CEO Greeting Card Association

About the role

Job Title: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Accountable to: GCA President (on behalf of the Board, Council and Members) Key Internal Relationships: Council/Board members, committees and working groups, members, staff/contractors and professional advisers (e.g., accountant/bookkeeper). Key External Relationships: Royal Mail, Ofcom, relevant government departments and parliamentarians, media, trade press, partner organisations, sponsors and suppliers. Working Hours: 3 to 5 days per week (open to discussion). Requires flexibility for occasional events and media appearances, plus attendance at key industry tradeshows including Spring & Autumn Fair, Top Drawer, PG Live, and Home & Gift. Working Location: Home-based with operations primarily online. Requires mandatory in-person attendance for 4 Council and 4 Board meetings per year, alongside regular travel for industry events and stakeholder meetings. Salary: Competitive and aligned with industry standards for the sector and scale of our organisation; dependent on the candidate's specific skills and experience. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 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

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