Executive Director, Association Management | US – Remote

Must be eligible to work in the United States.

Job Summary:

The Executive Director, Association Management, helps develop and provide association management services to KGL’s society customers, ensuring their efficient operations, growth, and success. In addition, the Executive Director will support the unit’s financial health and wellbeing along with business development efforts of the VP, Growth & Innovation, and the Director, Association Management. This role will provide exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and strong communication skills in helping maintain and expand KGL’s association management customers.

Duties/Responsibilities:

The Executive Director is responsible for overseeing and managing various aspects of association operations. The specific duties will vary depending on the nature and size of the society and KGL’s contractual arrangement, and may include the following:

  • Account management: Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned societies, helping them achieve particular goals and objectives and resolving client concerns in a timely manner.

  • Customer engagement: Regularly engage with society leaders, working within contractual limitations while identifying opportunities to enhance services and foster long-term partnerships.

  • Strategic planning: Develop and implement strategic plans in collaboration with the association's leadership to achieve organizational goals.

  • Board and committee support: Provide guidance and support to society boards and committees, preparing agendas, facilitating meetings, and providing timely follow-up on action items.

  • Operations management: Supervise day-to-day society operations, ensuring that services are delivered efficiently and of the highest quality.

  • Governance support: Assist in the development and execution of effective governance structures, including board meetings, committees, and policies.

  • Membership engagement: Foster member engagement and growth by developing and implementing membership programs, benefits, and outreach initiatives.

  • Financial management: Oversee the association's financial activities, including budgeting, financial reporting, and ensuring fiscal responsibility.

  • Event management: Oversee the planning and execution of events, conferences, and educational programs that align with the society’s mission and objectives.

  • Publication management: Service as publisher of scholarly journals including strategic and tactical management of business models, operations, and finances.

  • Communication: Ensure effective communication with members, stakeholders, and the public through various channels, including newsletters, websites, and social media.

  • Advocacy and public relations: Represent the association and advocate for its interests in the industry or community. Manage public relations efforts to enhance the association's image.

  • Collaboration: Work collaboratively with KGL and society staff, volunteers, and external partners to achieve organizational objectives.

  • Technology utilization: Stay abreast of technological advancements and implement relevant tools to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the association's operations.

  • Compliance: Ensure that the society complies with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards.

  • Business development: Assist with customer acquisition and renewals as requested.

Team leadership

  • Provide day-to-day management of in-house team members (Association Managers and Customer Service Associates) and coordinate contractors as needed.

  • Model and advance a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement with team and broader KGL.

  • Provide input to KGL Leadership on shaping the organizational structure of your team to meet service, operational, and business goals.

  • Oversee your team, supporting job satisfaction, collegial relationships, and providing opportunities for continuing education and new experiences.

  • Manage (and monitor your team members’) relationship with clients to ensure timely responses and enduring customer satisfaction.

  • Evaluate employee performance in complying with established policies and procedures and contributing to a congenial and productive work culture.

  • Supervise and support staff development of direct reports and through your managers, all staff on your team.

    • Oversee work assignments.

    • Conduct annual employee reviews.

    • Conduct regular meetings with team leads and team.

    • Update appropriate KGL staff of activities and policies.

    • Change management—internally and externally, drive new processes and practices.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as business administration, public administration, or nonprofit management, or equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

  • Experience in association management with multiple societies.

  • Strong leadership, with demonstrated experience in strategic planning and financial management ls.

  • Excellent communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution abilities.

  • Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills with a track record of delivering successful outcomes.

  • In-depth understanding of financial management principles and budgeting.

  • Experience managing publications including member newsletters, scholarly journals, magazines, and meeting programs.

  • Familiarity with association industry trends, best practices, and legal requirements.

Additional skills and abilities desired:

  • Advanced degree is a plus.

  • Current ASAE Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential strongly preferred.

  • Experience in event planning and execution is a plus.

  • Experience with member management software and technical project management.

  • Experience assisting in the strategic planning, coordination, and execution of fund-raising campaigns for non-profit societies and associations.

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to remain stationary, typing and managing detailed work for long periods.

  • Ability to operate a computer.

  • Ability to handle very detailed work.

Travel Requirements:

  • Travel required an average of once per quarter, subject to the needs of our customers.

To Apply:

KGL offers a competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package, remote work, and a friendly work culture.  Interested candidates should submit a confidential cover letter and resume to humanresources.kwf@kwglobal.com.

KGL is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Mike Groth

Michael Groth is Director of Marketing at Cenveo Publisher Services, where he oversees all aspects of marketing strategy and implementation across digital, social, conference, advertising and PR channels. Mike has spent over 20 years in marketing for scholarly publishing, previously at Emerald, Ingenta, Publishers Communication Group, the New England Journal of Medicine and Wolters Kluwer. He has made the rounds at information industry events, organized conference sessions, presented at SSP, ALA, ER&L and Charleston, and blogged on topics ranging from market trends, library budgets and research impact, to emerging markets and online communities.. Twitter Handle: @mikegroth72