Seldia, the European Direct Selling Association, is looking to recruit its new Executive Director. We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader to shape the association’s next phase of development, strengthen its influence and positioning in Europe, and further establish Seldia as the leading voice of the European direct selling sector.

Working closely with the Board, the Executive Director will shape and develop Seldia’s long-term direction and lead its implementation. The role will focus on strengthening Seldia’s influence and reputation among European policymakers and stakeholders increasing the visibility and recognition of the association and the sector, and ensuring that Seldia continues to deliver clear strategic value to its members.

The successful candidate will understand the legislative and commercial environment in which direct selling companies operate and will be able to anticipate regulatory, political and stakeholder developments affecting the sector. They will bring strong strategic judgement, political awareness and the ability to build consensus among a diverse membership and stakeholder community.

The Executive Director will have overall responsibility for the effective leadership, development and day-to-day management of Seldia, within the strategic direction established by the Board. The principal focus of the role will be strategy, organizational leadership, high-level representation, member engagement and the sustainable development of the association.

The Executive Director will lead and manage the Secretariat and will work closely with the Public Affairs Manager and other team members in delivering Seldia’s activities and priorities.

Main responsibilities:

Strategy and organisational development:

• Work closely with the Board to shape Seldia’s long-term strategy, priorities and annual action plan.
• Translate the strategic direction agreed by the Board into clear objectives and lead and oversee its effective implementation.
• Further develop Seldia’s positioning, activities and membership offering in response to the evolving needs of the sector and its members.
• Identify emerging political, regulatory, economic and industry developments and assess their implications for Seldia and its members.
• Develop initiatives that strengthen Seldia’s relevance, influence and value proposition across Europe.
• Ensure that Seldia’s resources and activities are aligned with its strategic priorities.

 External leadership and representation:

Working closely with, the Public Affairs Manager, the Executive Director will:

• Strengthen Seldia’s influence, visibility and positioning in Brussels and across Europe.
• Build and maintain senior-level relationships with EU institutions, policymakers, business organisations, consumer representatives and other relevant stakeholders.
• Promote and represent the interests of Seldia’s members and the wider direct selling sector, while strengthening understanding of its business model and raising awareness of its contribution to the European economy.
• Represent Seldia and communicate its positions at high-level meetings, conferences, public events and other relevant forums
• Provide overall strategic leadership for Seldia’s public affairs and advocacy priorities, while supporting the effective implementation of agreed positions and campaigns.
• Anticipate and respond to significant political, regulatory or stakeholder developments affecting Seldia, its members and the wider sector.
• Act as senior spokesperson for Seldia.

Member leadership and engagement:

• Maintain strong relationships with Seldia’s national associations, corporate members and service providers.
• Ensure that Seldia’s priorities, activities and services respond to members’ needs.
• Support membership retention and identify opportunities to expand Seldia’s membership and strategic partnerships in line with the association’s objectives.
• Build consensus among members.
• Ensure effective communication with members on Seldia’s priorities, activities and achievements.

Governance and organisational oversight:

• Advise the Chair and Board and support the effective functioning of Seldia’s governing bodies.
• Prepare and provide the Board with the information, analysis and recommendations required to support effective strategic decision-making.
• Oversee the implementation of Board and General Assembly decisions.
• Lead and manage the Secretariat, establishing clear priorities, accountability and a collaborative working environment.
• Have overall responsibility for Seldia’s financial management and sustainability, including budget development, monitoring and resource allocation, in accordance with the governance framework approved by the Board, with the support of the team and external providers.
• Ensure that the association operates in accordance with its statutes, internal rules and applicable legal obligations.

About Seldia:

Seldia advocates for a responsible and ethical consumer-driven direct selling industry in the EU, representing almost 200 European companies that are members of our National Direct Selling Association network. We have been the leading association representing the European Direct Selling sector towards EU institutions since 1968, encompassing 14 leading companies, 23 National Direct Selling Associations, 11 service providers, and 5.4 million independent entrepreneurs across Europe.

Candidate profile:

The successful candidate will ideally bring:

Experience and Knowledge:

• Significant senior-level professional experience in a company, trade association, public affairs organization or other relevant organization, typically including 10+ years of relevant experience.
• A proven track record in strategic leadership, EU or government affairs, corporate affairs, business representation, or association management.
• In-depth knowledge of the EU institutions, their decision-making processes and the European political environment.
• Strong understanding of the business environment and the legislative, regulatory and commercial challenges faced by companies operating in Europe.
• Previous experience in the direct selling sector or related trade association would be an asset.

Skills and Personal Attributes:

• Excellent interpersonal, diplomatic and communication skills, combined with sound judgment and decisiveness.
• Proven ability to build consensus and trusted relationships among diverse members and stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Fluency in written and spoken English. Knowledge of French or another European language would be an asset.
• Ability and willingness to travel within Europe and internationally when required.

Terms of Engagement:

Seldia is looking for a part-time arrangement (2-3 days per week) on an independent contractor basis.

The precise contractual structure, time commitment, division of responsibilities and compensation will be agreed with the selected candidate, considering the requirements of the role and the candidate’s experience and profile.

Location:

Brussels, with flexibility for hybrid working, subject to the agreed working arrangement and regular travel within Europe and internationally.