Nebraska Cannabis Trade Association
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.
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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.
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