RV/MH Hall of Fame Seeking Candidates for New President – RVBusiness – Breaking RV Industry News
As was first announced by RVBusiness on Nov. 21, Darryl Searer, the president of the RV Hall of Fame in Elkhart, Ind., is retiring at the end of December after over 12 years in the position.
The RV/MH Hall of Fame is currently looking for Searer’s successor, who will manage an 11-person team of staff and volunteers, plus its 40-acre campus and over $10 million of facilities. Experience in the RV or manufactured housing industries, association management or local government is preferred.
The role also includes responsibility for the Northern Indiana Event Center with nearly 100,000 square feet of indoor event space and an additional 1 million square feet of outdoor event and parking areas. These venues host over 160 events annually including industry gatherings, local, state and regional business and consumer events.
The president reports to the 15-member Board of Directors of the RV-MH Heritage Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to recognize, preserve, and honor the history, pioneers, and individuals who have been instrumental in making the recreational vehicle and manufactured housing industries what they are today.
For more information and/or to apply for the position, go to: Position Opening – RV/MH Hall of Fame.
The following is information on the position posted on the RV/MH Hall of Fame website:
About the Role
The President is the chief staff officer of the organization and reports to the 15-member Board of Directors. The President leads an 11-person team of staff and dedicated volunteers and oversees our 40-acre campus and more than $10M of facilities.
Duties & Responsibilities
Leadership & Operations
Oversee the daily operations of the organization to ensure effective and efficient operation of the Hall of Fame’s business activities. Lead both in-house staff and contractors to serve guests from the Elkhart community and northern Indiana along with members of the RV and MH industries. Supervise the maintenance of the facility, including upgrades and maintenance of museum displays ranging interactive exhibits to our $1.5 million antique RV collection and brand-new manufactured homes.
Work closely with the Board of Directors to set policies, priorities, and strategic goals. Maintain governance in accordance with the bylaws and oversee the nomination, selection and inductions into our Hall of Fame. Lead our marketing efforts to attract tourists, conferences and events to our facility. Maintain a positive environment for staff, visitors and customers.
Financial Management
Ensure the financial health and sustainability of the organization through sound budgeting, investment management, and financial reporting. Manage acquisitions and capital expenditures in accordance with our debt-free pledge. Create budget and manage operations within approved budget and provide quarterly financial reports to the Board. Grow fundraising efforts including opportunities secure our future by increasing our endowment. Maintain separation of duties and internal controls in accordance with GAAP standards. Work with volunteer treasurer and outside accounting and audit firm as needed.
Representation
Engage a variety of local groups including businesses, media and policymakers as the face of the RV-MH Heritage Foundation. Promote the facility as both a tourist destination for travelers and as a venue for event organizers. Interact with and solicit support from national industry associations including the Manufactured Housing Institute, the RV Industry Association, the RV Dealers Association, the RV Dealers Association of Canada, the Outdoor Hospitality Industry and others.
Event Center Leadership
Engage RV industry manufacturer and supplier leaders to build on the Hall of Fame RV Supplier’s Show to ensure the event continues to be a key to our financial stability. Lead planning of the annual Hall of Fame Induction Dinner to honor key figures in both the recreational vehicle and manufactured housing industries. Oversee execution of all other events the facility hosts including trade shows, consumer events, business meetings, receptions and parties. Market the facility to maximize its use and value proposition to our customers and exhibitors. Manage to ensure we offer the amenities our customers require while generating a return on capital investment.
Education & Experience
Bachelor’s degree required. Experience in the RV or manufactured housing industries, association management or local government preferred. MBA, CAE, CMP, nonprofit management certification or similar a plus.
To Apply
Send cover letter, resume and salary expectation to [email protected] by Dec. 31.
The RV/MH Heritage Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, disability, veteran’s status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules or regulations.
