September, focusing on areas for potential investment, cost-saving measures or reallocation of resources to optimize financial health.
Support the Treasurer and Finance Committee as necessary to prepare the financials for presentation at each board meeting.
Support requests for audit from the Board of Directors, as requested.
Supervise preparation for the annual audit.
Supervise the management of the annual membership renewal invoice process.

Board of Directors and Committees

Provide timely reports to AmCham Abu Dhabi’s Board Chair and Board of Directors and maintain AmCham Abu Dhabi’s Official records.
Prepare for all board of director meetings, including scheduling and logistics, the timely drafting and circulation of meeting agendas, proxy forms, and board minutes of meetings, at least one week before the board meeting.
The ED has no voting rights and attends all board meetings unless excused by the board chair for certain discussions.
Attend all AmCham Abu Dhabi board committee meetings, as requested, to assist in their work and contribute input from AmCham Abu Dhabi office management.
Assign officers to attend committee meetings to capture key discussions, minutes and follow-ups.
Report to the Board monthly any gifts and giveaways to staff and members.
Organize the members’ Annual General Meeting (AGM) and supervise the annual election of officers and directors.
Organize, with the chair, the annual strategic planning meeting (SPM) for board members.
Support the nominating committee by providing the necessary information to help determine members’ eligibility to run for election.
Work closely with AmCham Abu Dhabi’s Programs Committee and Roundtables Committee to identify and directly manage all events to maximize director and member participation and value, manage cost and ensure their overall success.
Work closely with and support all AmCham Abu Dhabi’s Committees, including scheduling and setting meetings, supporting events, and providing communications as requested by the committees through the Programs Committee process.
Promptly inform the Board of Directors of all relevant functions hosted by UAE, Abu Dhabi and U.S. governmental agencies and other international business groups and attend the events with board members.

Public Relations and Communication

With guidance from the US Public Affairs Committee Chair and the Board of Directors, organize and coordinate preparations for, budgeting and fundraising for AmCham Abu Dhabi’s annual “Advocacy Week Door Knock” in Washington, DC
Support the Chair and identified board members in their role as the organization’s public face. Work to identify board directors or members who can alternatively represent AmCham Abu Dhabi at all relevant events, meetings and public engagements.
Manage communications to and from the membership, including drafting and distributing formal notices via electronic and other means.
Write press releases, organize press conferences, and manage relations with media and press in coordination with the Chair and the Board of Directors.
Liaise with US Embassy staff and represent AmCham Abu Dhabi at US Embassy events along with board members.
Ensure that the AmCham Abu Dhabi website, app, and social media pages are routinely updated for membership and event information and other content is posted for the members’ benefit.
Supervise the development and distribution of AmCham Abu Dhabi publications, including the membership directory and periodic newsletter.
Develop and maintain an AmCham Abu Dhabi record of external contacts and a stakeholder engagement map to support the board’s strategy.
Maintain friendly relations with US embassy contacts and elevate the USA, UAE, US embassy and other partners when representing AmCham Abu Dhabi in public.
Maintain a positive affection for the USA and UAE without any political inclination mingled in AmCham Abu Dhabi.

Membership Management and Relations

Track membership information and maintain a member database in accordance with applicable law and policy.
Work with the Board Chair and Membership committee to plan recruitment efforts, membership events, and evaluations of member benefits.
Develop a yearly member survey to identify priorities and adjust advocacy and outreach strategies based on the findings.
Ensure the membership information on the AmCham Abu Dhabi website is current.
Maintain excellent rapport with members. Respond to member inquiries in a timely and professional manner. Keep members informed through coordinated electronic and other communication campaigns.
Flag members’ issues with the Board of Directors promptly, such as requests to meet with the board or to establish committees.
Oversee the members’ discount program. Locate and identify vendors whose products and services contribute to the success of the membership program.
Coordinate sponsorship opportunities for members.
Provide monthly status reports regarding membership to the chair and Board of Directors.
Provide all membership documents and reports related to the annual audit, strategic Planning Meeting, and members’ Annual General Meeting.

Other

Perform other duties as assigned by the chair, the Board of Directors, and Board committee chairs.
Ensure strict adherence to the ByLaws by the ED and all staff.

Staff and Operations Management

Oversee and direct the operations of AmCham Abu Dhabi’s office and supervise all AmCham Abu Dhabi staff. Staff includes a Membership and Events Director, Accounting and Membership Coordinator/ Manager, Events Coordinator/ Manager, Communications Coordinator/ Manager, Office Administrator, Administration Coordinator, interns and volunteers.

Ensure the team’s success and overall productivity by serving as a positive role model and fostering a supportive work environment. This includes outlining performance expectations and providing benchmarks per the AmCham Abu Dhabi policy.
Support career development by identifying training needs and providing opportunities for skill enhancement.
Maintain open lines of communication and welcome employees’ input, ideas and concerns.
Keep the office open at all working hours and staff available for members who want to visit.
Monitor and evaluate staff performance, ensuring work is completed to a high standard and within deadlines.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree preferred.
US citizen or permanent resident
At least 2-5 years of professional working experience in the UAE, preferably in Abu Dhabi.
A clear understanding of the Abu Dhabi ecosystem and strategy.
Ability to develop and maintain strong networks with Abu Dhabi government entities and the business community.
Strong ability to interface with US and UAE government officials and business executives.
English Speaker with excellent oral and written communication skills; Arabic language proficiency is advantageous.
Excellent interpersonal skills to represent AmCham Abu Dhabi, along with board members and under their guidance, in all interactions with corporate and government representatives.
Superior management, organizational and strategic planning capabilities
Ability to manage multiple programs and work under tight deadlines
Highly motivated self-starter with experience in business development, marketing, and management. Prior work experience with a trade association and non-governmental organizations is preferred.
Strong computer proficiency with various applications, including Microsoft Office, QuickBooks and databases, for timely and effective communication with AmCham Abu Dhabi members, Board members, and office staff.