Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Mid-Atlantic Region, US, Job Title: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Reports To: Chairman Salary Range: $200-250k annually Location: Mid-Atlantic Region, US

Position Summary: As Chief Executive Officer, the individual in this role will provide visionary leadership and strategic direction to position the company for sustained growth, innovation, and industry leadership. Serving as a strategic thought leader and key ambassador for the organization, the CEO will shape and execute the company’s long-term vision, strengthen its market position, identify new opportunities for growth, and drive continued value for clients. The CEO will align all aspects of the organization, including business development, client engagement, financial performance, operations, and team leadership, while leveraging industry expertise and market insights to anticipate emerging trends, foster strategic partnerships, and translate opportunities into actionable growth strategies. The CEO will continue to advance the company's position as the premier leader in association management by driving strategic innovation, scaling operational excellence, and empowering a collaborative team environment. Primary Responsibilities:

Provide strategic leadership and direction to the executive team and staff, guiding the development and execution of the company’s vision, mission, strategic priorities, and long-term growth objectives.

Drive business development and market expansion efforts, identifying opportunities for growth, revenue diversification, strategic partnerships, and competitive differentiation within the association management industry.

Serve as a thought leader and industry ambassador, advancing the company’s reputation, expertise, and market position through engagement with industry leaders, professional organizations, conferences, and other strategic forums.

Foster strong, trusted relationships with clients, understanding their evolving needs, goals, and challenges, and ensuring the delivery of innovative solutions, exceptional service, and measurable value.

Build and maintain strategic relationships with boards, industry partners, vendors, and other key stakeholders to strengthen the company’s network, influence, and growth opportunities.

Partner with CFO to lead financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and performance management, ensuring sound financial stewardship, profitability, sustainability, and alignment with the company’s strategic priorities.

Collaborate with executive and operational leaders to optimize organizational design, resource modeling, and service delivery frameworks, ensuring efficiency, quality, and alignment with strategic priorities.

Anticipate industry trends, emerging opportunities, and evolving client expectations, leveraging innovation, technology, and market insights to strengthen the company’s competitive position and enhance service delivery.

Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPI) and organizational goals, using data and business insights to evaluate performance, inform decision-making, and drive continuous improvement.

Identify and proactively manage organizational, financial, operational, regulatory, and reputational risks while ensuring appropriate policies, controls, and governance practices are in place.

Cultivate a high-performing culture of excellence, collaboration, innovation, accountability, and professional development, empowering employees and developing future leaders to support the company’s continued success.

Uphold the highest standards of ethics, integrity, transparency, and accountability in all aspects of the company’s operations and stakeholder relationships. Candidate Profile:

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, nonprofit management, association management, or a related field required; advanced degree preferred.

Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation strongly preferred.

15+ years of progressive leadership experience, with a demonstrated track record of success in association management, nonprofit leadership, or a related professional services environment.

Proven experience developing and executing organizational strategy, driving sustainable growth, and leading high-performing teams.

Deep understanding of association management, nonprofit organizations, and the unique challenges and opportunities within the industry.

Strong knowledge of industry trends, emerging best practices, governance principles, and regulatory requirements relevant to association management.

Demonstrated strategic thinking and business acumen, with the ability to analyze complex issues, identify opportunities, and translate insights into actionable strategies.

Exceptional leadership, communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively influence and engage diverse stakeholders through both written and verbal communication.

Proven ability to lead, develop, and inspire high-performing teams while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and association management, project management, and business operations platforms.

Strong analytical, problem-solving, decision-making, and organizational skills, with a high degree of attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.

Consistently demonstrates exceptional integrity, professionalism, sound judgment, and ethical leadership.

Self-directed and results-oriented, with the initiative, adaptability, and strategic perspective required to operate effectively in a dynamic environment.

Ability to work collaboratively with staff, clients, boards, volunteers, and industry partners while advancing the organization’s strategic direction and long-term objectives.

Travel & Work Environment Requirements:

Percentage of travel - 30%

The role offers flexibility in work location, with a combination of remote and on-site work as appropriate. Regular duties may involve extended periods of sitting and occasional lifting, pushing, or pulling of items weighing up to 25 pounds. A suitable home workspace and adherence to general health and safety practices are expected to support effective and safe performance of the role.

Benefits:

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage Retirement savings plan with company matching contributions Company-sponsored life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage Additional voluntary benefits to support individual needs Flexible paid time off Designated paid holidays