Pay: $120,000 — $150,000 USD per year
Employment: full time

Employer job description

From Keller Executive Search's posting. “We” and “our” refer to the employer.

Our client, a well-established national trade association, is seeking an Executive Director to lead the organization into its next stage of growth. The association serves a diverse B2B membership of manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, and operators through industry events, education, networking, and advocacy.

The organization is stable and has an engaged, supportive Board. It is now ready to modernize, expand its membership into adjacent markets, and build a stronger member-centric culture. This is a role for a builder. The right leader will enjoy putting systems and processes in place, growing a lean team, and turning strategy into measurable results.

What You Will Lead

Growth and Revenue: Own financial performance for an operating budget in the low seven figures. Drive membership recruitment and retention and grow net revenue. Diversify revenue through sponsorships, programs, events, and new member offerings.

Transformation: Lead the organization through a period of modernization, including launching a brand refresh and building scalable processes, systems, and member data capabilities.

Team Building: Lead and develop a small staff, recruit key new hires, and build a collaborative, high-performing culture.

Events and Programs: Serve as executive lead for major annual industry trade shows produced with partner organizations and a contracted show management firm. Also oversee year-round education, awards, and an annual member meeting.

Board Partnership: Work with the Board and its committees to implement strategic, generative governance. Report clearly on progress, finances, risks, and opportunities.

External Relations and Advocacy: Serve as a visible ambassador for the association and its industry with members, partners, allied associations, media, and government officials. Coordinate legislative and regulatory efforts with counsel and lobbyists.

Operations: Oversee finance, compliance, HR, technology, and administration. This includes budget development with the Finance Committee, internal controls, and the annual audit.

Requirements

Required: A bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience. A CAE or other association-related certification is a plus.
10+ years of senior leadership experience in a trade association or nonprofit. Small-staff associations ($5M+) with a diverse mix of member types are ideal.
A proven track record of growing membership and net revenue.
Experience leading an organization through major structural or strategic change.
A history of revenue diversification and of building member-centric programs.
A strong working understanding of the partnership between a chief staff executive and a volunteer Board.
Knowledge of nonprofit finance, budgeting, and legal practices, and comfort negotiating contracts.
A data-informed approach to member intelligence, including experience with association management or CRM platforms.
Excellent written and verbal communication, including public speaking and media relations.
A relationship-centric, hands-on leadership style with demonstrated strength in team building and change management.
Willingness to travel approximately 15 to 20% of the time, including multi-day industry events.
Preferred: Direct experience producing or managing a trade show or large industry event, including exhibitor sales, sponsorships, and contractor management.
Experience managing events or programs in partnership with other organizations.
Legislative or regulatory advocacy experience at the state or federal level.
Background in the entertainment, hospitality, leisure, or consumer products sectors.

Benefits

Base salary of $120,000 to $150,000, depending on experience.
An annual performance bonus program.
Health and retirement plans.
Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.
Commitment to Diversity: Keller Executive Search and its clients are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all individuals are valued and respected.
Reasonable Accommodations: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and pregnant individuals. We engage in an interactive process to determine effective, reasonable accommodations.
Compensation Information: For client positions, compensation information is available in the job post. If not provided, it will be shared during the interview process in accordance with applicable laws. When required by law, salary ranges will be included in job postings. Actual salary may depend on skills, experience, and comparison to current employees in similar roles. Salary ranges may vary based on role and location.
Compliance with Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all employment terms and conditions, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Workplace Harassment: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients expressly prohibit any form of workplace harassment based on race, skin color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.
E-Verify Participation: Keller Executive Search and/or our clients may participate in E-Verify. Information about E-Verify participation will be provided during the application process where applicable.
Privacy and Pay Equity: California Residents: For more information about the categories of personal information we collect for recruiting and employment purposes, please review our Privacy Policy at www.kellerexecutivesearch.com.
Colorado, Nevada, New York City, California, and Washington Residents: Compensation information is available in the job post or will be provided during the interview process if not initially available.
Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to pay equity and conduct periodic pay equity analyses in accordance with applicable laws.
State-Specific Information: Rhode Island: We do not request or require salary history from applicants.
Connecticut: We provide wage range information upon request or before discussing compensation.
New Jersey: We do not inquire about salary history unless voluntarily disclosed.
Veteran Status: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients provide equal employment opportunities to veterans and comply with applicable state laws regarding veteran preference in employment. If you are a veteran, please inform us during the application process.
Use of Artificial Intelligence in Recruitment
Keller Executive Search and our clients may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the recruitment and candidate evaluation process. These tools are used exclusively to support human decision-making by helping to review and assess candidate qualifications and materials. AI is never used to automatically reject, disqualify, or make final hiring decisions about candidates. All AI-assisted evaluations are reviewed by experienced recruitment professionals, and all hiring decisions are made by qualified human recruiters. Our use of AI is designed to enhance fairness, consistency, and efficiency while maintaining our commitment to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination principles.
Genetic Information: In accordance with federal and state laws, both Keller Executive Search and our clients do not discriminate based on genetic information. We do not request or require genetic information from applicants or employees, except as permitted by law.
Local Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with all applicable local laws and ordinances regarding employment practices in the areas where we operate.
Note: This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location.

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Employer posted: 2026-10-26

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Employer posted: Oct 26, 2026 · today
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