The Association for association professionals in Chicagoland
Remote
Posted: 08-May-26
Location: Neptune, NJ
Type: Full Time (Remote & In Office)
Salary: $200,000 - $250,000
Categories:
The Association of Food Industries (AFI) is pleased to invite applications for the position of Executive Director.
ABOUT AFI
The Association of Food Industries (AFI) is a nonprofit trade association representing the U.S. food import industry since 1906. We support companies involved in the global food supply chain by providing regulatory guidance, industry education, advocacy, and resources that help members navigate FDA requirements, food safety standards, and international trade challenges.
AFI serves as a trusted hub for information, compliance support, and industry connections, helping members operate confidently and competitively in a rapidly evolving marketplace.
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
AFI is introducing a new leadership role that will work alongside the President to guide the organization’s strategic, operational, and financial direction. This position shares responsibility for overseeing AFI’s core association functions as well as the association management services provided to external trade groups. The role supports long?term growth, ensures strong service delivery to members and client organizations, and helps maintain the overall sustainability of AFI.
EDUCATIONAL & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
Minimum Bachelor's Degree in business, nonprofit management, or a related field, with an advanced degree preferred, and brings at least ten years of executive?level leadership experience within trade associations or comparable organizations. Demonstrate strong financial and operational management capabilities, a proven record of driving membership growth, stakeholder engagement, and advocacy efforts, and experience overseeing or supporting association management services is highly desirable, as well as problem-solving skills.
OVERALL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Co?lead AFI’s strategic, operational, and financial direction in partnership with the President.
- Oversee AFI’s dual functions, including industry association work and association management services for external trade groups.
- Drive membership value and organizational growth through engagement, programs, events, and revenue diversification.
- Support strong governance and Board alignment, ensuring clear reporting, priorities, and decision?making structures.
DETAILED POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:
Detailed position responsibilities are shared between the President and Executive Director, with specific task allocation determined collaboratively:
- Develop and execute AFI’s long?term strategic plan in alignment with Board priorities.
- Ensure AFI maintains a strong industry presence and influence through advocacy and thought leadership.
- Establish clear performance metrics and accountability measures for both association functions.
- Lead recruitment and retention initiatives to reverse membership decline and increase engagement.
- Oversee communication strategies that effectively convey AFI’s value proposition to members.
- Develop and expand training and education programs as key member benefits.
- Plan and execute networking events, including the annual Town Hall meeting.
- Organize and oversee AFI’s annual convention, ensuring high attendance, sponsorships, and financial viability.
- Assist the finance committee with AFI’s financial performance, ensuring sustainable revenue streams and fiscal responsibility.
- Oversee budgeting, financial reporting, and sponsorship development to reduce reliance on convention revenue.
- Identify and implement new business opportunities to diversify income sources.
- Submit Reports to the Board, ensuring alignment on strategic priorities.
- Work closely with the President and the Executive Committee on succession planning and leadership development.
- Implement governance best practices to ensure strong decision-making structure.
WHAT AFI OFFERS:
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
- Telework flexibility with office located in Neptune, NJ
- Professional development opportunities
HOW TO APPLY:
If you are excited about this opportunity, please provide a cover letter and resume including salary expectations. Within your cover letter or resume, please be sure to provide your qualifications as they relate to the responsibilities of the role. Submissions will be accepted until 5 p.m. EST, Sunday, May 31st. Submissions should be sent to danybourjollysmith@asaecenter.org with the subject line: AFI Executive Director
- Please attach cover letter, titled as: Last Name – First Name AFI Cover Letter
- Please attach resume, titled as: Last Name – First Name AFI Resume
- Please attach additional materials for consideration, titled as:
- Last Name – First Name AFI Additional
At AFI, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. We thank all applicants for their interest in joining our team; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
