Position Summary:

The Executive Director serves as the chief staff executive responsible for leading the operations, performance, and strategic execution of INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, a founding member of the Global Nonwovens Alliance (GNA).  Reporting primarily to the Chief Executive Officer of the Global Nonwovens Alliance (GNA), and accountable to the INDA Board of Directors and Executive Committee for governance, fiduciary oversight, performance, and industry representation, this role partners closely with the GNA CEO to ensure alignment between INDA’s mission and the global strategy of GNA. Success will be evaluated on delivering measurable results to INDA members and toward industry priorities, by influencing industry trends, and proactively leading on industry regulatory and business opportunities. This position provides executive leadership to drive INDA member engagement, program development, public affairs, and industry advancement across the Americas in close coordination with INDA leadership, GNA, industry partners and regional leaders.The successful candidate will be a confident, proactive leader who combines operational excellence with strategic judgment, and who is comfortable acting as a trusted partner to the GNA CEO, the INDA Board and decisively lead on approved priorities.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute strategies that address the needs of members while aligning with GNA’s vision and objectives.
• Provide forward-looking insight on industry trends in the Americas, regulatory developments, political dynamics, and member expectations.
• Act as a strategic partner to the GNA CEO on Americas-related opportunities, risks, and positioning.
• Foster collaboration with strategic partners, other industry groups and other regional leaders to meet operational and industry objectives.

Governance & Board Engagement

• Support the GNA CEO in INDA Board and Executive Committee engagement.
• Develop, maintain and present strategic, operational, performance and financial reports which measure and gauge membership trends and satisfaction, industry health, program efficiency and individual and organizational accountability.
• Ensure INDA operations meet all legal, fiduciary, and governance requirements.

Member Engagement & Growth

• Drive member recruitment, retention, and engagement initiatives.
• Manage and develop programs, events, and services that deliver value to members.
• Foster industry innovation, collaboration and engagement to address key industry challenges and opportunities.
• Serve as the primary liaison between INDA members and the GNA leadership.
• Maintain close, trusted relationships with key member companies and stakeholders.

Advocacy & External Relations

• Monitor and lead engagement in regulatory and legislative matters which impact the industry in the short-, mid- and long-term horizons.
• Represent the association in policy discussions, regulatory matters, and industry forums.
• Build relationships with government agencies, media, and other stakeholders to promote the industry’s interests.
• Develop informed positions, strategies, and engagement plans on public policy issues impacting the industry.

Operational Management

• Oversee day-to-day operations including staff management, financial, service and program delivery.
• Maintain high standards for operational and personnel performance and accountability with clear objectives, performance expectations and measurable goals.
• Ensure efficient use of resources and continuous improvement of processes and services.
• Ensure compliance with legal, financial, and ethical standards.
• Manage regional events, conferences, and other member and industry programs.
• Collaborate with other regional leaders to share best practices and harmonize processes, seeking efficiencies.

Communications & Branding

• Promote the association’s mission and initiatives through strategic communications.
• Maintain consistent branding, messaging and positioning in line with GNA’s branding strategy.
• Act as a senior representative of INDA at industry events, conferences, and stakeholder meetings.
• Support the GNA CEO in reinforcing a coherent global narrative for the nonwovens industry.

Qualifications:

• Proven leadership experience in a trade association, nonprofit, or industry organization.
• Demonstrated exposure to government relations, advocacy, or regulatory engagement at regional or national level.
• Proven ability to work effectively with Boards and senior stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of the manufacturing sector, supply chain dynamics and the business and regulatory environment from an industry perspective.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience working in a matrixed or global organization is highly desirable.
• Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree in business, public policy, or related field preferred.

Preferred Attributes:

• Knowledge of, or experience with, the nonwoven manufacturing supply chain or similarly related manufacturing industry experience.
• Strategic thinker with a collaborative leadership style.
• The ability to challenge constructively, bring ideas forward, and engage in high-level strategic dialogue.
• Politically savvy and adept at navigating complex stakeholder environments.
• Committed to industry innovation, growth, global collaboration, and member success.
• High personal accountability, reliability, and follow-through.
• Demonstrated success operating in a federated and/or evolving organizational environment.