Senior Vice President
Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives
Alexandria, VA · Posted October 26, 2026
More in Virginia job market · Nonprofit & Social Impact
About the job
Alexandria, VA, Responsible for Membership, Partnerships, Programs & Foundation Reports to: President & Chief Executive Officer Location: Alexandria, VA (hybrid work environment) Department: Minimum team of 7, with potential for growth About the Organization The Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) supports and promotes chambers of commerce. ACCE's mission is to develop chamber leaders who create meaningful impact on their businesses, economies, and communities. Our membership includes 1,500 member organizations. We serve our industry via data, resources, trend spotting, professional development, original thought leadership, retirement programs, and access to a network of community leaders. www.acce.org. The Opportunity Our association is at a pivotal moment. We are launching a new strategic framework, and are seeking a dynamic, catalytic leader to help bring our new plan to life, both within our organization and across the industry we serve. This is a new position, reflecting a reorganization. The SVP oversees membership, partnerships and investors, programs, professional development, and the foundation . This is not just a departmental leadership role. This team member serves as an organization-wide leader who supports and shapes our culture, aligns teams, builds and supports strategy, and connects our work to member and investor value. There is significant room to innovate , build , and make an impact . What You'll Oversee You oversee a team responsible for many functions. As such, deep experience in all functional areas is not required, but successful past work with cross-functional alignment and strategy are required.
Membership: recruitment, retention, and engagement strategies Investors, sponsors & partners: corporate partner recruitment, relations, and retention Programs and professional development: convention, regional programs, online learning, certificates, and related resources, plus new initiatives such as leadership development and member learning journeys Foundation: support the executive director with relationship-based fundraising and strategy Non-dues revenue: Curate mission-aligned resources via original content and partnerships Ensure alignment of your key functions across the organization
This individual is personally responsible for identifying and managing corporate and other partnerships including recruiting and retaining national and regional leaders interested in connecting with chambers of commerce, local businesses, and/or supporting economic and community impact. Key Responsibilities Strategy and Alignment
Build segment strategies in conjunction with team members that align with the new framework Align priorities, processes, and programs across departments Serve as an internal and external ambassador for the framework Advance the entire association’s goals vs. department-only priorities
Member and Investor Value
Develop a differentiated value proposition to drive member and investor satisfaction and growth Recruit new partners whose priorities align with ours Employ member journeys that deepen engagement at every stage Ensure programs and offerings meet current and future needs
Relationship-Driven Revenue Generation
Recruit and manage investors and partners; own and grow those relationships Apply relationship-based, consultative fundraising to advance the association’s goals Manage budgets, forecasts, and revenue performance in real time
Programs and Professional Development
Support the team in developing learning strategies, curricula, and programs Ensure programs anticipate member needs and establish consistent program standards Encourage experimentation and continuous improvement in program design and delivery
Culture, Leadership & Team Management
Model and reinforce organizational values, and drive a culture of alignment, excellence, accountability, and collaboration that extends beyond direct reports Management mindset of coaching and empowering a team that includes remote members Assess and align team structure and workflows to strengthen effectiveness Lead organizational transformation and support change management within the industry
Innovation
Foster an environment that supports innovation Exemplify open-minded leadership that encourages and embraces new ways of problem solving Take calculated risks informed by data, trends and foresight
Data and Technology
Make data-driven decisions to evaluate what matters most Use technology and data to improve efficiency and member experience Coach the team to maximize use of data platforms and encourage data integrity Understands how to leverage AI for efficiency and innovation, always with human insight
Why This Role This role is for you if you’re passionate about supporting chambers and local businesses to drive impact for economies and communities. You will help shape the association’s direction at a defining moment, lead a broad and influential portfolio, and have the freedom to innovate. Our Values We hire candidates who exemplify and exhibit our core values, which were co-created by our team. We Lead and Act with Integrity We hold ourselves to a high standard of ethics in everything we do. We bring that same standard to our relationships with members and partners, and we lead our industry by example — modeling the conduct and accountability we believe the entire field should reflect. Trust is the foundation on which lasting progress is built. Our Success is Rooted in Our Team We are an inclusive and welcoming team that respects everyone's input, with emphasis on achieving organization-wide goals. We foster an environment focused on trust and collaboration, where we support each other by listening and using open and honest communication. We recognize and appreciate the contributions of our teammates, our members, and the communities we serve. Gratitude keeps us grounded, strengthens our relationships, and reminds us why our work matters. We Strive for Excellence We're solutions-focused and highly accountable to each other, as well as our members. This team delivers quality service without losing sight of the need for balance. Excellence means holding ourselves and our members to high standards, with clarity about the benchmarks we're reaching for and the guardrails by which we deliver. Individual and team development are supported for both organizational success and personal career growth. Innovation is Paramount for our Team and Industry We identify opportunities for calculated risks, and those risks are supported enterprise-wide. We remain future-focused in our own activities and how we serve and elevate our industry, helping lead the way and preparing our members for what's ahead. Strategic decisions are made about where innovation is needed and where it is not, always allowing room for improvement while prioritizing efforts to preserve the capacity to focus our energy on the areas that matter most. Innovation requires that we challenge each other and our members and remain nimble to shifting external dynamics. ACCE offers a hybrid environment, but there is a strong preference for someone who can spend 1-2 days per week in the Alexandria, Va. office. Travel is required for this position which varies in both frequency and length of trips. Up to 20% travel. Physical Demands This role requires the ability to perform the essential functions of an executive position, including regular computer use, communication, participation in meetings and attendance at in-person events, which involves travel. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds or to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Specific vision abilities required by this job include near vision, mid-range vision, depth perception, color vision, and ability to change focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to operate a computer including performing actions with repetitive motions. Approximately 75% of time is spent looking at a computer screen. Qualifications
Progressive senior leadership experience in a trade or membership association, professional society, or comparable nonprofit; national or global organization experience strongly preferred Have led multiple functions and aligned cross-functional teams Demonstrated success growing diversified revenue streams that align with mission Experience managing high-performing teams with a coaching mentality Track record in relationship fundraising, sponsorship, or partner development; experience with securing foundation support is a plus, though not required Knowledge and experience with membership recruitment and/or retention strategies Proficiency with CRM/AMS and LMS platforms, MS Office, and AI tools (Our tools are Salesforce, Fonteva, and Brightspace) Strong financial acumen, including real-time budgeting and forecasting Advanced degree or CAE credential a plus
Skills and Competencies Strategic and Entrepreneurial Thinking
Visionary who knows how to build large-scale, data-driven strategy that drives change Turns strategy into department plans and measurable outcomes Entrepreneurial and innovative, encouraging the same across the team and the organization Designs programs that anticipate future member needs
Leadership and People
Exceptional people manager: coaches, empowers, and builds accountability Fosters alignment and collaboration across departments Exhibits a high degree of emotional intelligence and integrity Gifted at change management, helping teams align with clarity and confidence Exceptional relationship-building skills; knows how to bring out the best in people
Communication and Executive Presence
Exceptional communicator and spokesperson who listens, builds trust, and drives understanding Equally at home in a corporate headquarters office or a small-town chamber meeting Communicate with clarity and persuasion, tailoring messages to build support and inspire action Confidence on stage, in a boardroom, and communicating one-on-one
Passion and Purpose
Brings passion for topics like workforce and talent, economic development, organizational management, and leadership development Deeply understands and cares about the impact businesses have on the communities they serve Believes in business as a catalyst for change, and is energized by problem solving Stays curious and informed on trends in these areas, translating insight into actionable ideas
Execution and Mindset
Solutions focused Combines personal drive and accountability with a belief that collaboration improves outcomes Unparalleled organization and the ability to juggle multiple priorities and competing interests Data-driven, focused on delivering outcomes rather than activity Compensation ACCE offers a competitive salary in the range of $140,000 - $225,000, depending on relevant experience, qualifications, demonstrated accomplishments, and the scope of expertise that the successful candidate brings to the role.
ACCE offers a host of excellent benefits which include medical, dental, vision, 401k, life, and disability insurance. We also offer a generous time off policy which includes 15 days of PTO (increases with tenure), all federal holidays plus the Friday after Thanksgiving, a winter office closure from December 25 – January 1, paid sick leave, parental leave, volunteer time off, and sabbaticals, among other offerings. ACCE values upskilling and offers professional development support, on-the-job training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement. Information on additional benefits can be shared on request.