Executive Director - Florida GCSA

Advance the Profession. Serve the Membership. Lead the Association. The Florida Golf Course Superintendents Association (Florida GCSA) is seeking a pragmatic, service-minded leader to manage the association’s operations and help the Board advance its mission of promoting sustainable turf management, strengthening the profession, and uniting golf course superintendents across the state.

The Florida GCSA represents members through eleven local chapters, each with representation on the Board of Directors, and serves Class A, Superintendent Member, and Class C members affiliated with those chapters.

The Executive Director will lead the association’s staff and operations while building strong relationships with members, chapter leaders, industry partners, allied organizations, regulatory and governmental offices, the media, and service providers.

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who can move comfortably between member service, financial administration, events, education, communications, sponsorships, government relations, staff oversight, and long-range planning.

The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors, carries out Board decisions, serves as a non-voting staff liaison to the Board and its committees, and has the opportunity to evaluate and shape the association’s staffing and organizational structure to support its future needs.

Key Areas of Leadership and Responsibility - Board support and follow-through. Keep the Board informed about the association's operations, finances, opportunities, and risks; carry out Board decisions; and recommend programs or improvements that support the Florida GCSA's mission.

- Meetings and governance. Prepare agendas and supporting materials, attend Board and committee meetings, record and distribute accurate minutes, and track action items through completion.

- Association operations. Manage daily administrative work independently, follow the bylaws and Standard Operating Procedures, maintain organized records, and keep policies and procedures current.

- Member and chapter service. Respond promptly to questions and requests, maintain strong relationships with 11 local chapters, and visit each affiliated chapter at least once during the fiscal year when practical.

- Membership administration. Support recruitment, onboarding, renewals, retention, dues administration, and accurate membership records while helping members understand available programs and benefits.

- Events and education. Plan, promote, and coordinate association meetings, educational programs, golf events, and other official activities, including venues, speakers, registration, attendance, fees, and event communication.

- Golf BMP Certification. Promote and support communications and planning for the Golf Best Management Practices Certification Program and related educational efforts.

- Financial management. Maintain and/or provide oversight for accurate accounts payable and receivable, collect and deposit funds, reconcile bank accounts, pay approved bills, prepare the annual budget, provide quarterly financial reports, and coordinate required tax filings for all Florida GCSA chapters.

- Financial controls and purchasing. Follow Board-approved purchasing and internal-control procedures, maintain supporting documentation, and work closely with the Secretary/Treasurer and any outside financial or investment professionals engaged by the association.

- Industry partnerships and revenue. Build and maintain relationships with industry partners, sponsors, and advertisers; prepare media kits and agreements; issue invoices; and develop responsible sources of non-dues revenue.

- Publications and member communication. Coordinate the Florida Green, Membership Directory, website, email communication, event notices, and other printed or digital materials in partnership with editors, committees, and vendors.

- Media and public relations. Serve as a primary media contact, maintain useful contact lists, prepare news releases and announcements, and help communicate the work of Florida GCSA and its local chapters.

- Committee support. Serve as a staff liaison to association committees, help committee leaders plan and complete their work, and ensure recommendations and reports reach the Board in a timely manner.

- Government and allied-industry relations. Support the Government Affairs Committee, work with golf and turf organizations, monitor issues affecting golf course management, and help share clear, accurate information with members and chapters.

- Representation and travel. Represent Florida GCSA at local chapter events, statewide industry meetings, GCSAA programs, and other events approved by the Board.

- Compliance and records. Complete required state, federal, and GCSAA affiliation filings on time and safeguard the association's legal, financial, historical, and electronic records.

- Contractor and vendor coordination. Coordinate the work of editors, temporary staff, consultants, technology providers, event vendors, and other service partners engaged by the association.

- Other responsibilities. Complete special projects and related work assigned by the Board.

Core Qualifications - Preferred experience of 10 years or more managing the operations of a membership association, nonprofit organization, golf or turf organization, or another organization with comparable responsibilities.

- Strong working knowledge of budgeting, accounts payable and receivable, bank reconciliation, financial reporting, and recordkeeping.

- Clear, professional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare meeting materials, minutes, member updates, and public-facing information.

- Excellent organization and follow-through, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and work independently while remaining accountable to a volunteer Board.

- A member-service mindset and the ability to build respectful relationships with superintendents, assistants, equipment managers, students, chapter leaders, industry partners, allied organizations, volunteers, vendors, and the public.

- Experience planning meetings, educational programs, conferences, tournaments, or similar events.

- Proficiency with Microsoft 365 or comparable office software, accounting systems, website and email tools, and membership or contact databases, with the ability and willingness to learn new systems.

- Sound judgment, discretion, and a high level of integrity when handling financial, personnel, Board, and member information.

- Ability to travel regularly throughout Florida, travel nationally on occasion, and work some evenings or weekends for meetings and events. Travel anticipated at 15%.

- A genuine interest in the golf course management profession and the ability to quickly understand the issues affecting Florida's golf course superintendents.

Preferred Experience and Background - Experience in the golf or turfgrass industry, or with a GCSAA-affiliated chapter.

- Experience working directly with a Board of Directors and volunteer committees.

- QuickBooks or similar accounting-software experience.

- Experience developing sponsorships, advertising, grants, or other non-dues revenue.

- Experience with government affairs, advocacy, media relations, or public speaking.

- Experience overseeing publications, websites, newsletters, membership directories, or digital communication.

- A bachelor’s degree in business administration, nonprofit management, communications, public administration, sports management, turf management, or a related field is preferred. Relevant professional experience may substitute for formal education.

Key Outcomes for the Role - Members and local chapters receive prompt, helpful service.

- The Board receives accurate information, clear recommendations, and reliable follow-through.

- Financial records, budgets, reports, and required filings are accurate and completed on time.

- Meetings, events, publications, and education programs are organized and well communicated.

- Membership, industry partnerships, and the association's statewide relationships continue to grow and strengthen.

Compensation and Benefits The Florida GCSA offers a competitive executive compensation and benefits package. Salary will be based on the selected candidate’s experience, qualifications, and demonstrated ability to lead the Association. Complete compensation and benefit details will be discussed during the interview process.

How to apply Please submit a resume and brief cover letter to EC@floridagcsa.com . Applications will be reviewed by the FGCSA Executive Committee and the Succession and Structure Task Group. All applicants will be contacted following the review process. Deadline to apply: 12/31/2026

Equal employment opportunity Florida GCSA is committed to equal employment opportunity. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are available during the application and interview process.

Candidates are encouraged to apply even if they do not meet every preferred qualification.