CEO (Upstate New York)

Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC); Northern, New York (KY, NY); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Empire State Chapter seeks a visionary CEO to lead strategic direction, member advocacy, and organizational growth. You will align programs with Board priorities, direct a senior leadership team, and ensure sustainable finances while advancing merit shop principles.

You will build strong partnerships with policymakers, industry stakeholders and ABC National, oversee apprenticeship and workforce development, and represent the Chapter in local and national arenas.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration or related field is required.
• Minimum 7–10 years of senior leadership experience in an association, nonprofit organization or related field.
• Strong track record in governance, strategic planning and budget oversight.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership and strategic direction in alignment with the Board’s mission and priorities.
• Lead a high-performing senior leadership team and ensure accountability across programs and operations.
• Develop and sustain financial health through annual budgets, fundraising and diversified revenue.
• Advocate for merit shop policies with policymakers, partners and stakeholders at local, state and national levels.
• Represent the Chapter in ABC National activities and collaborations with other chapters.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Governance

People management

Board relations

Advocacy

Nonprofit management

Education

Bachelor's degree in business administration or related field

Job description

The CEO serves as the chief executive officer of the Chapter, reporting to the Board of Directors. This role is responsible for providing visionary leadership and strategic direction to fulfill the mission of the Empire State Chapter and to advance the merit shop philosophy. The CEO ensures the efficient operation of all programs and services, fosters strong member and stakeholder relationships, and represents the organization to local, state, and national partners, government agencies, and the broader public. This leader plays a key role in advocacy, membership growth, workforce development, and ensuring long-term financial and organizational sustainability.

Job Duties

Strategic Leadership and Governance

• Serve as the chief executive officer of the Chapter, accountable to the Board of Directors for the organization’s performance, financial strength, strategic direction and fulfillment of Empire State Chapter mission.
• Lead the development and execution of the Chapter’s strategic plan, translating Board priorities into measurable goals for membership, advocacy, education, workforce development, communications and organizational growth.
• Provide the Board with clear, timely and candid information regarding organizational performance, financial results, emerging risks, industry trends and strategic opportunities.
• Maintain a productive partnership with the Board based on clearly defined roles, open communication and shared accountability.
• Ensure compliance with Chapter bylaws, Board policies, applicable laws and regulations, and Empire State Chapter and National accreditation requirements.
• Represent the Chapter within ABC National and strengthen collaboration among the Chapter, other ABC chapters and the national association.

Organizational Leadership and Staff Development

• Build, lead and develop a high-performing senior leadership team capable of managing the Chapter’s day-to-day operations and carrying out its strategic priorities.
• Establish clear expectations, accountability measures and decision-making authority throughout the organization.
• Recruit, retain and develop talented staff while creating opportunities for professional growth, expanded responsibility and succession.
• Ensure that staffing, organizational structure, compensation and internal systems keep pace with the Chapter’s growth and changing responsibilities.
• Maintain consistent operations and member service across all Chapter regions, offices, training centers and program areas.
• Ensure the organization does not operate in silos by connecting membership, government affairs, education, safety, communications and regional operations around common priorities.

Financial and Operational Stewardship

• Maintain overall responsibility for the Chapter’s financial health, including the development and execution of annual operating and capital budgets.
• Work with the Board and senior staff to establish appropriate financial controls, reserve policies, investment practices and long-range financial strategies.
• Ensure the timely completion of financial reporting, audits, tax filings and other regulatory requirements.
• Evaluate programs, services, facilities and staffing investments based on their financial sustainability, strategic value and benefit to members.
• Develop and diversify revenue through membership, training, apprenticeship, events, sponsorships, grants and other mission-aligned opportunities.
• Lead major organizational investments, including the acquisition, expansion and improvement of offices, training centers and other Chapter facilities.

Membership Growth and Member Value

• Establish membership growth, retention and engagement as organization-wide priorities.
• Ensure that the Chapter understands and responds to the differing needs of contractors, suppliers, professional service firms and other members across New York.
• Maintain direct relationships with members and industry leaders to understand the conditions affecting their businesses and identify opportunities for the Chapter to provide value.
• Oversee the development and delivery of services that help members win work, perform that work safely and profitably, develop their people and address business challenges.
• Use membership data, participation levels, retention results and direct member feedback to evaluate the effectiveness of Chapter programs and services.
Create opportunities for members to become involved in Chapter leadership, advocacy, committees, education, events and community initiatives.
• Ensure the Chapter’s regional operations remain responsive to local needs while supporting a consistent statewide strategy and organizational identity.

Government Affairs, Political Advocacy and Industry Leadership

• Serve as the Chapter’s principal advocate and strategist on legislative, regulatory and political matters affecting merit shop contractors and the construction industry.
• Establish advocacy priorities in consultation with the Board, members and government affairs committee and staff and direct coordinated engagement at the local, state and federal levels.
• Build and maintain credible working relationships with elected officials, government agencies, regulators, industry organizations and other stakeholders.
• Provide leadership on major construction policy issues, including project labor agreements, prevailing wage, workforce and licensing requirements, public procurement, workplace safety, insurance and regulatory reform.
• Ensure the Chapter can identify emerging policy threats and opportunities, develop informed positions and respond quickly and effectively.
• Oversee the Chapter’s political action activities and ensure compliance with applicable campaign-finance and reporting requirements.
• Mobilize members to participate in advocacy and help them understand how government actions affect their companies, employees and ability to compete.
• Serve as a trusted industry resource while preserving the Chapter’s ability to work constructively with policymakers and stakeholders across the political spectrum.

Apprenticeship Trust Leadership and Fiduciary Coordination

• Provide executive and strategic leadership to the Chapter’s affiliated apprenticeship Trust, subject to the authority and direction of the Trust’s Board of Trustees and governing documents.
• Work with trustees, legal counsel, administrators, auditors and investment professionals to support the Trust’s fiduciary, financial and regulatory responsibilities.
• Working with the President of the Trust, develop budgets, financial forecasts and growth strategies that allow the Trust to expand responsibly while maintaining adequate administrative, instructional and facility capacity.
• Ensure appropriate separation, cost allocation, documentation and governance between the Chapter and the Trust.
• Oversee the staff and systems responsible for employer participation, apprentice administration, regulatory compliance, curriculum delivery and program reporting.
• Keep trustees informed of program performance, financial conditions, compliance matters, operational risks and strategic opportunities.
• Protect the long-term sustainability and integrity of the Trust while expanding access to registered apprenticeship for Chapter members and their employees.

Communications, Reputation and External Relations

• Serve as a principal spokesperson for the Chapter and a visible representative of the merit shop construction industry.
• Direct the Chapter’s overall communications strategy, including media relations, public education, digital communications, member communications and issue advocacy.
• Ensure that the Chapter communicates complicated construction, workforce and public-policy issues in clear, credible and persuasive terms.
• Build the Chapter’s reputation as a reliable source of industry information for members, policymakers, regulators, the media and the public.
• Develop strategic partnerships with other associations, employers, educational institutions, workforce organizations and community leaders.
• Represent the Chapter at industry events, ABC National meetings, public hearings, conferences and other forums.
• Lead the organization’s response during significant legislative, regulatory, operational or reputational challenges.

Innovation, Growth and Long-Term Sustainability

• Identify opportunities to expand the Chapter’s influence, services, revenue, facilities and geographic reach.
• Evaluate new initiatives based on member need, mission alignment, financial sustainability and the organization’s capacity to execute them successfully.
• Strengthen the Chapter’s systems, technology, data and internal processes to support continued growth.
• Anticipate changes in the construction industry, workforce, political environment and association marketplace and position the organization to respond effectively.
• Develop leadership capacity and succession plans that support continuity across the Chapter and the Trust.

POSITION EXPECTATIONS

At Empire State Chapter, we believe great work starts with great people. To help us achieve our strategic priorities, we seek energetic, positive, and team-driven individuals who bring the following strengths:

• Motivated self-starter with strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities with ease.
• Collaborative team player with a positive attitude and a willingness to jump in and help wherever needed.
• Customer service mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and process efficiency.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools, including Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, and PowerPoint.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, tailored to suit a wide range of audiences.
• Trusted communicator who earns respect across all levels through clear, confident oral and written communication.
• Highly accurate and detail-oriented, delivering polished work even under tight deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to build consensus and contribute to a supportive workplace culture.
• Awareness of organizational dynamics and resourcefulness in solving challenges by engaging the right people.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS EXAMPLES

Minimum (Required) Qualifications/Specialized Skills:

• Education/Degree Requirement
  • Bachelor’s degree in business administration, nonprofit management, construction management, public policy, or related field. However, an equivalent combination of education, training, and directly related professional experience may be considered in place of a degree.
• Experience Requirement
  • Minimum 7–10 years of senior leadership experience, preferably in an association, nonprofit organization, construction-related business, or trade organization.
  • Demonstrated experience in managing staff, budgets, operations, and external relations.
• Skills & Attributes
  • A strong commitment to the merit shop philosophy and Empire State Chapter’s mission.
  • Proven leadership, strategic planning, and team-building skills.
  • Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal abilities.
  • Financial acumen and experience managing complex budgets and funding sources.
  • Ability to lead in a politically sensitive environment and build consensus among diverse stakeholders.
• Driving Requirement
  • Valid driver’s license required for operating company or personal vehicle for work. or Valid motor vehicle operator’s license and the willingness/ability to use personal vehicle during employment.
• Weekend or Overnight for Work
  • Ability to work nights and/or weekends.
  • Frequent travel (e.g., approximately 30-40%) may be required for member visits, Association events, and other work-related or networking activities, as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Education preference
  • Master’s degree or equivalent senior executive experience in a similar position.
• Experience preference
  • Strong background in advocacy, public policy, or government affairs is highly desirable.
  • Experience in construction, engineering, or similar industry.
• Other preferred qualifications, skills or needs associated with the position
  • Exhibits emotional intelligence through heightened self-awareness and reflection.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this position, the employee must be able to:

• Move throughout the office or other work locations, including prolonged periods of sitting, standing, and walking.
• Use hands and fingers to operate a computer, handle documents, and control tools or office equipment.
• Occasionally stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl as required by the task or location.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 20 pounds (e.g., files, accounting binders, office supplies).
• Occasional local or overnight travel may be required for meetings, training, or conferences, especially at the senior level.
• This role is primarily performed in a standard office setting with minimal noise and typical working conditions.
• Depending on job responsibilities, work may also be conducted at off-site locations such as construction sites, industry events, or partner facilities. These environments may involve variable weather, uneven terrain, or other safety considerations.
• Empire State Chapter supports flexible work schedules to accommodate various lifestyles and promote a healthy work-life balance. With manager approval, a hybrid remote work arrangement may be available, with the Empire State Chapter office as the primary work location.
• Employee health and safety are top priorities. All applicable health, safety, and site-specific protocols must be followed—whether working in the office, remotely, or at off-site locations.