The Association for association professionals in Chicagoland

About the Role

Community Associations Institute (CAI) is seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to serve as Vice President, Content Strategy & Thought Leadership. Reporting to the CEO, this executive will work across departments to elevate CAI’s voice, industry image, influence, and global narrative.

This role will lead the transformation and alignment of CAI’s content strategy into a modern, digitally driven, multimedia ecosystem—strengthening the organization’s position as the leading authority in community association housing.

What You’ll Do

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute an enterprise-wide content and thought leadership strategy
• Develop and execute an enterprise-wide industry image campaign

Content & Digital Strategy

• Oversee integrated content across digital, social, video, print, media, and events
• Drive audience growth, engagement, SEO, and digital performance
• Implement omnichannel content planning and amplification strategies

Innovation & AI Transformation

• Lead adoption of AI tools for content creation, personalization, and analytics
• Modernize content workflows, systems, and audience engagement

Reputation Management

• Shape public narrative and lead communications during complex or high-profile issues
• Shape industry image in public opinion

Team Leadership

• Collaborate cross-functionally to align consent strategy and thought leadership with organizational priorities 

What You Bring

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism, or related field
• 10+ years of senior leadership experience in content strategy, communications, or media
• Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential
• Proven success leading integrated, multimedia content strategies
• Exceptional storytelling, writing, and editorial leadership skills
• Strong expertise in digital media, SEO, analytics, and audience engagement
• Experience advising senior executives and leading cross-functional initiatives
• Ability to drive organizational transformation and influence at the executive level

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in associations, nonprofit, housing, real estate, or public policy
• Familiarity with AI-powered content tools and emerging technologies
• Background in thought leadership campaigns, public affairs, or reputation management
• Experience leading multimedia teams (digital, social, video, editorial)

Why Join CAI

• Influence industry-wide conversations and global thought leadership
• Shape the voice and reputation of a leading international organization
• Lead a transformational content and digital innovation strategy
• Work directly with executive leadership and key stakeholders
• Be part of a mission and vision having a profound impact on hundreds of millions of homeowners across the globe.

About Community Associations Institute

CAI is an international membership organization dedicated to advancing excellence in the governance, management, and quality of life of community associations. With over 50,000 members, CAI has 65 chapters worldwide, including Canada, the Middle East, and South Africa, and relationships with housing leaders in countries around the world. CAI advances excellence in community association living by inspiring professionalism, effective leadership, and responsible citizenship. CAI establishes and promotes high standards, best practices, and state-of-the-art resources and education while also advocating for legislative and policy support.

Connections working at Community Associations Institute