The Interactive Travel Services Association (ITSA) is an organization that represents online travel companies, Global Distribution Systems, independent travel distributors, and companies that utilize technology to enhance their travel service offerings.
Governed by board members selected from its member companies, ITSA is dedicated to promoting the interests of online travel providers before federal, state, and local government. The organization seeks to be the voice of consumer choice, access, confidence, protection and information in the rapidly growing world of online travel. As such, ITSA works to develop consensus among industry, consumer organizations and policy makers on issues related to consumer use of online travel services to meet their needs.
POSITION OVERVIEW:
Founded in 1999 when gross bookings from online travel services totaled about $5 billion, ITSA now represents an industry of nearly $50 billion in gross bookings per year. With such rapid industry growth, the ITSA Board seeks an Executive Director who will provide inspired leadership in the promotion and continued development of ITSA's vision, mission, and goals, and the corresponding strategies, plans, and budgets to achieve them. He or she will be a bold and dynamic executive who provides overall direction for the organization, guides its legislative and communications activities, builds consensus on strategic initiatives, and fosters a collaborative environment among the board and member companies. The new leader will expand the reach and impact of ITSA and its members in the media, on Capitol Hill, in state and local governments, and in the online travel services industry.
SCOPE AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Executive Director's key responsibilities will include the following:
Providing leadership and direction to the organization, its board, and member companies
Developing strategic plans for growth that include attracting new members at varying levels of financial support
Serving as an industry leader and ITSA's primary voice on Capitol Hill, in the Administration, in the states, with the media, and in the industry
Developing a proactive government affairs plan at the federal, state, and local level
Testifying before legislative bodies on issues of importance to ITSA
Creating and executing a public relations/communications strategy and serving as the spokesperson for the online travel services industry
Communicating effectively and regularly with the board and member companies
Overseeing the budget and administration of the organization, including tax and lobbying filings and account management
EXPERIENCE / SKILLS REQUIRED:
Seasoned senior executive with at least ten years of public policy and/or public affairs/communications experience; significant association management experience strongly preferred
Strategic, goal-oriented leader with roll-up-your-sleeves approach
Strong fundraising skills, entrepreneurial spirit, and membership development experience strongly preferred
Ability to navigate the complex national, state, and local political environment within which policies affecting the online travel industry are situated
Strong communicator with ability to clearly and concisely articulate complex information, both verbally and in writing; ability to draft clear and compelling materials for multiple purposes and audiences
Consensus-builder with experience in bringing people together toward a common goal; ability to engender trust from board and member companies
Strong management skills with ability to achieve organizational and administrative excellence
Industry knowledge preferred, but not required
EDUCATION:
A Bachelors degree is required; an advanced degree is desirable.
COMPENSATION:
A competitive salary and benefits package will be offered.
TO APPLY:
ITSA has retained the Executive Search services of DHR International to assist with this search. The search is being led by Anthony Tansimore in San Francisco and Janae Barker in Washington, DC.
Anthony Tansimore
Executive Vice President
DHR International
One Post Street, Suite 950
San Francisco, CA 94104
Office (415) 617-6232
atansimore@dhrinternational.com
Janae Barker
Senior Associate
DHR International
5425Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 800
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Office (202) 362-2700 ext. 210
jbarker@dhrinternational.com
SOURCE: PUBLIC AFFAIRS COUNCIL 05/25/11
