Executive Director

Founding Executive Director

Nebraska Cannabis Trade Association (NCTA)

Position Type

Founding Leadership Role | Part-Time to Full-Time (Non-Compensated Initially)

Location

Nebraska (Omaha / Lincoln preferred; statewide responsibility)

Role Overview

The Founding Executive Director is responsible for establishing, leading, and operationalizing the Nebraska Cannabis Trade Association during its formative stage. This individual will serve as the public and professional face of the association, building credibility with policymakers, regulators, healthcare partners, industry stakeholders, and the public.

The Executive Director will guide the association from formation through early growth, including governance development, member recruitment, legislative engagement, and organizational sustainability. This is a non-compensated founding role, with the intent to transition to a compensated position as membership, sponsorship, or other funding mechanisms are established and approved by the Board.

Key Responsibilities

Organizational Formation & Governance

• Stand up the association's operational foundation, including bylaws, policies, board committees, and ethical standards

• Partner with the Board of Directors to define mission, strategic priorities, and long-term vision

• Establish compliance-forward operating principles aligned with Nebraska law and public policy expectations

• Ensure transparency, neutrality, and professionalism in all association activities

Legislative & Regulatory Engagement

• Serve as the primary liaison with Nebraska state agencies, legislators, regulators, and advisory bodies

• Monitor and analyze proposed legislation, administrative rules, and executive actions affecting the cannabis industry

• Coordinate advocacy efforts consistent with the association's mission and Board-approved positions

• Represent the association in hearings, stakeholder meetings, and public forums

Membership & Industry Engagement

• Lead recruitment of founding and early-stage members across cultivation, processing, dispensing, testing, healthcare, and ancillary services

• Develop value propositions for members focused on compliance, education, advocacy, and industry credibility

• Foster collaboration among members while maintaining fair, non-competitive, and ethical boundaries

• Serve as a trusted convener for industry dialogue in a newly regulated environment

Communications & Public Presence

• Act as spokesperson for the association with media, policymakers, and the public

• Oversee development of messaging that emphasizes patient safety, regulatory compliance, and responsible industry growth

• Maintain consistent, professional communications aligned with the association's mission and tone

Financial & Operational Development

• Work with the Board to establish a sustainable funding model (membership dues, sponsorships, events, grants, etc.)

• Assist in developing early budgets, financial controls, and reporting practices

• Support the transition plan from volunteer-led operations to a staffed, compensated organization

• Recommend when and how the Executive Director role should transition to paid status

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership experience in public policy, trade associations, regulated industries, healthcare, or government affairs

• Strong understanding of legislative and regulatory processes, preferably at the state level

• Exceptional communication skills, including executive-level writing and public speaking

• High ethical standards and the ability to navigate politically sensitive environments

• Proven ability to build organizations, coalitions, or programs from the ground up

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in highly regulated or emerging industries

• Familiarity with Nebraska's legislative, regulatory, or healthcare landscape

• Background in association management, nonprofit leadership, or advocacy organizations

• Experience working with boards of directors and diverse stakeholder groups

Time Commitment

• Flexible and evolving during the founding phase

Compensation

This is a non-compensated founding role. The Board intends to review compensation once the association reaches defined funding and membership benchmarks. Service in this role provides significant professional visibility, influence in shaping a new industry, and long-term leadership opportunity.