Association Executive Director Full Time

General Summary

The Executive Director serves as the Chief Staff Officer of the Association and its affiliated entities. This executive provides visionary leadership, strategic direction, and operational excellence while partnering closely with the volunteer Board of Directors to advance the mission, grow sustainable revenue, deliver exceptional member value, and strengthen the organization’s position as the leading voice in the industry. This role will oversee several smaller associations and will need to manage between clients.

This is a high-visibility, relationship-driven role that requires exceptional executive presence, political acumen, financial stewardship, and the ability to inspire staff, volunteers, members, and external stakeholders. The Executive Director is accountable for organizational performance, governance excellence, and long-term sustainability.

Essential Functions

Strategic Leadership & Board Governance

• Partner with the Board of Directors to develop, implement, and monitor a multi-year strategic plan with clear goals, metrics, and accountability.
• Provide timely, decision-ready information and recommendations to the Board; support effective governance practices, board development, and succession planning.
• Anticipate industry, regulatory, and societal trends; position the association as a proactive thought leader and trusted advisor where applicable
• Ensure alignment between volunteer leadership and staff execution while fostering a culture of trust, transparency, and mutual accountability.

Revenue Growth & Financial Sustainability

• Lead the development and execution of a diversified, sustainable revenue strategy (membership dues, meetings & events, sponsorships, publications, corporate partnerships, and philanthropy).
• Oversee all financial operations, including annual budgeting, forecasting, audits, investments, and compliance with 501(c)(6) requirements.
• Drive membership growth, retention, and engagement while maximizing non-dues revenue and ensuring long-term financial health.

Program Excellence & Member Value

• Oversee the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of high-impact programs: education, advocacy, research, standards/guidelines, publications, and member services.
• Ensure programs deliver measurable value and advance the industry standard.
• Champion innovation, including digital transformation, hybrid learning, and data-informed program development.

Operational Excellence

• Build and lead a high-performing, diverse, and inclusive staff team; foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure operational efficiency, risk management, compliance with industry standards.

Communication

• Oversee membership marketing, member services and member benefits to enhance member and partner experiences.
• Lead or support advocacy efforts to influence policy and advance the interests of members and association, when applicable.
• Cultivate strategic partnerships that amplify impact and extend organizational reach.

Programming and Events

• Manage all logistics and setup for annual conferences and significant events, including contracts, vendor negotiations, and communications.
• Oversee certificate preparation and coordinate volunteer engagement, recruitment, and program promotion.
• Lead internal reviews and improvements of programming processes.
• Coordinate with sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, and volunteers, and manage event documentation and reporting.
• Track, analyze, and promote sponsorship opportunities; collaborate on event marketing and support all related committee meetings.
• Lead venue selection, pricing negotiation, and event logistics, including AV, layout, food and beverage, and décor.
• Ensure timely vendor payments, insurance coverage, and compliance with organizational policies.
• Organize and document files on shared platforms and support new initiatives.

Minimum And Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree: advanced degree and/or Certified Association Executive (CAE) strongly preferred
• Minimum 5–7 years of progressive leadership experience in association or nonprofit management, with at least 5 years in a senior executive role.
• Hands-on budget management skills, including budget preparation, analysis, decision-making, and reporting.
• Marketing experience with keeping and attracting new members in non-profit organizations.
• Fundraising and grant management skills and experience required.
• Strong strategic planning skills, including program development and project leadership experience.
• Proven success in strategic planning, board relations, revenue development, financial oversight, program innovation, staff leadership, and external advocacy.
• Demonstrated ability to oversee, recruit, and collaborate with strategic partners.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Executive presence, emotional intelligence, political savvy, and the ability to lead through influence and collaboration.
• Ability to maintain composure and remain calm under pressure with a positive attitude.
• Excellent computer and database management skills; experience with website management, association management systems and registration systems ,

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Etherio retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

WORKPLACE LOCATION REQUIREMENTS

We operate as a Hybrid work environment, working as a combination of remote and in-office presence, as well as the possibility of being onsite at client and/or event locations.

Travel Requirements

Ability to travel at most 30% per year.

Scheduling Requirements

Requires flexibility in scheduling, such as the ability to work evenings and weekends to meet client, event, or company needs.

Essential Physical Functions And Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

• Must be able to remain either in a stationary sitting position for extended periods (such as when working in the office), while also being able to stand and/or move for extended periods (such as when executing events onsite).
• Need to lift, carry, push, or drag boxes or equipment up to 30 lbs.
• Frequently moves inside the office to access filing cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• Need to adapt and function in various physical settings (for example, conference centers, indoor and outdoor spaces).
• Occasionally required to position self in a stooping, kneeling, or crouching manner.
• Frequently communicates with others and must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
• Frequently uses computers and other electronic equipment.

About Etherio

At Etherio, we have a purpose that drives all we do: We create meaningful partnerships, experiences, and connections that fuel growth and accelerate success for our clients and those they impact. Every day, we deliver creative, customer-focused solutions for our corporate and association clients – one meeting, event, or membership experience at a time. We recognize that to deliver that experience for our clients, we have to deliver it for our own team members as well. Whether you work in one of our offices or virtually, we’re committed to supporting your learning and growth by providing opportunities for partnerships, experiences and connections that will accelerate your own success. Together we live out our core values, celebrate each other’s wins, learn lessons from our failures, and pursue excellence together.

Benefits include:

• Medical, dental, vision, and more.
• 401(k) with matching.
• Generous paid time off.
• Flexible and hybrid work schedules.

Our approach has earned us many industry awards over our 30+ year history, including 18 consecutive years on the CMI 25 – North America’s Top 25 Meeting & Incentive Companies.

Join us at Etherio and become part of a team where your work has purpose, your growth is championed, and your results are rewarded. If you’re excited to help shape exceptional experiences and build lasting connections, we’d love to meet you.

Etherio is committed to embracing diversity and inclusion in our hiring practices and in experiences as team members. Etherio is an equal opportunity employer. We believe that the most effective way to invite and retain a diverse workforce is to build an enduring culture of inclusion and belonging. The Firm does not discriminate in employment because of race, creed, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, citizenship status or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact hr@etherio.com.