Executive Director of Southwest Regional Manufacturers Association (SRMA)

Organizational Overview

As a statewide, industry-led not-for-profit partnership, FloridaMakes strengthens and advances Florida’s manufacturing economy by fostering the development of a world-class manufacturing workforce, accelerating the deployment and use of state-of-the-market technology, and growing the value contribution and resilience of the state’s supply system to high-value, high-trade sectors, both domestically and internationally. In addition, FloridaMakes coordinates with strategic industry, academic, and government partners to increase the number and share of high-value, high-trade industries throughout the state.

FloridaMakes operates principally through a network of independent industry associations and academic institutions, as well as other economic development affiliates throughout the state, and is governed by a board that reflects that composition. As an independent, not-for-profit, FloridaMakes is primarily funded through a combination of competitively awarded government opportunities as well as by industry through fees-for-services.

FloridaMakes operates the state’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) under a cooperative agreement with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Florida Advanced Technological Education Center (FLATE). FloridaMakes delivers technical and network services to manufacturers through a regional hub model.

As part of the FloridaMakes network, Southwest Regional Manufacturers Association (SRMA) serves manufacturers in the Southwest Florida region. SRMA works closely with FloridaMakes to connect local manufacturers to relevant resources, programs, and best practices that support regional growth, competitiveness, and workforce development.

General Description

The Executive Director of Southwest Regional Manufacturers Association (SRMA) provides strategic, operational, and financial leadership for the organization, ensuring effective delivery of programs and services that support manufacturers across the Southwest Florida region. Reporting to and working closely with the SRMA Board of Directors, this role oversees day‑to‑day operations, manages budgets and organizational resources, and leads fundraising, grant development, staff and volunteer supervision, and community outreach efforts. The Executive Director ensures mission fulfillment, organizational sustainability, and strong engagement with regional manufacturers and partners, while fostering collaboration within the FloridaMakes network.

Primary Responsibilities

Grow the Corporate Membership of Manufacturers

• Support and manage association activities that strengthen member engagement, including joint visits, events, and partner collaboration.
• Promote the Southwest Regional Manufacturers Association (SRMA) within the five-county region and, as appropriate, through collaboration with other Regional Manufacturers Associations (RMAs) and FloridaMakes. Represent the organization at industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities to build awareness, strengthen relationships, and identify potential partnerships.
• Conduct strategic planning with key stakeholders to expand market presence and enhance the association’s value proposition in alignment with SRMA objectives, FloridaMakes priorities, and the needs of the region’s manufacturing businesses.

Add Value to Manufacturers Through Events and Community Engagement

• Serve as the public face of the organization by building partnerships and increasing awareness of SRMA through outreach efforts, communications, and digital platforms.
• Develop, capture, and maintain accurate and current information within the FloridaMakes CRM system to support effective relationship management throughout the full engagement lifecycle, from prospect through service delivery.

Ensure the Financial Wellbeing of SRMA Through Revenue Generation

• Develop and implement strategies to secure funding, including grant writing, donor cultivation, sponsorship development, and membership revenue growth. Conduct outreach and relationship-building efforts with companies and partners to support organizational sustainability.
• Oversee budgets, monitor cash flow, and ensure accurate financial reporting and compliance. Maintain familiarity with financial and administrative platforms such as PayPal, QuickBooks, and CRM tools (e.g., Salesforce), as well as required filings, tax returns, and regulatory obligations.

Organizational Leadership and Governance

• Collaborate closely with the SRMA Board of Directors on strategic planning and provide regular updates on organizational performance, financial status, and program outcomes.
• Manage day-to-day operations, including staff and volunteer supervision, basic HR oversight, and administrative functions. Ensure appropriate risk management practices are in place, including adequate insurance coverage.
• Prepare periodic written reports for the association, key stakeholders, and FloridaMakes leadership.
• Attend statewide and/or national training events and contribute best practices, insights, and regional perspectives to the FloridaMakes network.

Training and Development

• Regularly participate in industry events and professional development opportunities to stay informed about industry trends, benchmarking practices, and emerging service opportunities within the MEP network and across the broader ecosystem of Florida and US manufacturing.

The above items reflect the general duties and responsibilities necessary to describe the principal functions of the job, as identified, and shall not be considered an exhaustive list of job responsibilities which may be inherent in the job. Responsibilities are subject to change.

Location/Travel

This position is located in the Southwest Region of Florida, serving the five-county area of Charlotte, Lee, Collier, Hendry, and Glades Counties. The role requires extensive travel throughout the region to support business advisor activities, with occasional overnight travel within Florida and nationally. There is no designated office; the employee will work remotely from home.

Work Environment

The employee uses computer and telephone equipment and will have extensive travel driving his/her vehicle.  The employee may be required to staff a trade show booth and conduct or participate in plant tours. The employee may be subject to low to moderate noise levels during plant tours, and may be, infrequently, exposed to fumes or airborne particles during these tours. 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

Organization

The position reports to the Board of Directors of SRMA, has responsibilities within the FloridaMakes organization, and may include supervisory responsibilities.

Education and Experience

The ideal candidate should have an advanced degree or seven or more years of related experience in Business Development, Manufacturing, or Operations Management. Proven leadership experience is required, preferably within a manufacturing nonprofit, including providing staff direction.

Essential Skills/Attributes

1. Possesses the skills and implements the functions of a leader, including a strong sense of accountability, integrity, and the ability to handle highly visible responsibilities.
2. Models behavior, develops people, and builds high-performing teams.
3. Manages continuity, change, and transition; demonstrates the ability to influence and enable others across the organization.
4. Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively present and execute innovative ideas and communicate across all levels—from the shop floor to executive leadership and board members. Demonstrated ability to write reports and business correspondence with outstanding attention to detail.
5. Exercises exceptional judgment, discretion, and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
6. Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment.
7. Proven ability to effectively present information and respond to high-level inquiries from managers, customers, partners, board members, and other stakeholders.
8. Strong technology proficiency, including the ability to learn and master a variety of software-as-a-service business applications; experience with CRM tools (preferably Salesforce) is preferred.
9. Results-oriented professional with a proven track record of successful business development, deal capture, and meeting or exceeding performance targets, supported by a strong understanding of the manufacturing industry and familiarity with technical assistance programs.
10. Entrepreneurial, hands-on leader with strong critical-thinking and decision-making skills, financial literacy (including budgets and nonprofit financial documents), and the ability to anticipate challenges, prioritize work, and drive solutions.

Compensation/Benefits

Compensation is based on experience. FloridaMakes offers a very competitive benefits package, including a 401K plan, and has a generous time-off policy.

FloridaMakes is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, marital status or veteran status.