The Association for association professionals in Chicagoland
United States - Nationwide
Posted: 12-May-26
Location: United States - Nationwide
Type: Full Time
Categories:
Additional Information:
Type: Full Time, Exempt Position
Location: Virtual Office; Remote
Do you enjoy working with business professionals, C-suite executives, and company owners? Are you detail-oriented with high-level administrative and organizational skills? Are you looking to be part of an innovative, enthusiastic team committed to growing private companies’ value and worth in the marketplace while creating high-performing board members for effective governance roles?
If so, we’d like to hear from you!
The Private Directors Association (PDA) is the premier professional nonprofit organization for private company governance. Our purpose is to enable and enhance the value, growth, and resilience of privately held companies through effective governance. Created in 2014, we serve more than 3,500 members, with 20+ Chapters located throughout the United States.
PDA is seeking to hire its first full-time Director, Chapter Operations & Volunteer Engagement to join our team. Reporting directly to the President & CEO, the key responsibilities for the position are defined below.
Position Summary
The Director of Chapter Operations & Volunteer Engagement leads the strategy, operations, and relationship management for the Private Directors Association’s Chapter network and volunteer leadership community. This role oversees the staff who support Chapters, strengthens Chapter governance and operational consistency, and builds a positive, aligned experience for volunteer leaders. The Director ensures Chapters have the tools, guidance, and support needed to deliver high?quality programs while maintaining alignment with national standards and strategic priorities.
This position reports to the President & CEO and serves as a key partner to national staff, Chapter leaders, and volunteer committees.
Key Responsibilities
Chapter Operations Leadership
- Develop and implement a scalable Chapter operating model, including standards, processes, and annual planning tools.
- Ensure Chapters operate in alignment with national policies, brand guidelines, and governance requirements.
- Lead the annual Chapter planning cycle, including goal setting, reporting, and performance review.
- Monitor Chapter health indicators (membership, programming, financial compliance, leadership stability) and intervene proactively when support is needed.
- Oversee Chapter onboarding, transitions, and leadership succession processes.
- Identify priority cities and regions for new Chapters and lead them through the full Chapter?in?Formation process—establishing readiness criteria, milestones, and success indicators—before transitioning the Chapter to a Chapter Relations Manager for ongoing support
Staff Oversight & Service Delivery
- Supervise the Chapter relations team, ensuring consistent, high?quality support to Chapters.
- Establish clear service standards, workflows, and accountability measures for staff supporting Chapters.
- Provide coaching, professional development, and performance management for Chapter support staff.
- Coordinate cross?departmental support for Chapters (marketing, finance, events, sponsorship, membership).
Volunteer Engagement & Leadership Support
- Build and maintain strong relationships with Chapter volunteer leaders, committees, and advisory groups.
- Develop volunteer leadership pathways, training, and onboarding resources.
- Support volunteer committees related to Chapter operations, leadership development, or governance.
- Facilitate communication between national leadership and Chapter volunteers to ensure alignment and transparency.
- Recognize and celebrate volunteer contributions through structured recognition programs.
Governance & Compliance Alignment
- Ensure Chapter bylaws, policies, and governance practices align with national standards.
- Provide guidance on Chapter board roles, responsibilities, and effective governance practices.
- Support Chapters in resolving governance challenges, leadership conflicts, or operational risks.
- Partner with legal or compliance advisors when needed to mitigate risk.
Strategic Planning & Organizational Alignment
- Serve as the internal subject?matter expert on Chapter operations and volunteer engagement
- Contribute to national strategic planning with insights from Chapter performance and volunteer needs.
- Lead initiatives that strengthen Chapter capacity, operational consistency, and member experience.
- Develop metrics, dashboards, and reporting tools to track Chapter health and volunteer engagement.
Qualifications
Required
- 7+ years of experience in association management, Chapter/component relations, volunteer management, or related fields. Preference for experience supporting multi-Chapter or distributed networks.
- Demonstrated experience managing small staff and building high?performing teams.
- Strong understanding of nonprofit governance, volunteer leadership, and Chapter structures.
- Excellent relationship?building, communication, and facilitation skills.
- Ability to design and implement scalable operational systems and processes.
- Strong judgment, diplomacy, and problem?solving skills.
- Competency using association management systems (AMS) and Chapter reporting tools.
Success Indicators
The Director is successful when:
- Chapters operate consistently and confidently within national standards.
- Volunteer leaders feel supported, informed, and valued.
- Chapter support staff deliver timely, high?quality service with clear accountability.
- Chapter health metrics improve year over year.
- Governance issues are addressed early and effectively.
- National and Chapter strategies feel aligned and mutually reinforcing.
To Apply: Send your resume and cover letter, including your salary requirements and date of availability, to: Careers@privatedirectors.org . Since we are seeking to fill this position soon, applicants are encouraged to apply at their earliest opportunity.
PDA does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. This includes all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, training, compensation, promotion, benefits, social and recreational programs, and discipline. PDA provides reasonable accommodation to qualified employees who have protected disabilities to the extent required by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances where a particular employee works.
