Director, Bank Relations

Illinois Bankers Association; Illinois; On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Illinois Bankers Association (IBA) seeks to fill an immediate opening for Director, Bank Relations. This position serves as a primary relationship manager for assigned member institutions and helps bank leaders maximize the value of their IBA membership.

The Director will develop executive-level relationships, identify member needs, connect bankers with relevant IBA resources and strengthen membership retention and growth across Northern Illinois.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, finance, communications, marketing, association management or a related field preferred.
• Three to five years of experience in relationship management, business development, banking, sales, membership engagement or association management.
• Experience working with executive-level decision-makers preferred.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

Responsibilities

• Strengthening member relationships through in-person outreach and bank visits.
• Serving as the primary relationship manager for assigned member institutions and connecting leaders with IBA resources.
• Supporting recruitment, retention and engagement by communicating IBA value and impact.
• Identifying member challenges and recommending IBA resources and solutions.
• Representing the IBA at bank meetings, events and conferences.
• Maintaining knowledge of banking industry trends to anticipate member needs.
• Documenting member interactions in the CRM and providing regular reports.
• Contributing to annual membership, engagement, retention and revenue goals.

Skills

Relationship-building

Consultative selling

Written and verbal communication

Credibility with senior leaders

Organizational skills

CRM and MS Office proficiency

Banking/financial services knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in business/finance/communications/marketing/association management or related field

Tools

CRM software

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Illinois Bankers Association (IBA) seeks to fill an immediate opening for Director, Bank Relations. This position serves as a primary relationship manager for assigned member institutions and helps bank leaders maximize the value of their IBA membership. The ideal candidate will be a strong relationship builder with experience in banking, business development, membership engagement or association management.

Working closely with IBA leadership and teams across the Association, this individual will develop executive-level relationships, identify member needs, connect bankers with relevant IBA resources and strengthen membership retention and growth. The Director will serve as a trusted advisor, visible ambassador and strategic partner to member institutions throughout Northern Illinois.

Core responsibilities Include:

• Strengthening member relationships through consistent in-person outreach, bank visits and clear delivery of IBA value.
• Serving as the primary relationship manager for assigned member institutions and helping leaders connect with IBA advocacy, education, industry expertise and strategic solutions.
• Supporting member recruitment, retention and engagement efforts by communicating the value and impact of IBA membership.
• Identifying member challenges, opportunities and emerging needs and recommending appropriate IBA resources and solutions.
• Representing the IBA at bank meetings, industry events, conferences and other member functions.
• Maintaining knowledge of banking industry trends, challenges and legislative issues to anticipate member needs.
• Documenting member interactions in the Association CRM and providing regular reports on engagement, market intelligence and relationship outcomes.
• Contributing to annual membership, engagement, retention and revenue goals and supporting the Association strategic plan.

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in business, finance, communications, marketing, association management or a related field preferred.
• Three to five years of experience in relationship management, business development, banking, sales, membership engagement or association management.
• Experience working with executive-level decision-makers preferred.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Strong consultative selling and business development capabilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build credibility with senior leaders and recommend solutions based on member needs.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and work independently.
• Proficiency with CRM systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• Knowledge of the banking industry or financial services sector preferred.

Additional Information:

• This position requires extensive travel throughout Illinois with occasional out-of-state travel and overnight stays.
• A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation are required.
• Occasional evening and weekend work is required to support Association events and member needs.
• This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Pay Range: $70,000-$110,000 annually with a generous benefits package that includes employee health insurance, life insurance, and LTD paid by employer; dental, STD and vision offered; 401(k) with match; FSA available; PTO and paid holidays.

Deadline to apply: September 30, 2026

Illinois Bankers Association is an equal opportunity employer.