Director of Association Management

Build Great Associations. Develop Great Leaders. Help Shape the Future of Association Management.

Most association management companies are built around keeping clients happy. We're building something different. At Audience Development Strategies (ADS), our mission is to help associations grow stronger, become more financially sustainable, embrace innovation, and accomplish more than they ever believed possible.

That doesn't happen through status quo management. It happens because exceptional people lead exceptional organizations.

As ADS continues to grow nationally, we're looking for an experienced Director of Association Management to join our leadership team. This is not simply another Executive Director position. This is a leadership opportunity for someone who has spent years leading associations, understands what outstanding client service truly looks like, enjoys mentoring others, and wants to help build one of the country's most progressive association management companies.

If you've spent your career thinking, "There has to be a better way to do this," we'd like to meet you.

About ADS

Audience Development Strategies is a full-service association management company providing executive leadership, financial management, membership growth, conferences and events, government affairs, marketing, communications and strategic consulting for nonprofit trade and professional associations throughout the United States.

We become an extension of each organization's leadership—not simply their administrative office. We pride ourselves on proactive thinking, measurable results, entrepreneurial ideas and exceptional client relationships. We want our people to succeed - and it shows: we invest in our team members by covering the cost of training, industry conference and certifications.

The Opportunity

This position combines executive leadership, client management and team leadership. You'll serve as Executive Director for select association clients while helping shape how our entire organization delivers service and serving on our small leadership team.

You'll mentor Executive Directors, establish best practices, improve processes, support professional development and help ensure every ADS client receives an exceptional experience.

You'll work closely with our CEO and COO as we continue expanding our client portfolio and building the next generation of association leaders.

What You'll Do

Lead & Grow Association Clients

• Serve as Executive Director/Account Manager for a select portfolio of nonprofit trade and professional associations.
• Partner with volunteer boards to develop strategic direction, strengthen governance, grow membership, increase non-dues revenue and improve organizational performance.
• Provide trusted counsel while becoming the leader boards rely upon.

Develop Future Association Leaders

• Coach and mentor Executive Directors and Account Managers.
• Help onboard new team members.
• Share best practices.
• Review work products.
• Provide guidance during challenging client situations.
• Help build confidence, leadership skills and professional excellence throughout the organization.

Build Operational Excellence

• Continuously improve how ADS serves clients.
• Develop standardized processes and playbooks.
• Identify opportunities for innovation.
• Collaborate with leadership on staffing, workload management, technology implementation and strategic planning.
• Help us become more scalable without sacrificing personalized client service.

Strengthen Client Relationships

• Partner with Executive Directors to proactively identify opportunities for growth.
• Support business reviews.
• Assist with complex board situations.
• Help ensure every client experiences responsive, strategic and professional leadership.

Contribute to Company Growth

• Participate in proposal development.
• Support business development conversations.
• Represent ADS at industry conferences.
• Help identify opportunities to expand services, improve operations and strengthen our reputation within the association community.

Who You Are

You're probably someone who has successfully led associations for many years. You've worked with volunteer boards, built budgets, grown membership, navigated challenging board dynamics. You've likely served as the person everyone turns to when they need advice. More importantly, you enjoy helping other people succeed just as much as you enjoy leading organizations yourself. You aren't interested in maintaining the status quo. You constantly ask, "How can we make this better?"

What We're Looking For

Required

• 10 years of association management or nonprofit executive leadership experience
• Experience serving as an Executive Director or senior association executive
• Exceptional board governance experience
• Strong financial management and budgeting skills
• Outstanding written and verbal communication
• Experience managing multiple priorities simultaneously
• A collaborative leadership style
• A coaching and mentoring mindset
• A commitment to professionalism and continuous improvement

Preferred

• Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation, or active pursuit of the credential
• Association Management Company (AMC) experience or a clear understanding of the AMC model
• Experience with GrowthZone, Higher Logic, Wild Apricot or similar association management platforms
• Experience leading organizational change
• Knowledge of EOS or similar accountability frameworks
• A book of business, client relationship or strong ties in association management that may lead to new business for ADS

Our Culture

We believe talented people thrive when they're trusted, challenged and supported. We use the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to create clarity, accountability and continuous improvement throughout our organization.

We value professionals who:

• Take ownership.
• Solve problems instead of waiting for direction.
• Build strong relationships.
• Communicate honestly and professionally.
• Continue learning throughout their careers.
• Care deeply about the success of their clients and teammates.
• Value leadership, collaboration, creativity, innovation and planning.

We work hard, celebrate wins, laugh often and genuinely enjoy helping associations accomplish meaningful work. We believe it is a privilege to work with associations and that it is our duty to make a lasting mark on our client groups by developing new programs, revenue streams and best practices.

Why ADS?

This is an opportunity to help shape a growing company rather than simply work for one. You'll influence strategy. You'll mentor talented professionals. You'll lead organizations that matter. You'll help define best practices that impact clients across the country.

Most importantly, you'll join a leadership team that believes the best ideas can come from anyone and that continuous improvement isn't just something we encourage—it's part of who we are.

If you're looking for another Executive Director position, this probably isn't it. If you're looking to help build the future of association management, we'd love to hear from you.

Pay: $95,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Paid training
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $95,000 - $110,000