Association Manager

Job Description

General Summary of Responsibilities:

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The Association Manager of the American Dairy Goat Association serves as the chief staff executive responsible for the management of the association. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Association Manager provides strategic leadership, fiscal responsibility, and program administration, as well as advises and makes recommendations to the officers and the Board of Directors. Responsibilities include strategic planning, revenue generation, financial management, program implementation, commitment to diversity, board, and volunteer support.

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Essential Job Functions:  

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• The Association Manager is an officer of the American Dairy Goat Association and serves as the Secretary/Treasurer, fulfilling those duties as defined in ADGA Constitution and Bylaws. He/she conducts the business of the Association as defined by the Board of Directors in accordance with the Constitution and Bylaws. (See ADGA Constitution and Bylaws.)
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• Responsible for overall day-to-day management of ADGA and the establishment of priorities and utilization of resources.
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• Responsible for decisions related to employee hiring, training, compensation, and performance evaluation.
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• Develops and recommends to the Board of Directors long and short-range objectives and plans pertaining to the goals of ADGA.
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• The Association Manager initiates, develops, and contributes to advancing the ADGA’s alliances. He/she builds, maintains, and broadens the network of contacts among partners and potential partners in industry, associations, institutes, foundations, government agencies, etc. 
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• Establishes the necessary criteria and reviews and evaluates the performance of the total organization and its major functional activities. Identifies potential problem areas and directs the implementation of corrective action.
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• Reviews the functioning of the organizational structure of ADGA with respect to present and future operating requirements. Recommends organizational changes that will improve ADGA’s efficiency.
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• The Association Manager serves as ADGA’s spokesperson and is well regarded by key external audiences, contributing to a positive external reputation. He/she also directs the association’s promotion, publicity, and public relations activities.
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• The Association Manager improves and increases the services ADGA provides to its members.
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• Participates in the preparation of an annual budget, the maintenance of accurate financial records and best practices related to financial management and controls.
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• The Association Manager ensures that continuing education programs are relevant to the needs of its members.
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• In conjunction with the Board President, plans and coordinates Board of Directors and Executive Committee meetings.
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• Directs the development and implementation of operating policies required to achieve goals and objectives.
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• Ensures that an up-to-date office Employee Handbook is maintained and documents office policies and procedures in accordance with best practices.
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• Negotiates contracts in accordance with approved policies and procedures.
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• Performs other duties as assigned.
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Reporting Responsibilities:  The Association Manager is responsible to the Board of Directors. Performance is evaluated annually by the Board of Directors. 

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External Relationships:  The Association Manager has regular contact with the Board of Directors and volunteer leadership of the ADGA. The Association Manager should be accessible to the membership to the greatest degree possible. He or she maintains appropriate relationships with other associations, industry, government, and public service organizations to enhance the image of the ADGA and the attainment of its objectives.

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Supervises: Office Manager, Finance Director, Performance Programs Manager, NG Project Manager/Owner, IT Specialist, Senior Stack Developer/Senior Software Engineer Lead, DNA Coordinator, Marketing/Communications Specialist, Executive Assistant    

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Required Qualifications: A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, livestock, business, or applicable field. Minimum of ten years of experience in the management of an association, nonprofit organization, or related field; holding or eligible to attain the Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential. A master’s degree is a plus.

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Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:  Experience in creating, facilitating, and establishing a vision, setting goals, and executing action plans for an organization, as well as in leading staff and working with a nonprofit Board of Directors. The ability to work with and understand issues related to volunteer-based organizations, including a demonstrated successful work experience at the executive level in a nonprofit organization. Experience with resource development and handling the politics of an organization, along with Board management experience. Excellent communication skills, and the ability to connect not only to staff but also to volunteers and members from all levels within the organization.

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Knowledge of the livestock or agriculture industry is a plus.

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Location & Travel:  Onsite in Spindale, North Carolina. Limited scheduled travel (i.e. ADGA National Show, ADGA Annual Convention/Board of Directors Meeting, National Pedigree Livestock Council)

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Staff Size: 20-25 employees

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Annual Revenue: $3,000,000 – $3,500,000

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COMPENSATION:  Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Benefits include health, life, and disability insurances, SEP IRA plan, paid holidays, vacation time, and sick leave. Current salary range of $90,000-$115,000.

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More about ADGA…

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The American Dairy Goat Association (ADGA) office is located in Spindale, NC in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains an hour or so away from the Asheville/Hendersonville, Charlotte, and Greenville/Spartanburg SC metro areas.

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This position is being offered only to applicants who are willing to work on location in Spindale, North Carolina.

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HOW TO APPLY:

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Please submit resume with a cover letter detailing how your background, experience and knowledge relate to the position to the contact listed below. Deadline for submissions to be received is October 16, 2026.

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Attn:                           Dan Greene

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Company Title:          ADGA President

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Address                      PO Box 865. Spindale, NC 28160

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Email                          View email address on ziprecruiter.com

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Attn:                           Lori Reynolds

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Company Title:          ADGA Association Manager

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Address                      PO Box 865. Spindale, NC 28160

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Email                          View email address on ziprecruiter.com

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  General Understanding and Nature of the Position Description: Employment with American Dairy Goat Association is at will. Neither this document nor any oral or written representation creates a contract of employment for any specific period.

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In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job classification. These statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills of personnel so classified.