The United Inventors Association, the nation’s oldest – and only – nonprofit devoted solely to advancing the interests of independent inventors, is looking for a new executive director.
The UIA is taking applications through July 21, 2010. Apply here.
Duties include:
- Develop strategies to achieve the UIA’s mission of inventor education & support, as well as donor/member management & growth
- Implement Board approved policies.
- Serve as chief spokesperson for the UIA.
Current Executive Director Patrick Raymond says the search is part of a planned transition.
“I’m not transitioning out,” he says. “I’m transitioning over” to the role of UIA treasurer.
He’s been at the helm two years and says that in that time he’s instituted better management and financial controls, helped launch an inventor-friendly certification program for companies and inventor groups, and helped orchestrate the UIA’s educational 10-part Web video miniseries.
But before you throw your hat in the ring, know this – the pay ain’t so great.
“Nobody does this for the money,” Raymond says of the UIA executive director role. “You do this out of passion. It may be a paid position, but it doesn’t pay much at all.”
Raymond says the ideal candidate will have a “high profile” in his or her respected field, posses an ability to forge relationships with other nonprofit organizations, for-profit companies and government. The ideal candidate will be an inventor, or at least “feel compassion for the difficulties inventors face.” And, finally, someone who is a consensus-builder.
“The UIA is a democracy,” Raymond says. “It has 15 people on the board with diverse opinions.”
The new executive director also should have thick skin.
“The inventor community can be quick to complain,” Raymond adds, “and slow to thank.”
