The Idaho State Dental Association is seeking a dynamic and resourceful Executive Director to lead it through an exciting period of revitalization, growth and transition. Working with our Executive Committee, Board of Trustees, ISDA staff, ISDA members and other local and national organizations, the new Executive Director will lead our organization to help our members succeed and support the advancement of the health of the public.

About the Organization

Idaho State Dental Association, based in Boise Idaho, is a nonprofit professional association that represents over 900 member dentists across the state. Its vision is “empowering the dental profession to achieve optimal health for all Idahoans” and its mission is to “Help Idaho dentists succeed and support the advancement of the health of the public”.  ISDA is a constituent of the American Dental Association (ADA), the leading professional organization of dentists throughout the United States. ISDA also consists of seven regional component dental societies across the state.

ISDA promotes and advances the practice of dentistry locally and statewide through:

Various community programs designed to promote oral health, including but not limited to:

• Supporting the Idaho Dental Foundation which partners with dentists, community health districts, businesses, other foundations, and government leaders to improve oral health statewide through education, service, and helping fund care for the underserved.
• The Give Kids a Smile program, which provides free dental care and preventive services to children during the month of February (Children’s Dental Health Month)
• Promotion of patient facing information and programs/resources from the American Dental Association through distribution to members and various social media outlets
• Utilizing a PR firm and local news sources to highlight our members and important oral health concepts

Benefits and resources for members, including but not limited to:

• Continuing education and networking through conferences, an annual session, publications, and other programming
• Insurance through a subsidiary of ISDA, the Idaho Dentists Insurance Agency (IDIA)
• Leadership and professional development opportunities

Legislative advocacy including but not limited to:

• Contracting with a well-known lobbyist in the Boise community
• Work with the Idaho Political Action Committee
• The ISDA has a standing Legislative Committee which functions as a committee of the Board of Trustees
• The ISDA hosts legislative dinners across the state to facilitate interaction of our members and legislators

Leadership Structure and Finances

The Executive Director reports to a five-member Executive Committee and the Board of Trustees, which is comprised of individuals representing the seven component dental societies and two new dentist members at large.  ISDA is a 501(c)6 nonprofit association, and the organization also serves as the managing agency for the Idaho State Dental Foundation, a separate 501(c)3 organization with its own governing board.

ISDA staff is comprised of the full-time executive director, a full-time events manager, a full-time membership manager, a part-time accountant, a full-time insurance agent, and an assistant to the full-time insurance agent. The Association’s current operating budget is approximately $700,000, with approximately 51% of total revenue derived from membership dues.  ISDA has built a strong reserve and is well-positioned to increase its mission impact. ISDA is currently led by an Interim Executive Director. The new Executive Director will inherit a promising management team and an experienced contract lobbyist to fulfill the mission of the organization.

Position Priorities

ISDA is seeking an experienced nonprofit leader who has passion for work in non-profit organizations and who is excited about strengthening and expanding this organization’s services to the dental community. The new leader is expected to spend the majority of their first year focusing on the following strategic priorities:

• Develop strong, collaborative and communicative working relationships with the Executive Committee, the Board of Trustees, the ISDA staff, the ISDA lobbyist, leaders of component dental societies, and leaders of other dental groups in Idaho.
• Act as manager of the ISDA building and property, ensuring it is properly maintained and utilized
• Ensure that all appropriate HR tasks and processes are carried out
• Establish relationships with ISDA members and understand dynamics of membership, including possible changing demographics, interests and needs of the members.
• Develop a clear understanding of legislative priorities and work with the lobbyist around any pending legislation.
• Assess existing organizational policies and procedures to increase clarity and relevance; assess what processes may be incomplete or outdated following the transition of the former Executive Director, including performance reviews, Employee Handbook, and review of employee benefits.
• Facilitate reviewing, updating, and maintaining organizational policies and documents including but not limited to as Bylaws and Committee Charters.
• Become familiar with the current membership software system
• Assess and clarify the structural relationship between ISDA and IDIA and possible support needs to accommodate growth and to generate increased business.
• In collaboration with ISDA staff and marketing/PR/Communications firm, develop an overall communications strategy to improve consistency and relevance of these activities, as well as improved planning for the North Idaho Conference and the Annual Session.
• Increase member engagement and expand engagement strategies.
• Begin and complete work on 2026 budget
• Work on planning for the 2026 North Idaho Conference and 2026 Annual Session
• Facilitate committee meetings and committee communication with the board

Job Duties:

• Association Management
• Serving as the Executive Director for the Idaho State Dental Association, and its associated entities: the Idaho Dental Foundation, the Idaho Dentists Insurance Agency and as needed the seven components of the ISDA
• Develop and recommend policies to the Board of Trustees designed to further the objectives of the Association, including additional programs, policies for the day-to-day administration of the Association, and strategies to accomplish ISDA’s goals.
• Manage the Association office and staff.
• Serve as business manager of the Association and its related entities, including the general oversight of continuing education and membership meetings, advertising, commercial exhibits, publications and programs.
• Serve as public relations coordinator for the Association; assisting and counseling the officers and committees in this field.
• Custodian of the record books and papers of the Board of Trustees and all other documents and property belonging to the Association and its related entities unless otherwise provided for.
• Present a written report to the Board of Trustees at their annual meeting, or at the request of the Board.
• Serve as an ex-officio member of the Board of Trustees without a vote.
• Communicate with the President new developments and formulate refinement of office operations, as needed.
• Formulate an ongoing plan of action with staff to achieve the short and long-term goals of the Association.
• Closely monitor ADA developments and participate in ADA conference calls on issues of influence and interest to Idaho dentistry.
• Communicate with the 11th District Trustees and other regional Executive Directors matters of mutual concern to dentistry in the Western U.S.
• Communicate regularly with the Executive Committee and Board of Trustees and report of current activities and new developments in the ISDA as they occur.
• Attend ADA Annual Session and 11th District Caucus, together with ADA Delegates and Alt. Delegates, as active and informed participant in ADA House of Delegate issues.
• In cooperation with the Executive Committee, develop, recommend, and upon approval, operate within an annual budget. Ensure that all funds and physical assets are appropriately safeguarded and administered.
• Ensure the drafting of and maintaining of minutes of the Board of Trustee’s meetings as well as committee meetings are completed accurately and timely.
• In conjunction with the office staff and Peer Review Committee, coordinates the “Peer Review” complaint program, ensuring that all complaints are dealt with promptly and with the strictest of confidence.
• Coordinate financial reviews of the Association’s investments and any requests for use of Relief funds.

Legislative Responsibilities

• In collaboration with the ISDA lobbyist, act on behalf of ISDA members, bringing forth issues to legislative bodies.
• Maintain communication with the lobbyist to ensure membership interests and needs are being met, in concert with ISDA Legislative Committee.
• Submit reports from the lobbyist to the board as approved by the lobbyist
• Actively communicate with members regarding these activities to promote involvement.
• Communicate regularly with the Executive Director of Idaho State Board of Dentistry, to share information of mutual concern to ISDA and ISBD.

Membership Growth and Retention

• Ensure the Association leadership and membership are informed about the association, legislative, and membership issues.
• Provide a means to generate synergy with the Association and the component societies as well as between the component societies.
• Promote membership in the Association, hosting meetings with new Idaho Dentists, and marketing the Association throughout the state.
• In conjunction with office staff, serve as a direct contact for concerns of ISDA members.
• Promote membership in the state by visiting each component meeting at least once a year.

Continuing Education Sessions

• In conjunction with the staff and Continuing Education Committee, coordinate the ISDA Annual Session and North Idaho Conference. This includes arranging facilities, contracts, speakers, registrations, and managing related budgets.
• In conjunction with the staff, coordinate ongoing Continuing Education (CE) opportunities and events for membership. This includes arranging facilities, contracts, speakers, registrations, and managing the training budget.
• Ensure that the ISDA maintains existing national credentialing certifications

Additional Functions

• Perform other duties as assigned or needed.
• Manage the operations of the Idaho Dentists Insurance Agency
• Serve on the Board of Directors of the Idaho Oral Health Alliance
• Maintain relationships with key industry stakeholders and partners including but not limited to: Dental Supply Companies, Third-Party Payers, State Board of Dentistry, Department of Health and Welfare, Medicaid, Idaho Oral Health Program 

Experience, Skills and Attributes

The Executive Director provides leadership for the organization and is responsible for its overall management, financial performance, and administration to ensure the Association achieves its goals according to Board-approved policies and procedures. The Executive Director facilitates, and consistently communicates the vision, direction and strategy for the organization. 

The ideal candidate will possess excellent people skills and a direct but collaborative leadership style. We desire a kind leader who thrives in a structured teamwork environment. The candidate will build trusting relationships, and as a result will be able to allow ISDA staff to perform their jobs with some autonomy.  The candidate must have a high level of integrity and maintain relationships with members and other stakeholders who may have divergent opinions.  The candidate will work closely with the Executive Committee and the membership to utilize their collective skills and experience.

Essential qualifications for the position include:

• A bachelor’s degree in public, nonprofit, or business management, communications, or similar field. An advanced degree is desired. CAE is preferred but not required. 
• Five years progressively responsible experience in association or nonprofit management and leadership.
• Demonstrated leadership skills in empowering staff and board to play strong roles to achieve organizational goals. Demonstrated team-building skills, including facilitation of groups, meetings, and processes among stakeholders with diverse viewpoints.
• Experience in legislative and regulatory affairs; management of an advocacy program preferred.
• Excellent written, oral, and social media communication skills; experience in public speaking with an engaging speaking style.
• Expertise in redirecting conversations when necessary.
• Enthusiastic, can-do attitude with excellent attention to detail and effective follow-through.
• Experience creating and analyzing financial reports and managing a budget; and experience managing staff including monitoring progress toward goals with necessary accountability systems.
• Knowledge of nonprofit compliance laws and regulations.
• Familiarity with the culture of dentistry is preferred but not required.
• Familiarity with Idaho culture, climate and social, economic and political environment.

Job Requirements

• Willingness and ability to travel within Idaho to attend conferences, trainings and programs and to otherwise meet with partners, sponsors and other stakeholders. If driving for ISDA business, must have a valid driver's license, safe driving record and current vehicle insurance.
• Willingness and ability to attend the annual American Dental Association House of Delegates and other regional and national meetings and trainings.
• Willingness to submit to a criminal background check.
• Bondable by a surety company in an amount appropriate for the office.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in the ISDA office and in a variety of settings among stakeholders. A considerable amount of time will be spent in meetings, at a computer screen for extended periods, and speaking in public. Frequent use of phones and email will be required to communicate with stakeholders. Work outside normal working hours will be required to fulfill the Association’s mission. Many meetings and discussions take place over the weekends and during evening hours. Travel is approximately 12 times per year. Work may be performed under semi-stressful situations.

Compensation

The annual salary range is $100,000 - $105,000 DOE. Benefits include 25 days of PTO annually, a stipend for employee-only health care coverage, 10 days of paid holidays annually, $1,500 Dental Reimbursement per year, 3% employer match to retirement plan, and appropriate cell phone reimbursement.

Application Process

To apply, interested candidates should e-mail their cover letter and resume to:

penberthytimothy@gmail.com and cc: scidsinformation@gmail.com

Resume(s) received without cover letter will not be considered.

Equal Opportunity Employment: An applicant’s or employee’s race, color, citizenship, religion, national origin, age, gender, genetic information, disability or military status will have nothing to do with any employment-related decisions at the Association. Employees who feel they have observed or experienced a violation of this policy shall report their concerns to the ISDA President, Dr. Tim Penberthy. The ISDA will make reasonable accommodation for known religious beliefs as well as for known disabilities as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act. All requests shall be directed to the ISDA President.

Job Requirements

• Willingness and ability to travel within Idaho to attend conferences, trainings and programs and to otherwise meet with partners, sponsors and other stakeholders. If driving for ISDA business, must have a valid driver's license, safe driving record and current vehicle insurance.
• Willingness and ability to attend the annual American Dental Association House of Delegates and other regional and national meetings and trainings.
• Willingness to submit to a criminal background check.
• Bondable by a surety company in an amount appropriate for the office.