ABOUT THIS ROLE
Associations International (AI) is an association management company based in Lexington, KY, who partners with non-profit trade and career associations. Our job is to help those non-profits meet their mission and grow their membership through the work of our talented, dedicated team.
As Chief Staff Officer (CSO), you will serve our client partner, the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), a leader in the advancement of the dog training profession. The CSO reports to AI’s Chairman of the Board, while partnering with APDT’s Board of Trustees. Working in conjunction with volunteer leadership and AI’s dedicated staff, the CSO is responsible for the overall management and operations of the association. The CSO provides fiscal and personnel management, develops effective relationships with key stakeholders, and positively represents the association.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Management
- Manage execution of client programs, services, and events in line with the strategic plan or direction as established by the board
- Evaluate programs, services, and events, including annual conferences to determine alignment with ongoing strategic planning initiatives
- Responsible for sound fiscal planning and management, including review of the association’s financial statements
- Responsible for creation and ongoing maintenance of annual budget
- Development of new revenue sources
- Oversee administration of association’s programs, awards, and scholarships
- Development and administration of publications where relevant
- Oversee selection of and negotiate with conference sites
Communication
- Partner with the Board of Trustees, create and manage an effective communications plan to keep leadership apprised of activities and key developments
- Oversee association marketing plan outlining communications, public relations, social media, and all other forms of connecting to members and outside constituents
- Create and manage effective communication with members of the association
- Oversee the development of effective association communication vehicles (newsletter, weekly news briefs, reporting, etc.)
Relationships
- Communicate with members in a responsive and respectful manner, demonstrating sensitivity to member needs and interests, and exhibiting effective leadership qualities
- Work in a positive and productive manner with the Board of Trustees, responsive to board input and direction and offering sound advice and guidance
- Serve as the association’s primary representative in the absence of the Chair
- Develop a relationship of mutual support with core and shared staff, providing effective leadership and fostering high staff performance and morale
- Oversee sponsorship relationships to sustain non-dues revenue. This includes partnerships formed to support annual conferences and events/programs
- Establish effective working relationships with other like-minded organizations as determined in partnership with board leadership, which reflect positively on and contribute to the association’s stature in the industry, grows membership and revenue
Leadership
- Serve as leader for the Board of Trustees and other volunteer leadership groups, offering recommendations, advice and counsel while consistently recognizing and adhering to the ultimate authority of the Board of Trustees
- Collaborate and participate within the AI Leadership Team
- Oversee board nominations process adhering to bylaws and leadership succession planning
- Provide strategic thinking, creativity, and planning to assist the board with vision and direction
- Employ effective leadership skills in the management of staff and contractors
- Maintain a positive and influential leadership profile within the industry
- Perform other related duties as assigned
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
- 7+ years of professional business/management, association management and/or nonprofit management experience
- Experience working with a volunteer, nonprofit, or not-for-profit Board of Directors
- Experience with sponsorship and partner development
- Demonstrated leadership ability
- Public speaking experience
- Ability to travel frequently and work nights and weekends
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field from an accredited college or university
- Experience managing 501c6 or 501c3 associations and components/chapters desired
- CAE Certification; CFRE Certification desired
- Master’s degree in a related field from an accredited college or university desired
WHO IS ASSOCIATIONS INTERNATIONAL?
We hire diverse and talented people who drive the success of our partner associations by bringing their talents, passions, and expertise to the team. We are proud to have been named a Best Places to Work in Kentucky award recipient for eleven years and counting!
- Flexibility: hybrid and in office flexibility
- Benefits: Full benefit package including medical, company paid dental and vision, disability, life insurance and more
- Retirement: 401(k) with company match (because we all want to retire one day)
- Time Off: Comprehensive time off to do the things you love including vacation, sick and wellness time, paid holidays, floating holidays, and a paid yearly company shutdown
Associations International is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. AI recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires support in applying, please reach out to our HR team at 859-219-3567.