CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (CEO)

1.        Strategy, Leadership and Organisational Performance

·       Work with the President, Board and wider council to proactively shape, recommend, develop and deliver a multi‑year strategy and annual operating plan.

·       Set, monitor and report on clear KPIs (member engagement/retention, income targets, event performance, campaign reach, stakeholder outcomes).

·       Stay two steps ahead of trends and risks (such as legislative changes) so our members aren’t caught off guard.

·       Act as a neutral broker who can get competing businesses to work together for the good of the whole industry.

2.        Commercial Strategy and Income Generation

·       Develop and deliver an income generation plan to diversify revenue and build financial resilience beyond core subscriptions.

·       Grow commercial income through conferences and events, as well as turning industry data and insights into products members are willing to pay for.

·       Build and manage a pipeline of sponsors/partners and ensure strong account management and renewals.

·       Actively 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.

3.        Member Value and Engagement

·       Develop and continually refine the membership proposition for different member types (publishers, retailers, suppliers, individuals).

·       Drive membership recruitment and retention, using data insights to understand trends, renewals and lapsed members.

·       Ensure members have access to timely, practical support, guidance and opportunities to connect and collaborate.

·       Maintain a strong feedback loop with members (including structured member listening and annual check-ins with key member segments).

·       Oversee the planning and delivery of key in‑person events (e.g., Conference & AGM, Dragons Speed Dating, local meetups) and online programs / webinars.

·       Ensure events deliver member value and commercial outcomes, with clear budgeting, sponsorship and post‑event evaluation.

·       Build strong relationships with venues, suppliers and speakers to ensure quality and value for money.

4.        Advocacy and Industry Voice

·       Represent the GCA and the greeting card industry with stakeholders including Royal Mail, Ofcom, government and regulators.

·       Be the loud, clear voice for the industry on critical issues like postal reliability and sustainability laws.

·       Build alliances, and meet regularly, with other relevant trade bodies and partners to amplify influence.

·       Act as a credible spokesperson and thought leader for the industry.

·       Oversee the GCA’s communications strategy to members and external audiences (newsletter, website, social media, events and PR).

·       Lead delivery of industry and consumer‑facing initiatives/campaigns that protect and promote card sending (e.g., Thinking of You Week, Festive Friday, #Cardmitment).

·       Protect and enhance the GCA brand and reputation, ensuring consistency of message and tone across channels.

5.        Governance, Finance, Risk and Compliance

·       Ensure the GCA operates in line with its Articles of Association and applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

·       Support effective governance: prepare board/council papers, organise meetings, ensure minutes/actions are captured, and keep governance documents up to date (e.g., Council Handbook).

·       Lead the annual budgeting process, manage cash flow and reserve, and ensure timely year‑end accounts and audit/independent examination (as applicable).

·       Oversee financial controls, accounting processes and external providers (e.g., bookkeeper/subscription reconciliation service).

·       Maintain organisational risk management, policies (including data protection) and insurance.

6.        Resource and Operational Delivery

·       Manage the GCA’s professional staff member(s) and coordinate our network of contractors and volunteers.

·       Oversee efficient day‑to‑day operations and supplier management, ensuring the organisation is well‑run and responsive.

·       Promote equality, diversity and inclusion in organisational practice and across GCA activity.

Essential Skills & Experience 

•                     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.

Desirable

·       Experience within the Greeting Card industry or within a membership organisation, trade body, or related not‑for‑profit environment.

·       Experience of policy, lobbying or public affairs.

·       Media Trained.

·       Ability to influence without formal authority; specifically, the skill to mobilise, motivate, and galvanise a volunteer-led member base and Board to achieve collective industry goals.

·       Experience of managing small teams and/or working in a ‘hands‑on’ leadership role.

·       Familiarity with Xero (or similar accounting systems).

·       Trustee/non‑executive, volunteering or governance roles.

Personal attributes

•                     Collaborative, inclusive and empowering leadership style.

•                     Member‑centric and commercially pragmatic: balances member value with financial sustainability.

•                     Highly organised, with strong follow‑through and attention to detail.

•                     An entrepreneurial approach: the ability to switch seamlessly between high-level board strategy and hands-on operational tasks (e.g., website updates).

•                     A proactive leader who shapes outcomes by providing clear, evidence-based recommendations to the Board, rather than just facilitating consensus; someone who leads the conversation on the ‘future of the industry’.

•                     Confident communicator with credibility and warmth.

Interviews will initially take place online with a longer interview being carried out in-person subject to passing the first-stage interview. Interviews are expected to commence around June 2026.