The Association for association professionals in Chicagoland

Association Headquarters is searching for a dynamic, visionary leader to serve as the next CEO of a well-respected trade association. This is an exciting opportunity to guide a thriving organization, engage with passionate members, and accelerate its mission within the industry. The ideal candidate balances strategic leadership with operational savvy expressing the ability to think big while managing day-to-day priorities. Will command confidence and respect while building strong relationships with members, volunteers, and industry leaders. Come with the understanding of the mindset of entrepreneurs and business owners while navigating a nonprofit, trade association environment.
Thrives in a fast-moving environment, translating strategy into actionable results.

The chief executive officer of the association leads under the direction of its officers and board leaders. The CEO is responsible for the effective conduct of the affairs of the association and assists the officers and the board leaders in the formulation of the association's mission, goals, and objectives. Infrequent consultation with the Association President, the CEO plans, organizes, coordinates, and directs the staff, programs, and activities and is responsible for its fiscal management and staffing.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

To be considered for this position, the online application must be submitted, along with an updated resume. All applicable fields on the application are required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Legal Compliance

• Assures that Association has proper governing and legal documents
• Responsible for association operating in compliance with applicable laws and regulations (State and Federal laws, Articles and bylaws, etc.)
• Follows AH's published best practices with respect to articles of incorporation, annual incorporation filings, and Bylaw compliance)

Strategic Direction

• Follows AH's best practices in leading assigned organization to create a Strategic Plan and update it regularly
• Oversee implementation of the Strategic Plan
• Lead Board to maintain a strategic focus

Risk Management and Insurance Coverage

• Ensures that assigned organization has appropriate coverage for all programs and performs a regular review to confirm that it is maintained.
• Oversees proper filings related to copyrights and/or trademarks in order to properly protect assigned organization's intellectual property

Governance and Leadership Development

• Effectively lead Board and Committee structures that align with an organization's strategic plan
• Oversee creation and consistent delivery of Board orientations
• Facilitate creation and documentation of an effective Leadership Development program in conjunction with Board so that a constant pipeline of emerging leaders is created and maintained
• Create and maintain a nomination process that aligns with the strategic goals and focus of the organization
• Identify skill gaps
• Oversee proper voting process
• Oversee a consistent Board self-assessment process
• Execute and maintain required volunteer governance forms (anti-trust, confidentiality, conflict of interest, whistleblower, etc.)

Finance

• Develop, present and manage the organization within an annual budget
• Oversee effective financial reporting to the Board and relevant committees, proactively alert Board to any significant variances
• Create and maintain an investment policy statement and all related reporting
• Oversee an annual audit by an outside accounting firm

Accreditation Compliance

• Conduct annual partnership survey and work with AH's CERO and client partner Board to respond to any reported concerns
• Review client contract with all team members on a regular basis
• Follow all document retention policies
• Follow all file structure policies

Educational Delivery/Meetings/Certification

• Oversee all events and conferences
• Maintain an awareness of online educational options, virtual meeting options

Membership

• Maintain an understanding of all market segments and stakeholders
• Lead conversations with Volunteer leaders to document membership trends and perform the necessary analysis
• Facilitate regular membership surveys to maintain an understanding of member experiences and identify opportunities for new products and/or services to add value to members
• Create and maintain relevant privacy policies

Staff Leadership

• Perform timely annual performance reviews, conduct an annual review of each team member's job description
• Proactively focus on succession planning for each role on the team
• Maintain an organizational chart
• Support professional development of each team member, identify relevant training programs or specialized skill development programs

Image, Brand Management

• Create and maintain documented policies related to use of logo
• Oversee adequate PR and Media training for Volunteer Leaders Maintain relevant style manuals and enforce usage so that brand awareness and consistency is achieved

What you'll bring to the table - Education, Experience, and Required Proficiencies

- Bachelor's degree required or a minimum of ten years related industry experience

- CAE preferred

About Association Headquarters

Since our founding in 1978, a red chair has served to symbolize the philosophy of Association Headquarters and to embody AH's unwavering commitment to supporting and celebrating the non-profit community. This red chair is the seat of honor every one of our client partners is afforded when they choose to partner with AH. From this seat you will write your association's story, craft your message, and assert your mission as AH's experienced team gathers around to ensure that all you say is realized

Connections working at Association Headquarters