Associate Executive Director (AED)

The Associate Executive Director (AED) serves as the senior staff leader for one or more client associations, functioning as their de facto Executive Director while being employed by the AMC. In this client-facing role, the AED partners directly with volunteer boards to shape strategy, lead governance, manage operations, and drive mission impact — while leveraging the AMC's shared services and leading the internal client service team assigned to each account. This role is ideal for a seasoned association professional who thrives at the intersection of strategy and execution, moves fluently between boardrooms and back-office operations, and can deliver consistent excellence across multiple client cultures simultaneously.

Key Responsibilities

Client & Board Leadership Serve as the primary staff executive and point of contact for assigned client associations, representing each client with professionalism, discretion, and brand alignment. Act as non-voting staff liaison to the Board of Directors and Executive Committee; build trusted advisory relationships with volunteer leaders. Facilitate board onboarding, succession planning, officer transitions, and leadership development. Prepare agendas, board materials, meeting minutes, and action-item follow-through. Ensure the Board is kept informed of matters and developments that warrant its attention; distill complex issues into clear policy options and recommendations. Strategic Planning & Execution Partner with the Board to shape and execute the client's strategic plan, annual goals, and organizational priorities. Translate strategy into operational roadmaps, measurable objectives, and resource plans. Monitor progress, report on KPIs, and recommend course corrections as needed. Governance & Compliance Ensure the client association operates in compliance with its bylaws, articles, and all applicable state and federal regulations (including IRS Form 990 filings, state registrations, antitrust guidelines, and D&O insurance coverage). Maintain official records, policy documents, and the association's governance calendar. Advise boards on fiduciary duty, conflicts of interest, and nonprofit governance best practices. Financial Management Develop and manage the client's annual operating budget in partnership with the Treasurer and Finance Committee. Review monthly financial statements; forecast variances and present financial updates to the Board. Oversee revenue streams (dues, non-dues, sponsorship, meetings) and expense management; partner with the AMC's Accounting team on AP/AR, audits, and tax filings. Identify opportunities for new and diversified revenue and cost efficiencies. Membership, Programs & Communications Oversee strategy and execution for membership recruitment, engagement, retention, and renewal. Ensure programs, products, and services meet member needs and advance the mission. Guide the client's communications strategy across newsletters, website, social channels, and member outreach. Meetings, Events & Education Lead planning and execution of annual conferences, board retreats, and committee meetings, supervising the assigned meeting planner(s). Oversee vendor relations and contract negotiations (venues, AV, F&B, sponsors/exhibitors). Support education and certification programming where applicable, including CME/CE accreditation compliance. Team Leadership (Internal) Supervise the internal client service team assigned to each account (e.g., Membership Manager, Meeting Planner, Communications Specialist, Accounting liaison), setting expectations, coaching performance, and ensuring high-quality deliverables. Partner with AMC leadership on resource allocation, staff development, and cross-client collaboration. Contribute to a culture of accountability, learning, and client-service excellence across the AMC. Business Development & Client Retention Support the client renewal process; identify opportunities to expand scope of services. Contribute to new business development through RFP responses, prospect meetings, and onboarding of new clients. Serve as an ambassador for the AMC at industry events and within association professional networks. Required Qualifications 8+ years of progressive experience in association management, nonprofit leadership, or a closely related field; at least 3 years serving in an Executive Director, Associate Executive Director, or senior Account Executive capacity. 3+ years of direct supervisory experience leading teams. Demonstrated experience staffing nonprofit boards and committees, including governance, strategic planning, and fiduciary oversight. Proven financial acumen: budget development, P&L management, and financial reporting for nonprofit organizations. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage credibly with executive-level volunteer leaders. Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and experience with association management systems (AMS) such as iMIS, Personify, YourMembership, Novi, or MemberClicks. Ability to travel nationally 15–25% for client meetings, conferences, and board retreats, including occasional evenings and weekends. Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working in an Association Management Company (AMC) or other multi-client environment. CAE (Certified Association Executive) credential or active candidacy. Experience with trade associations, professional societies, scientific/medical associations, or credentialing bodies (depending on client portfolio fit). Familiarity with accreditation standards (NCCA, ANAB/ISO 17024, CME/ACCME) where applicable. Experience contributing to RFP responses and new client onboarding. Nonprofit governance training (e.g., BoardSource, ASAE's Association Governance Institute). Key Competencies Executive presence and sound judgment Strategic thinking paired with operational follow-through Governance expertise and fluency in nonprofit best practices Financial acumen and business literacy Vendor and contract negotiation Relationship building across diverse stakeholder groups Cultural agility across multiple client associations simultaneously Leadership, coaching, and team development Discretion with confidential information Physical Requirements & Travel Ability to work remotely with a dedicated home-office setup and reliable high-speed internet. Ability to travel nationally 15–25% of the time, including multi-day conferences and board retreats. Ability to lift up to 30 pounds (meeting and conference materials). Ability to work outside standard business hours as client schedules require, including occasional evenings and weekends. Salary Range: $80,000 – $105,000 (commensurate with experience), plus benefits Apply To This Job