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About the Role

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will work with the President, Board, and wider council to shape and deliver a multi-year strategy and annual operating plan. This role involves setting and monitoring KPIs, anticipating industry trends and risks, and acting as a neutral broker for industry collaboration. The CEO will also develop and deliver an income generation plan, grow commercial income, build sponsor relationships, and ensure commercial activities align with member value and the GCA's reputation. Additionally, the role focuses on enhancing member value and engagement through refining the membership proposition, driving recruitment and retention, providing member support, and overseeing events. The CEO will represent the GCA and the greeting card industry to stakeholders, act as a spokesperson, and lead communications and industry initiatives. Governance, financial management, risk, compliance, and operational delivery, including managing staff and contractors, are also key aspects of this position.

Responsibilities

Shape, recommend, develop and deliver a multi-year strategy and annual operating plan.
Set, monitor and report on clear KPIs.
Anticipate industry trends and risks.
Act as a neutral broker for industry collaboration.
Develop and deliver an income generation plan to diversify revenue.
Grow commercial income through conferences and events.
Turn industry data and insights into products members are willing to pay for.
Build and manage a pipeline of sponsors/partners.
Ensure strong account management and renewals for sponsors/partners.
Hunt for new revenue, such as industry sponsorships or government grants.
Ensure all commercial activity aligns with member value and protects the GCA’s independence and reputation.
Develop and continually refine the membership proposition.
Drive membership recruitment and retention.
Ensure members have access to timely, practical support, guidance and opportunities to connect and collaborate.
Maintain a strong feedback loop with members.
Oversee the planning and delivery of key in-person events and online programs.
Ensure events deliver member value and commercial outcomes.
Build strong relationships with venues, suppliers and speakers.
Represent the GCA and the greeting card industry with stakeholders.
Be the voice for the industry on critical issues.
Build alliances with other relevant trade bodies and partners.
Act as a credible spokesperson and thought leader for the industry.
Oversee the GCA’s communications strategy.
Lead delivery of industry and consumer-facing initiatives/campaigns.
Protect and enhance the GCA brand and reputation.
Ensure the GCA operates in line with its Articles of Association and applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
Support effective governance.
Lead the annual budgeting process, manage cash flow and reserve.
Ensure timely year-end accounts and audit/independent examination.
Oversee financial controls, accounting processes and external providers.
Maintain organisational risk management, policies and insurance.
Manage the GCA’s professional staff member(s) and coordinate contractors and volunteers.
Oversee efficient day-to-day operations and supplier management.
Promote equality, diversity and inclusion in organisational practice and across GCA activity.

Requirements

Senior leadership experience.
Demonstrable commercial acumen and a track record of growing income.
Strong financial management capability (budgeting, cashflow, reserves, working with accountants and/or auditors).
Willingness to be hands-on with administrative and operational tasks.
Governance experience and confidence working with a Board/Council of non-executive or elected members.
Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, including with senior industry leaders and (where relevant) regulators/government.
Strong marketing, communications and public speaking capability; able to act as an effective external spokesperson.
Experience overseeing events and programs with both member value and commercial objectives.
Hands-on ability to use our systems, update the website, and lead digital marketing campaigns.
Experience within the Greeting Card industry or within a membership organisation, trade body, or related not-for-profit environment (Desirable).
Experience of policy, lobbying or public affairs (Desirable).
Media Trained (Desirable).
Ability to influence without formal authority (Desirable).
Experience of managing small teams and/or working in a ‘hands-on’ leadership role (Desirable).
Familiarity with Xero (or similar accounting systems) (Desirable).
Trustee/non-executive, volunteering or governance roles (Desirable).
Collaborative, inclusive and empowering leadership style.
Member-centric and commercially pragmatic.
Highly organised, with strong follow-through and attention to detail.
An entrepreneurial approach.
A proactive leader who shapes outcomes by providing clear, evidence-based recommendations.
Confident communicator with credibility and warmth.

Skills

Strategy development and delivery
Financial management
Income generation
Commercial strategy
Sponsorship and partnership management
Membership proposition development
Member recruitment and retention
Event planning and delivery
Stakeholder engagement
Advocacy
Industry representation
Communications strategy
Public relations
Brand management
Governance
Risk management
Compliance
Operational management
Team management
Digital marketing
Website management
Policy and lobbying (Desirable)
Public affairs (Desirable)
Media relations (Desirable)
Influence without authority (Desirable)
Xero or similar accounting systems (Desirable)

Location

Home-based
London (for in-person interviews)

Work Type

3 to 5 days per week (open to discussion)
Flexible
Hybrid (requires in-person attendance for meetings and events)

Experience Level

Senior leadership

Salary/Compensations

Competitive and aligned with industry standards for the sector and scale of our organisation; dependent on the candidate’s specific skills and experience.

About the Company

The GCA represents the greeting card industry.

Equal Opportunity

We recognise that many qualified candidates currently hold key positions within our industry. Please be assured that your application will be treated with absolute confidentiality and will not be disclosed beyond the immediate hiring panel made up of GCA Directors. We are committed to protecting your current professional standing throughout the recruitment process.