SUMMARY:

As the lead salaried executive of the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER), the Executive Director (ED) is responsible for the effective day-to-day operations of AER; direction of the overall activities of AER; and for advising and making recommendations to the officers and Board of Directors with respect to all activities and policies. The ED is hired by and reports to the Board of Directors. This position serves as the liaison between the Board of Directors and AER staff. The ED may help with board development and training.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND AUTHORITY: Within the limits of the Bylaws and policies established or authorized by the Board of Directors, the ED is responsible for, and has commensurate authority to accomplish, the duties set forth below. The ED may delegate portions of these responsibilities consistent with sound management practices and authorized policies and procedures, together with proportionate authority for their fulfillment, but may not delegate nor relinquish any portion of accountability for results. The ED oversees the day-to-day operations of AER once the board approves annual budgets, plans and other macro strategies.

PRINCIPAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Association and Financial Management

• In partnership with the President, maintain an effective and representative governance system to guide the mission of AER. Serve as staff liaison with the Board to achieve AER’s goals. Ensure that agenda and materials for meetings are developed and prepared in a timely manner and in accordance with the Accessibility policy, in concert with the President or the appropriate leader designated by the President.
• Ensure that the President/Executive Committee and Board of Directors are kept fully informed on the conditions and operations of AER, and on all-important factors influencing them, thus enabling the leadership to keep the Chapter and Division leaders and appropriate committee members informed. Create, maintain, and facilitate a culture of timely, transparent communication with the Board of Directors and members of AER.
• In accordance with the guidelines and parameters set by the Board, develop, recommend, implement, review, and manage the annual budget of AER. Work with staff, the Board of Directors, and collaborative partners to seek out and secure grants and other funding from outside sources.
• Develop systems to monitor and manage financial performance. Report financial information on a regular basis to the Board of Directors. Consult as needed with the Treasurer, Finance Committee and when necessary the entire board, on decisions affecting AER’s finances.
• Direct and manage all staff financial activities and expenses within the approved annual budget. Establish, implement, and monitor financial systems to ensure appropriate financial controls.
• Work with volunteer leadership and staff to develop long-range financial plans. Work with staff and appropriate leaders to actively identify, recommend, pursue, and secure adequate non-dues revenue sources through grants and other development opportunities.
• Develop policies and procedures to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws governing association management. Maintain appropriate insurance coverage to protect the fiduciary interests of AER, its leaders, members, and staff. Sign contracts for board approved services and maintain all required documents such as Articles of Incorporation, bylaws, minutes, etc.
• Manage a virtual office space for the work of AER, maintaining on-going communication with staff using appropriate technologies. Monitor and coordinate the necessary updating of computer systems and office equipment, so that it will be adequate to meet the needs of AER and its staff.
• Within overall parameters established by the Finance Committee and Board of Directors determine appropriate salary levels for staff, within the guidelines established in the budget. Create and implement annual performance reviews for staff.
• Establish a work environment to foster staff teamwork, communications, efficiency, and effectiveness.
• Coordinate the staff support provided to all AER committees and facilitate fulfilling their responsibilities. Coordinate the staff support provided to assist Chapter and Division leadership in the development and governance of those levels of AER.
• Oversee timely preparation and coordination with the appropriate committees of all issues to be presented to, and voted upon, by the board or membership.

Membership Recruitment and Retention

• Recruit and train staff; establish and communicate staff performance expectations in order to supervise and evaluate them as they fulfill professional services to the membership in a timely manner.
• Work with leaders and staff to plan, implement, monitor, and evaluate membership recruitment and retention programs. Work with leaders and staff to develop and implement strategies to dynamically grow and maintain membership. Ensure that services, products, and benefits meet the needs of our members. Work with staff and leaders to pursue additional tangible benefits when appropriate.
• Ensure that member records are updated in a timely and efficient manner and that all invoices, correspondence and mailings to members and leaders are professionally prepared, reflect the AER's style and approach, and are sent in a timely, responsive manner in accordance with the accessibility policies of the organization. Develop and implement strategies to ensure accurate and timely responses to questions from membership.
• Participate in Chapter meetings when appropriate and financially feasible. Present at Chapter meetings when invited to do so.

Collaboration/Advocacy

• Maintain effective relationships with other organizations and arrange for representation of AER, when appropriate, at meetings and conferences of these other entities.
• Work with the Board to determine helpful partnership with other organizations and entities. Seek out opportunities to build strategic partnerships and collaborations that will strengthen AER and its mission.
• Work within appropriate coalitions and consortia as determined by the Board of Directors.
• Work with the President of AER and the Advocacy Workgroup to oversee the monitoring of governmental relations affairs and create an annual national and international legislative agenda. Develop and implement a communications strategy that engages members of AER as advocates and provides ongoing communication regarding key issues impacting the field of blindness and visual impairment.
• Oversee and manage the activities of the AER Accreditation Council, including standards for accreditation, processes for site review, participation on the Advisory Board and communication with the Board of Directors and AER Members.

Professional Development and Continuing Education

• Work with the approval and guidance of the Board of Directors and International Conference Committee to ensure that staff plan, coordinate and orchestrate AER conferences. Ensure that all legal agreements and correspondence are appropriate and sent in a timely fashion. Oversee selection process for biennial conference sites.
• Work with staff and the Publications Committee to ensure that all AER publications are high quality and relevant, produced in a timely and efficient manner, and in accordance with the accessibility policies of the organization. Encourage vigorous submissions of additional publications as appropriate.
• Work with appropriate leaders and committees to develop, plan and implement appropriate continuing education and professional development opportunities for the members.