Employment Opportunities
Open Position: COQA Executive Director
Job Title: Executive Director
Organization: Crude Oil Quality Association (COQA)
Location: Remote / Flexible (Travel to ~3 domestic /international meetings annually)
Employment Type: Part-Time / Contract
About COQA
The Crude Oil Quality Association (COQA) is the longstanding, premier industry body dedicated to maintaining the integrity and fundamentals of crude oil refining quality characteristics known to be vital to industry stakeholders - from upstream, to midstream, to downstream, to regulators. We advocate for expanded quality definitions beyond legacy gravity and sulfur metrics and facilitate critical dialogue between producers, transporters, and refiners. Through our educational forums, technical projects, and industry advocacy, we ensure that the crude oil supply chain remains efficient, transparent, and safe.
Position Overview
The COQA is seeking a recognized industry leader to serve as Executive Director. This is a strategic, part-time role designed for a senior professional, independent consultant, or semi-retired veteran wishing to remain a central figure in the energy sector.
As the Executive Director, you will serve as the "Face of COQA," acting as the association's representative to both the media and industry, leading general sessions, and overseeing Board meetings. You will be supported by an Operations Director/Executive Assistant who handles administrative heavy lifting and event logistics, allowing you to focus on association leadership, member retention and recruitment, and industry advocacy. You will engage the experienced COQA Executive Board members to support the organization direction. The ideal candidate is an industry veteran who can comfortably navigate technical conversations about crude oil quality while leading with executive presence.
Key Responsibilities
● Act as the official representative of COQA to the media and external stakeholders, promoting the organization’s position on crude quality issues and actively recruiting members.
● Be active in the industry and stay on-top of current issues related to crude quality
● Serve as the primary moderator for COQA General Meetings, facilitating dialogue and ensuring sessions flow smoothly.
● Collaborate with the Operations Director/Executive Assistant to ensure the successful design and execution of events. Attend all COQA meetings and events.
● Oversee all administrative functions, manage budgeting, and lead Board meetings.
● Liaison to sister CCQTA association and manage biennial joint meetings.
Qualifications
● Experience:
○ 15+ years of experience in the oil sector with a strong understanding of the crude oil supply chain and expertise in crude oil quality, laboratory analysis, refinery supply/feedstock evaluation, or midstream quality control.
○ Proven experience in a leadership role, capable of presiding over meetings and guiding strategic discussions.
○ Past attendance and understanding of COQA meetings and how we operate is preferred to facilitate onboarding.
● Education and Skills:
○ Alternatively, deep marketing and business experience and education will also be considered due to the diverse Crude Oil Quality industry stakeholders.
○ An understanding of measurement and crude value standards is ideal.
○ This position should have a strong existing network within the Crude Oil Quality industry, with the ability to leverage relationships for speaker acquisition and technical pursuits.
○ Familiarity with running a (non-profit) association is an asset.
○ Exceptional public speaking and interpersonal skills will be required to moderate large groups, manage Q&A sessions, and negotiate differing stakeholder views.
○ Must be a self-starter capable of working independently
Compensation & Time Commitment
● Annual Stipend: To be determined (note no other benefits)
● Time Commitment: This is a truly part-time position. The workload is concentrated around the association's meetings (3 times per year), broader industry events and technical conferences, and periodic COQA Board calls. It is compatible with other consulting work or retirement activities.
● Travel: Domestic with occasional international travel is required for general meetings and select industry events. Expenses for association-related travel are reimbursed.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a resume/CV to info.coqa@gmail.com.
Please include a brief note describing your current availability and interest in this part-time leadership role.