OPA is Hiring - Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer!

Introduction for Ohio Pharmacists Association

Founded in 1879, the Ohio Pharmacists Association (OPA) unites those in the profession of pharmacy and encourages interprofessional relations while promoting public health through education, discussion, and legislation.

With nearly 2,500 active members, OPA provides invaluable benefits to members and advances the pharmacy profession in the state and across the country. Benefits for members include: an on-going presence in the Ohio legislature through the efforts of lobbyists who monitor and initiate legislation; protection and representation of pharmacists’ interests with the State Board of Pharmacy, Bureau of Workers Compensation, Ohio Department of Insurance, Ohio Department of Medicaid, and other regulatory agencies; and updates to the Pharmacy Practice Act to allow pharmacists to practice at the top of their training. The association’s educational arm, the Ohio Pharmacists Foundation, provides ACPE-approved continuing education programs.

The Ohio Pharmacists Association is a leading advocate for the pharmacy community in Ohio and among the leading voices nationally in the effort to support pharmacists’ ability to improve public health in our communities. Recent successes include advocacy to gain provider status for pharmacists in Ohio and removing barriers that previously prevented health plans, hospitals, and healthcare teams from utilizing the expertise of the pharmacist. Additional recent successes include supporting the roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccination program in Ohio, providing crucial support to the pharmacy community during the pandemic, and remaining a top industry provider of continuing education. 

The Opportunity

The Ohio Pharmacists Association seeks an experienced professional to succeed as a long-time, visionary leader. The incoming Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer will be a thought partner to a diverse Board of Trustees who come together in their service and in their commitment to positively shape the direction of the pharmacy profession in Ohio and beyond. As such, they must bring firsthand experience in contemporary pharmacy settings and an interest in remaining at the leading edge of developments in the field.

The incoming Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer will be an effective and persuasive communicator, with an eye toward collaboration and innovation. The incoming Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer will maintain an understanding of and commitment to uplifting the interests of the membership, comprised of a diverse group of pharmacy professionals and students across Ohio. They will be invested in expanding pharmacists’ abilities to optimize patient care and support legislation that advances the profession in Ohio. 

Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer serves as the staff liaison for all standing committees including Finance and Planning, Legal and Regulatory, Member Engagement and Experience, Communications, Resolutions and Bylaws, Practice Advancement and Innovation, and New Practitioner Experience (NPX). As the leader of the Ohio Pharmacists Foundation, the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer will play an instrumental role in the continuing education of professionals across the state. 

Leading a staff of 9, the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer will be responsible for the operational and financial health of OPA. The annual activities of this committed team include the following: the production of an annual conference and trade show, a mid-year meeting with extensive  continuing education offerings, publication of a bimonthly news update and monthly journal, and advocacy activity, including the championing of legislation that furthers the organization’s mission.

The Ohio Pharmacists Association has been nationally recognized in recent years as a leading voice in the pharmacy community. The incoming Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer has an opportunity to build upon this momentum and national profile to deepen the organization’s impact and continue to expand the opportunities of pharmacists in Ohio to positively impact public health.

Key Position Functions

Vision and Strategy

● Develop and articulate a vision and strategy for Ohio Pharmacists Association’s future and mission. Develop, in collaboration with the Board of Trustees and with input from membership, staff, and other key constituents, strategic and operating plans that meet the  association’s mission.
● Ensure all plans and activities align with the overall strategy approved by the Board of Trustees, align with core values of the association, and create a culture that welcomes all pharmacy
professionals, members, staff, and partners.

Leadership and Governance

● Guide and support the efforts of the Board of Trustees and association committees. Serve as the driving force to ensure excellence and strategic growth in primary delivery areas: advocacy,
communications, continuing education and foundation activities, meetings/events, member services, and fundraising.
● Nurture a high-performing Board of Trustees and association committees through strong governance standards and practices. Ensure compliance with all OPA guidelines, code of regulations/bylaws, and board policies. Coordinate logistics and agendas for board and committee meetings; assist and support the board chair and committee leaders in conducting the meetings. Plan and conduct the annual meeting.
● Hire, manage, and motivate a results-driven staff and provide leadership to the team. Provide leadership to the team while encouraging innovation and creativity. Lead by example, ensuring
a strong culture of accountability, transparency, and open communication. Support work-life balance and provide for staff professional development, growth, and recognition.
● The Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer is expected to develop, maintain, and nurture strong working relationships with peer pharmacy organizations, other healthcare related professional organizations, and key businesses and trade organizations.

Finance and Revenue Generation

● Oversee the financial health of the association. Work with the Treasurer and the Finance and Planning Committee, ensuring financial security through seeking diverse funding sources and
annual forecasting, budgeting, and monitoring.
● Develop effective and quantifiable fundraising strategies for the organization that meet revenue goals while providing timely and beneficial stewardship practices that maintain and develop
long-term relationships.
● Oversee management of contracts for hotels, conference centers, caterers, and all other event and meeting needs.
● Provide ongoing oversight for effective and efficient vendor selection and retention.
● Ensure compliance with federal and state laws and regulations in all areas of operation, including human resources, organizational governance, and office facilities.

Membership Services

● Evaluate existing practices and create processes and tactics for new member acquisition and retention.
● Establish membership goals and work to deliver practices and tactics that best meet member needs, deliver value, and provide exceptional customer service.
● Proactively manage activities related to planning and executing educational conferences, symposia, workshops, webinars, and other events as determined.

Advocacy and Government Relations

● Recognize the value of strategic alliances and partnerships. Maintain strong visibility and active engagement with local, state, and federal legislators to advance funding opportunities, supportive legislation, increased recognition, and overall advocacy for Ohio pharmacists.

Communication and Technology

● Provide oversight and guidance to ensure effective dissemination of marketing information through all media. Work toward established goals for the website as well as all print and online documents and messaging.
● Provide guidance and quality assurance for the development, production, and publication of all association documents and related electronic media.

Qualifications

Competencies and Attributes for Success in the Position:

● Drives vision and purpose
● Strategic mindset
● Communicates effectively
● Business insight
● Financial acumen
● Builds effective teams
● Fosters engagement
● Engages stakeholders
● Builds networks and collaboration
● Cultivates innovation
● Technologically savvy

Minimum Qualifications:

● College degree is required; pharmacy graduate degree (PharmD or BS Pharmacy) preferred
● A minimum of 5 years’ demonstrated experience working in association management or a leadership position in pharmacy/health care-oriented organization
● Financial management and budgeting experience
● Firsthand professional experience in a pharmacy setting
● Organizational leadership and management experience
● Ohio residency or relocation prior to start date, if necessary. This is a full-time, on-site position.

Desired Qualifications:

● Nonprofit management and volunteer leadership experience
● Staff or volunteer experience in membership organizations
● Strategic planning and implementation
● Fundraising experience

Compensation and Benefits

● This position provides a competitive compensation and benefits package. Starting salary is $170,000, commensurate with experience.

Application Process

For confidential consideration, interested candidates should send a letter of interest, resume or CV, and
names and contact information of three professional references (not to be contacted without prior
consent) to OPA’s Search Firm, NASPA Services Company, LLC via email at info@naspa.us no later than
June 30, 2025. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue on a confidential basis until
an appointment is made. Applications must contain all documents requested to be considered.

OPA provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and
prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex,
national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity
or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.