Executive Director

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

Founded in 1906, the Empire State Forest Products Association (ESFPA) is a non-profit organization that represents businesses and individuals within New York State's forest products industry. ESFPA is committed to improving the business environment for the sector while advocating for sustainable forest management practices. By promoting responsible stewardship, the organization ensures New York's forests can meet contemporary resource needs and sustainably support future generations. ESFPA is a trusted source for industry information, policy advocacy, and collaboration within the forest community.

With the pending retirement of their current Executive Director, the Empire State Forest Products Association (ESFPA) is seeking a new Executive Director (ED). The mission of ESFPA is to improve public awareness and promote public policy in support of productive and healthy New York forests and the forest products economy to meet the needs of society today and for future generations. 

POSITION OVERVIEW

The ED is the chief operating officer and managing executive of the ESFPA under the supervision of the President of the Association and works at the pleasure of the Board of Directors. The ED provides strategic guidance to the Board of Directors, manages the staff, programs, and initiatives of the organization, and provides leadership toward the achievement of the Association’s mission, goals, and objectives. The ED is the registered lobbyist of ESFPA with the State of New York and serves as primary spokesperson for the organization to the public.

QUALIFICATIONS

The Association is seeking:

• A dynamic individual with strong interpersonal, advocacy, and management skills
• Proven leadership experience, with three or more years of senior management experience in a trade association or running a small to medium-sized organization.
• Demonstrated knowledge of leadership and management principles as they relate to non-profit/volunteer organizations.
•  Advocacy experience with legislative and governmental agencies.
• Ability to build consensus between groups of differing opinions and experience developing and coordinating strategic alliances with stakeholders,
• Outstanding communication skills and ability to represent the association on behalf of ESFPA stakeholders.
• Ability to travel statewide and occasionally outside the state to represent ESFPA. 
• Experience with the forest products industry is preferred.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The ED has full authority to perform the duties and responsibilities in conformity with established bylaws, policies and procedures of ESFPA. The position requires supervision of the Association’s staff and administration of established programs. Though some of the duties may be delegated to another person, accountability cannot. Continuous operational improvement is expected as the ED’s experience and judgment in making decisions will lead the Association forward.

The ED will maintain significant contact with ESFPA Board of Directors, ESFPA Executive Committee and membership. The ED also serves as liaison to select councils and committees to obtain and maintain effective representation for all ESFPA members.

JOB LOCATION  

The office is currently located at 47 Van Alstyne Drive, Rensselaer, NY 12144. The position will require some presence in Albany NY; however, a hybrid option may be considered. 

COMPENSATION

Compensation is $90,000 to $110,000 plus benefits, dependent on qualifications.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Please send your résumé and cover letter to gabriella@esfpa.org as soon as possible. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and qualified candidates will be contacted for interviews and immediate consideration. We are looking to fill the position by mid-June 2026.