The gaming industry, like other industries, has a large number of trade groups, associations, and organizations geared at promoting their particular segment of the industry. These trade associations cover a wide array of areas, including those that deal with casinos, casino employees, employers, educators, casino machines and equipment, state and local gaming, gaming hotels, restaurants, entertainment, and regulatory issues. The individual in charge of overseeing the operations of these groups is called the Executive Director. In some instances, he or she may also be called the trade association director.
The main function of the Executive Director is to manage the affairs of the organization. Responsibilities can vary greatly depending on the specific organization, its mission, size, structure, prestige, and budget. In smaller organizations, the Executive Director may handle everything alone or perhaps with the help of committees of volunteers. In larger trade associations, the Executive Director may have a large staff and assistants to help handle the various duties. The Executive Director works with the board of directors of the organization to establish the direction in which the trade association will go. The individual is also expected to determine what types of programs the association will undertake.
One of the responsibilities of the individual may be the preparation of an annual budget. Depending on the size and structure of the organization, this may be difficult because many of these organizations work with limited budgets. In order to help increase the funds of the association, the Executive Director is often responsible for fund-raising. The individual may develop, implement, and execute a number of special events during the year to raise needed money. These events may include dinners, membership drives, auctions, galas, and golf tournaments. If the association is large, there may a fund-raising director who handles this function. Grants are another source of funds that trade associations depend on to sustain themselves. The Executive Director is responsible for locating grants from federal, state, or local agencies and from private industry. He or she must then write and prepare the grant application. If the individual is successful in securing a grant, he or she must then make sure that all rules and regulations of the grant are adhered to. In some situations the Executive Director will oversee a grant writer and administrator who handles these tasks.
The Executive Director is expected to either personally handle or oversee the association’s public relations and advertising. This may include public relations and advertising efforts directed toward the public as well as internally within the organization’s membership. As part of this responsibility press releases, calendar schedules, and newsletters must be developed and prepared. In addition, brochures, leaflets, and booklets must be developed and designed to promote the organization. In smaller organizations, the Executive Director may handle these tasks himself. In larger organizations, the Executive Director is responsible for overseeing the public relations and publications department and staffers. Many trade associations depend on the help of volunteers within their membership. The Executive Director is responsible for coordinating the efforts of all volunteer groups and committees within the association membership.
A big responsibility for the Executive Director of trade associations in the gaming industry is scheduling conferences, conventions, and other educational and networking activities. The Executive Director is expected to either handle these activities and events personally, or delegate the duties to a committee or conference coordinator.
He or she is expected to attend meetings and events on behalf of the association. This may include industry events as well as community meetings. The individual will often be the liaison between the association and community groups often serving on boards of community and civic organizations. Other responsibilities of the Executive Director of a gaming industry trade association might include:
Earnings for Executive Directors of gaming industry trade associations can range from approximately $26,000 to $85,000, and may run higher, depending on a number of factors. These include the size, structure, prestige, and budget of the specific trade association. Other factors affecting earnings include the responsibilities, professional reputation, and experience of the individual.
Employment prospects are fair for people seeking positions as Executive Directors of gaming, industry trade associations. Individuals may find employment in a wide array of areas dealing with gaming, which might include casinos, casino employees, employers, educators, casino machines and equipment, state and local gaming, gaming hotels, restaurants, entertainment, regulatory issues, and more. It should be noted that people may need to relocate for positions.
Advancement prospects are fair for Executive Directors of gaming industry trade associations. Advancement is often dependent to a great extent on the level the individual has currently achieved in his or her career. The Executive Director of a gaming industry trade association may climb the career ladder by finding similar positions at larger or more prestigious gaming or gaming related trade associations. In some cases, the Executive Director may also seek advancement by successfully building his or her trade association into a larger, more prestigious association. In these situations, this will often result in increased responsibilities and earnings. Some Executive Directors also advance their careers by moving into similar positions in larger or more prestigious associations outside of the gaming industry. There are others who move into corporate positions in the gaming industry.
These vary for Executive Directors of gaming industry trade associations. Most large associations require or prefer their applicant have at minimum a four-year college degree. There are, however, smaller associations that may accept an applicant with an associate’s degree or even a high school diploma coupled with experience. Courses, seminars, and workshops in fund-raising, grant writing, public relations, business management, and presentation techniques will be useful in honing skills and making new contacts.
Experience requirements depend, to a great extent, on the size, structure, and prestige of the specific trade association. Individuals seeking positions with large, prestigious gaming associations will generally be required to either have a minimum of two to three years’ experience working with trade associations in some manner or working at a high-level corporate job within the industry. Experience in public relations, journalism, grant writing, and working with not-forprofit organizations will also be helpful. Individuals in this position need to be well-spoken with excellent written and verbal communication skills. An understanding of grant writing is usually necessary, as is the ability to develop and adhere to budgets. People skills are essential. Those who are creative and visionaries for the particular trade association will be especially successful in this type of job. Management and supervisory skills are also crucial. An understanding and knowledge of the specific area of the industry that the association serves is essential.
Individuals interested in careers as Executive Directors of gaming industry trade associations may want to contact the Center for Association Leadership in Washington, D.C. They should also join other professional associations representing the gaming industry.
1. Get experience working with not-for-profit organizations by volunteering with a local civic or community organization.
2. Look for job openings in areas hosting gaming companies. Heading titles might be under key words such as “Trade Association,” “Trade Association Executive Director,” “Executive Director,” “Gaming Trade Association,” or “Association Executive.” Jobs may also be advertised under the name of the specific gaming trade association.
3. Openings may be listed on the Web sites of specific gaming trade associations.
4. Network as much as you can in the industry. Go to conferences, conventions, and educational seminars and workshops to meet industry insiders.
5. Offer to do the publicity or fund-raising for a local not-for-profit organization. It doesn’t matter if the organization is related to the gaming industry or not. If you can do publicity or fundraising for one organization, you can do it for any type of group.
6. Read trade publications. They often advertise openings.
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