Associated Builders and Contractors - Carolinas Chapter
| Position Title: | President |
| Location: | Charlotte, NC |
POSITION SPECIFICATION
About Associated Builders and Contractors
Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a national association that, through its 69 chapters represents more than 21,000 merit shop construction and construction-related firms that employ nearly two million workers. ABC's membership represents all specialties within the U.S. construction industry and is comprised primarily of firms that perform work in the industrial and commercial sectors of the industry.
As the face and voice of the construction industry, ABC represents its members - many of whom are small business entrepreneurs - before the legislative, executive and judicial branches of the federal government and with state and local governments, as well as with the news media. ABC's mission is the advancement of the merit shop construction philosophy, which encourages open competition and a free-enterprise approach that awards contracts based solely on merit, regardless of labor affiliation.
ABC's activities include government representation, legal advocacy, education, workforce development, communications, technology, recognition through national and chapter awards programs, employee benefits, information on best practices and business development through an online contractor search directory.
ABC was founded in 1950 when seven contractors gathered in Baltimore, Md. to create an association based on the shared belief that construction projects should be awarded on merit to the most qualified and responsible low bidders. Their courage and dedication to the merit shop philosophy spread rapidly, and within time, ABC became the fastest-growing association in the United States.
Today, ABC is recognized as one of the leading organizations representing America's business community and the merit shop construction industry but represents less than 11% of its target market. A key current initiative is to identify strategies that will ultimately double ABC membership.
About ABC of the Carolinas
The chapter represents more than 300 member companies across an expansive two-state North and South Carolina area. The chapter was chartered in 1998 and has grown steadily over the past two decades. There is great opportunity for growth as the chapter is currently at less than 10 per cent of market share. Operations and services are provided through a council structure under the chapter board of directors. The Chapter currently has seven councils in the Carolinas. As CEO there is regular collaboration and in person activity with each of the councils given their impact on the development and execution of strategy, programs and services within the chapter. Staff is in key areas in the two states.
The Chapter completed a strategic planning process in 2017 and developed a strategic plan through 2022.
ABC of the Carolinas Strategic Goals
1. Workforce Development– Be the leading force in the construction industry for Workforce Development and Training in the Carolinas.
2. Political Advocacy – Increase the political influence of ABC to advance the Merit Shop philosophy and Free Enterprise in the Carolinas and Nationally.
3. Health and Safety – Establish ABC’s Members as the benchmark for health and safety in the construction industry in the Carolinas.
4. Membership Growth & Engagement– To continuously grow and deliver value to a diverse and committed membership.
5. Carolinas Chapter Development- To make the ABC Carolinas Chapter the “Construction Association of Choice” in the Carolinas.
Position Summary
The ABC President and CEO works with the board to set the association's strategic direction and then builds/leads the ABC team to execute against that plan. He/she is responsible for developing and building consensus around policies, programs and activities designed to serve the needs of a diverse, chapter membership and for ensuring that the organization is run in an effective, ethical and financially responsible manner. He/she is also accountable for energetically engaging membership to retain current and attract/recruit new ABC members. This position includes regular travel throughout the two-state area as well as attendance at National meetings four times per year at various locations throughout the US.
CANDIDATE SPECIFICATION: KEY SELECTION CRITERIA
Ideal Experience
Passion for the free enterprise system and merit shop philosophy.
At least 10 years of leadership, management and decision-making experience with direct accountability for results at the executive level, with a budget and staff of comparable size and complexity to that of ABC.
Experience building consensus among disparate groups and volunteer leaders with varied and often competing interests.
Experience in engaging, delegating & motivating both staff and volunteers in the execution & implementation of association plans, activities, events.
Experience serving as a politically savvy face and voice of an industry or group at the state or national level; a skilled and strategic spokesperson and advocate on public policy issues and with the media.
While experience in the construction industry is not a requirement, knowledge of, or the ability to quickly become substantively credible on, the construction industry and the issues affecting it is important.
Critical Competencies for Success
Strategic Visionary: He/she will be an executive who will tell the merit shop industry's story in a credible and passionate way that enhances the business climate and adds value to ABC's members. The President and CEO will be experienced at anticipating issues and building consensus around policy positions; be an active listener who, in a collaborative but aggressive fashion, cultivates and leverages a network of relationships to advance the industry's agenda. The President and CEO will guide the board to balance long-term strategic thinking with short-term goals. The President and CEO will work collaboratively with the national association leadership in the alignment of strategy with the ABC Association Wide Plan.
Leadership and Management: ABC's next President and CEO will work with the management team and Board to ensure the association's continued operational strength. He/she will demonstrate a transparent and inclusive style; build consensus around key issues and initiatives despite differing member perspectives; and, promote a culture of passion and urgency among the staff.
The President and CEO will help lead ABC to be the most powerful pro-business, pro-free enterprise advocate for the construction industry and lead the association to consistently deliver value to its members and the construction industry.
Other Personal Characteristics
Exceptional communications skills and listening ability
High energy: Someone who approaches challenges with optimism and vigor
Highest levels of integrity, ethics and honesty
Collaborative, synergistic and interdependent
Ability to market, attract and recruit as members individuals/firms on the merits of the Association individually and through staff
For consideration email [email protected] to receive a full job description, strategic plan and organization chart. After reviewing the material you may apply by sending your resume and cover letter to [email protected].