Executive Vice President, Partnerships & Events
WHO WE ARE
The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) is the US trade association for leading retailers. Through collaboration and thought leadership, we provide retail executives a forum to network, share best practices, advance ideas and take action.
Equally as important, RILA values a work environment where employees can thrive. We rely on teamwork, respect, trust and transparency, flexibility, and commitment to serve ourselves and our members well.
RILA's mission is bold but simple: to elevate a dynamic industry by transforming the environment in which leading retailers operate. Learn more about us at RILA.org.
OUR CORE VALUES
- Integrity - Operate with the highest integrity and respect for each other and the brands we represent
- Service - Delight members with service beyond their expectations
- Change - Learn from experiences, adapt and constantly improve
- Team - Collaborate with one another to achieve more and celebrate wins together
KEY RELATIONSHIPS
Reports to:
Brian Dodge, President
Direct reports:
Business Development
Conferences & Events
Content Strategy & Innovation
Other Key Relationships:
Board of Directors; other Senior Member Company Executives
Internal Subject Matter Experts
Communications & Marketing
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead the development and execution of non-dues commercial strategies and initiatives to enable RILA to continue to deliver best-in-class services to America's largest retailers while growing revenue and attendance/participation.
- Help set and advise on strategic priorities in a way that maximizes long-term commercial performance, creating long-term value for RILA and its members.
- Work cooperatively with RILA senior team on overall strategic plan of the Association; ensure work within area of responsibility aligns with strategy across the association.
- Work with RILA President to establish annual Association budget.
- Working with other key RILA Leaders, oversee the planning and execution of RILA's major conferences, Retail CEO Forum, LINK-The Retail Supply Chain Conference, Retail Asset Protection Conference, and the Retail Law Conference.
- Drive innovation aimed at increasing event attendance and revenue.
- Work with senior team to explore new event(s) or offerings.
- Develop inclusive planning and execution processes.
- Directly lead, manage, and develop the VP of Business Development, Sr. Director of Conferences and Events, and SVP of Content Strategy and Innovation and support them in leading, managing and developing their direct reports.
- Recruit as needed, coach, develop and inspire a capable and motivated team of professionals who can grow within the organization.
- Participate in educational events to expand knowledge of retail and association businesses.
IDEAL EXPERIENCE
- 10+ years of business development and strategic leadership in association, corporate, media or conference setting.
- Track record of driving product and/or event innovation, revenue growth and long-term positive outcomes.
- Proven ability to work effectively with peers and manage a high-performing business development organization.
CRITICAL LEADERSHIP CAPABILITIES
Commercial Orientation
- Enables higher profitability or revenue by incrementally improving the business: making calculated changes to processes and creatively adapting service offerings.
- Looks beyond basic metrics to think strategically when making commercial decisions.
Leading People
- Collaborates with the team to manage projects, solve problems, discuss challenging issues, or learn more about critical issues as a group.
- Delegates roles thoughtfully to free self to work at a more strategic level.
- Collaborates with the team to establish clear, challenging performance goals and metrics.
- Designs a performance management process to monitor projects and deliver results that exceed expectations.
- Periodically reviews team progress against plans, focuses attention beyond the project to the full year or more.
Leading Change
- Communicates new direction or changes with clear rationale and appeal.
- Advocates for new direction, takes it onboard personally, even countering conventional practice.
- Speaks at all available opportunities about future direction.
- Adjusts communication style to changing situations and to respond to audience concerns (including culture, background, or style).
Other Personal and Professional Characteristics
- A visionary and strategically oriented leader.
- A charismatic leader with a team-player attitude.
- A deep passion for the mission and success of RILA, its employees, and its members.
- Genuine, open, and a good listener. One who seeks input and values the insights and contributions of all colleagues
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
- Generous Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage (FSA/HSA options available)
- Employer sponsored Life Insurance, STD and LTD Coverage
- 401(k) Retirement Plan (with Employer Match); Roth 401(k)
- Unlimited Paid Time Off + 11Federal holidays
- Professional development opportunities
- Team outings/gatherings
RILA is an equal opportunity employer and encourages people of all backgrounds, genders, ethnicities, abilities, and sexual orientations to apply. We are committed to being an inclusive place to work, while maintaining a workforce that represents the communities we serve.
COVID-19 RESPONSE
The safety and wellbeing of our team members is the highest priority for RILA. The organization is temporarily operating remotely. Onboarding for this position will likely be conducted in a hybrid format - virtual screening with the potential for in-person interviews if safe to do so. Timing of full-scale reopening of RILA's Washington DC office is planned for January 10, 2022.