Executive Director

About the Industrial Environmental Association

The Industrial Environmental Association (IEA) is a nonprofit trade association representing industrial businesses throughout San Diego and California. IEA serves as the voice of industry on environmental, energy, water, air quality, sustainability, permitting, and regulatory issues while fostering collaboration among businesses, regulators, elected officials, and community partners. IEA provides advocacy, education, networking, policy engagement, and industry leadership for its members.

Position Summary

The Executive Director serves as the chief executive and principal spokesperson for IEA, responsible for advancing the organization's mission, strategic priorities, financial sustainability, membership growth, and industry influence. The Executive Director will work closely with the Board of Directors, committees, member companies, government agencies, elected officials, regulatory organizations, and industry partners to position IEA as the leading voice for industrial environmental policy and advocacy in the region and beyond.

This role requires a dynamic leader who can effectively manage association operations, lead and develop the IEA staff team, and foster a collaborative, accountable, and high-performing culture while serving as a trusted advocate, relationship builder, strategist, and ambassador for the industrial community.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Implement the strategic vision established by the Board of Directors.
• Position IEA as the "go-to" organization on environmental and industrial policy issues.
• Identify emerging regulatory, legislative, and industry trends affecting members.
• Develop and execute short- and long-term initiatives that strengthen IEA's influence and value proposition.

Government Affairs and Advocacy

• Serve as IEA's primary representative before local, regional, state, and federal agencies.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with elected officials, regulatory agencies, business organizations, and community leaders.
• Maintain lEA’s existing relationships with other organizations that advocate for business and industry, including Sacramento’s Thursday Group Members, SDEP, IECOC, BizFed, and Chambers of Commerce in the San Diego region. 
• Advocate on behalf of IEA members regarding environmental, energy, air quality, water quality, hazardous materials, land use, and sustainability issues.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments and communicate impacts to members.

Membership and Stakeholder Engagement

• Recruit, retain, and engage member companies across a variety of industrial sectors.
• Maintain strong relationships with executives, environmental professionals, and industry leaders at member organizations.
• Conduct regular outreach to members to understand priorities and ensure high-value services.
• Foster collaboration among members, regulators, elected officials, and strategic partners.

Board and Committee Support

• Partner with the Board of Directors to establish annual goals and organizational priorities.
• Support board governance, strategic planning, meeting facilitation, and policy development.
• Work closely with committee chairs to ensure active and effective committee programs.
• Provide regular communication and recommendations to the Board regarding organizational performance and emerging issues.

Staff and Team Leadership

• Lead, supervise, and support IEA staff, establishing clear roles, priorities, performance expectations, and accountability.
• Build a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team culture aligned with IEA’s mission, strategic priorities, and member service goals.
• Provide regular coaching, professional development, and performance feedback to staff, and address staffing and workload needs.
• Coordinate the work of staff, consultants, contractors, committees, and volunteers to ensure effective execution of IEA programs and operations.

Financial Management and Operations

• Develop and manage the annual budget.
• Ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the association.
• Identify new revenue opportunities through membership growth, sponsorships, events, partnerships, and other initiatives.
• Serve as the primary liaison with IEA's CPA company, coordinating invoicing, accounts receivable, payroll, and related administrative services.
• Ensure compliance with nonprofit governance requirements and organizational policies.
• Manage all banking activities on behalf of IEA.
• Other administrative duties as required.

Programs and Events

• Lead planning and execution of IEA's annual environmental conference and other major events.
• Oversee educational programs, member meetings, webinars, tours, and networking opportunities.
• Ensure programs deliver measurable value to members and stakeholders.

Communications and Public Relations

• Serve as the public face and spokesperson for IEA.
• Engage with media, regulators, industry organizations, and community stakeholders.
• Oversee member communications, newsletters, website content, and external messaging.
• Promote IEA's accomplishments, priorities, and member successes.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in environmental science, engineering, public policy, business, communications, law, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience.
• Demonstrated success in association management, nonprofit leadership, government affairs, environmental policy, regulatory affairs, industry advocacy, or related fields.
• Strong understanding of environmental regulations and public policy issues affecting industry.
• Exceptional communication, facilitation, and public speaking skills.
• Experience building relationships with executives, regulators, elected officials, and diverse stakeholders.
• Proven strategic planning and organizational leadership capabilities.
• Financial management and budget oversight experience.

Preferred

• Experience leading a trade association, nonprofit organization, industry coalition, or membership-driven organization.
• Familiarity with California environmental regulatory programs and agencies.
• Experience working with boards of directors and volunteer leadership organizations.
• Demonstrated success in membership growth, fundraising, sponsorship development, and event management.
• Experience with legislative advocacy and regulatory engagement at local and state levels.

Ideal Candidate

• A respected and credible leader within the environmental, industrial, business, or public policy community.
• A skilled coalition builder who can bring together industry, government, and community stakeholders.
• A strategic thinker with strong business acumen.
• An effective advocate who is comfortable engaging with legislators, regulators, and media.
• A relationship-focused leader who values member service and stakeholder engagement.
• An entrepreneurial professional who can identify opportunities, solve problems, and drive organizational growth.

Compensation

IEA offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience and qualifications, including salary, benefits, and retirement options. The anticipated annual salary range for this position is $140,000 to $160,000, with final compensation based on experience and qualifications.

Interested candidates should submit:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Professional References

The Industrial Environmental Association is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from qualified candidates committed to advancing environmental stewardship, responsible industry practices, and collaborative solutions to environmental challenges.

 Applicants are requested not to contact IEA staff. Opportunities to meet staff will come later in the process.

Help lead the next chapter of IEA's success and continue building a strong voice for industry and environmental leadership throughout California