Position Summary
The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of the Oregon Funeral Directors Association (OFDA) and the National Funeral Trust Services (NFTS) Master Trust, providing strategic leadership, operational management, advocacy coordination, membership engagement, and financial oversight for the Association and its affiliated Master Trust program. This position works closely with the Board of Directors, legal counsel, financial advisors, and member firms to advance the mission of the Association while ensuring compliance, fiduciary integrity, and organizational sustainability.
The Executive Director is responsible for day-to-day operations, legislative and regulatory advocacy, member services, educational programming, financial stewardship, and administration of the Association’s Master Trust assets and relationships.
Key Responsibilities
Association Leadership & Administration
- Implement the strategic goals and policies established by the OFDA Board of Directors.
- Manage all daily operations of the Association office.
- Serve as the primary liaison between the Board, members, regulators, vendors, and stakeholders.
- Lead planning, attendance, and logistical execution for all OFDA District Meetings and State Convention in coordination with the OFDA Board.
- Attend all Public OMCB Meetings
- Organize, prepare, and attend all OFDA and NFTS Board Meetings
- Develop annual operating plans, budgets, and organizational objectives.
- Oversee contracts, insurance, records retention, and organizational compliance.
- Prepare agendas, reports, minutes, and strategic recommendations for Board review.
- Manage and serve as a direct report to OFDA office staff and manage all operational contracts and agency vendors.
Membership Development & Engagement
- Promote member recruitment, retention, and engagement initiatives.
- Serve as the primary contact for member inquiries and support.
- Develop member communications including newsletters, website development, and digital outreach including social media campaigns.
- Coordinate continuing education opportunities, conferences, and professional development programs.
- Foster strong relationships with funeral homes, suppliers, educators, and industry partners.
Legislative & Regulatory Advocacy
- Monitor state and federal legislation affecting funeral service, cremation, cemetery operations, prepaid funeral trusts, and related industries.
- Represent OFDA before regulatory agencies, legislators, and industry coalitions.
- Coordinate lobbying efforts and advocacy initiatives as directed by the Board.
- Keep members informed regarding regulatory changes and compliance requirements.
Master Trust Administration
- Oversee administration and operational coordination of the NFTS Master Trust program.
- Serve as liaison with trustees, investment advisors, legal counsel, accountants, and financial institutions.
- Monitor trust performance, compliance requirements, and fiduciary processes.
- Ensure accurate reporting, documentation, and regulatory filings related to trust operations.
- Coordinate communications and educational support for participating funeral homes regarding trust participation and procedures.
- Support long-term financial stewardship and risk management objectives of the Master Trust. Trust participants' e-security is a primary concern.
- Promote sale and development of the trust with cemetery operators and new stakeholders.
Financial Management
- Prepare and manage annual budgets for both Association operations and related trust administration functions.
- Monitor revenues, expenses, investments, and financial reporting.
- Oversee audits, tax filings, and financial controls.
- Ensure sound fiscal management practices and transparency.
Communications & Public Relations
- Promote the mission and reputation of OFDA within the profession and the public.
- Manage website content, media communications, and public-facing materials.
- Build collaborative relationships with state agencies, educational institutions, and allied organizations.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, nonprofit management, finance, public administration, or a related field preferred.
- Minimum 5 years of executive leadership, nonprofit management, or business management.
- Experience working with boards of directors and volunteer leadership.
- Knowledge of nonprofit governance, fiduciary responsibilities, and financial management.
- Familiarity with trust administration, investment oversight, or prepaid funeral trust operations a plus.
- Strong communication, organizational, and relationship management skills.
- Legislative or regulatory advocacy experience preferred but not required.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities with professionalism and discretion.
- Experience working with funeral homes and death-care adjacent businesses a plus.
Core Competencies
- Strategic Leadership
- Financial & Fiduciary Oversight
- Nonprofit Governance
- Relationship Management
- Legislative Advocacy
- Communication & Public Speaking
- Organizational Development
- Compliance & Risk Management
Reporting Structure
The Executive Director reports directly to the OFDA Board of Directors and works collaboratively with Board officers, committees, legal counsel, investment professionals, and external partners.
Compensation & Benefits
Compensation is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Benefits include health insurance, retirement contributions, paid time off, professional development support, and travel reimbursement.
Job Requirements
Executive Director will be responsible for maintaining a travel schedule that allows them to visit funeral homes throughout the state. The position will require regular working hours at the OFDA office in Tigard. Executive Director will manage their own schedule with board approval.
Pay: $65,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Portland, OR 97223
