Summary
Description
The American Association of Woodturners (AAW) is a Minnesota nonprofit 501(c) (3) dedicated to advancing the art and craft of woodturning worldwide through education and community-building.
Founded in 1986, AAW is headquartered in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and envisions a world where woodturning is valued, inspirational, and accessible to all. With more than 14,000 members and over 350 local chapters around the globe, the organization fosters a vibrant and inclusive community of woodturning enthusiasts. Its members range from amateurs and hobbyists to professionals, gallery owners, collectors, and tool suppliers, all united by their shared passion for woodturning.
MISSION
Strengthen and empower the global woodturning community.
VISION
A world where woodturning is valued, inspirational and accessible to all.
VALUES
COMMUNITY Community is at the heart of our organization, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose among woodturners of all skill levels and interests. We create a vibrant interconnected community through intentional and supportive inclusion.
SHARING We are committed to sharing knowledge, time, techniques, and inspiration with the broader community.
GROWTH The AAW fosters growth through learning, education, innovation, and collaboration. We believe in allowing everyone to participate and succeed.
SAFETY The safety and well-being of our community is valued above all else.
ETHICAL AAW is dedicated to honest, fair, and transparent operations and relationships.
RESPECT We are committed to creating an environment where everyone is treated with dignity, kindness and empathy.
KEY STRATEGIES
Education & Inspiration
Support and inspire the woodturning community by being the trusted provider of the highest quality education and resources for all skill levels.
Outreach & Awareness
Broadly communicate the value and impact of woodturning both within and beyond the Association.
Community Engagement
Foster meaningful relationships between woodturners, chapters, vendors, strategic partners, and all those who want to support the future of woodturning.
Organizational Excellence & Sustainability
Optimize staffing, revenue and expense streams, technologies, and assets that support the organization's programs and outcomes.
PROGRAMS
AAW Membership
With over 14,000 members, AAW is the premier destination for woodturners, offering the world’s largest portfolio of resources. From beginners to seasoned artisans, members gain access to educational content, expert-led resources, and a vibrant community. AAW supports its members’ growth while preserving the art of woodturning for future generations. AAW offers specialized programs to address the evolving and diverse interests of its members:
Professional Outreach Program promotes professionalism in woodturning and fosters high standards through various initiatives.
Young/Student Turners and Turning to the Future provides resources and programming for teachers and students ages 10 to 25, fostering the next generation of woodturners.
Turners Without Borders facilitates global outreach, sharing woodturning knowledge and resources with communities worldwide.
Woodturning Beyond Barriers delivers techniques and adaptations to support individuals with disabilities and other challenges, ensuring safe and creative woodturning experiences.
POSITION PROFILE – EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
We are seeking an experienced nonprofit Executive Director to lead and oversee all aspects of the organization’s operations and activities. Key areas of focus include financial management, fundraising, member services, marketing and communications, education and outreach, publications, and stewardship of an extensive collection of turned wood art. With the organization completing a comprehensive strategic planning process, the new Executive Director will play a pivotal role in implementing an updated mission and vision.
MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES
The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and manages a budget of $2 million. Direct reports include Curator, Marketing and Communications Director, Events Manager and Administrative Assistant.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Demonstrated success as an Executive Director or in a senior leadership role within a nonprofit organization.
- Proven experience in developing and implementing effective strategies and plans.
- Proficiency in using relevant software and technology tools to enhance operations.
- Expertise in fundraising and networking, with a track record of building strong relationships with donors and stakeholders.
- Strong knowledge of financial management and performance metrics.
- Deep understanding of governance principles and best practices in nonprofit management.
- Analytical and innovative mindset, with the ability to solve problems creatively and identify opportunities for organizational growth.
- Exceptional organizational and leadership skills, with a focus on team building and operational efficiency.
- Excellent communication skills, including public speaking, writing, and interpersonal abilities.
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field, or equivalent professional experience.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
STRATEGIC & OPERATIONAL LEADERSHIP
- Lead the development and execution of the organization’s strategic plan, ensuring alignment with its mission and long-term goals.
- Create and implement detailed business plans to drive growth, achieve strategic objectives, and measure success.
- Oversee the development of operational work plans, ensuring they align with strategic priorities and optimize resource use.
FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP
- Oversee budgeting, financial reporting, and audits with the board and Finance Committee.
- Ensure timely preparation of reports, tax filings, and corporate documents.
- Optimize expenses while maintaining financial sustainability.
FUNDRAISING AND STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
- Develop and implement a foundational fundraising strategy aligned with the organization’s mission and goals.
- Build and cultivate relationships with donors, sponsors, and funding partners to establish a sustainable donor base.
- Engage the Board and staff in identifying funding opportunities and supporting fundraising efforts.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS ENGAGEMENT
- Serve as the primary liaison to the Board, aligning efforts with the organization’s mission and goals.
- Support Board operations, ensuring effective governance and decision-making.
- Engage Board members in fundraising, programming, and stakeholder outreach.
TEAM MANAGEMENT
- Lead and support a team of four full-time and one part-time staff, plus a contract American Woodturner journal editor and Woodturner Fundamentals editor, a contract Accountant, contractor of Advertising/Exhibitor sales, and Symposium contract support.
- Leverage volunteer efforts to enhance organizational impact. AAW interacts with more than 100 volunteers annually.
COMMUNICATIONS
- Act as the primary spokesperson, inspiring stakeholders by effectively sharing the organization’s mission and impact.
- Promote transparent, consistent communication to align and engage staff, volunteers, and the Board.
- Collaborate with Marketing Director for compelling branding, messaging, and marketing strategies to enhance visibility and connect with key audiences.
- Manage complex relationships across members, chapters, volunteers, and donors, fostering collaboration through conflict resolution and relationship-building.
LEADERSHIP CHARACTERISTICS
ACTIVATES CHANGE
Prioritizes strategically, leading the organization to pursue and capitalize on the best opportunities.
Quickly assesses situations and drives objectives forward by breaking down barriers and communicating change effectively to encourage understanding and adoption.
CUSTOMER FOCUS
Understands evolving audience needs and incorporates audience feedback and anticipate opportunities to strengthen and build relationships.
FOSTERS COLLABORATION
Promotes communication and coordination across the organization to build a cohesive, aligned culture and unite the team.
OPEN TO LEARNING
Brings a learning orientation to the work. Seeks guidance and shows willingness to learn to achieve objectives, proactively anticipating needs and effectively allocating resources, time, and people.
HOURS AND TRAVEL
The position will require flexible work hours which will include evenings and weekends. Currently the entire team is hybrid and a few are full-time remote. Some travel required to other chapter locations, annual symposium and regional events (8-10 weekends a year).
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The salary range for this position is: $115,000 – $130,000. Compensation benefits include retirement matching, paid time off, sick leave, annual holidays aligned with company policy, and participation in health benefits.
TO APPLY
To apply, send your resume and cover letter by March 7, 2025. There will be an immediate and ongoing review of candidates, so we encourage and appreciate early applications. All inquiries will remain confidential.
VIEW COMPLETE PROFILE
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