Director of Growth & Operations

IDLine; Minnesota; Remote; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

UMAPP in the Upper Midwest is seeking a Director of Growth & Operations to build programs and drive impact across events, membership, and marketing.

You will own all aspects of operations, plan compelling events, grow membership, and lead a marketing agenda while working closely with a dynamic board.

This role offers visibility, ownership, and the chance to shape a regional industry association from a hands-on operational perspective.

Qualifications

• 3–8 years of experience in events, marketing, associations, or community-building.
• Ability to execute both strategy and hands-on work.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Own and execute all aspects of UMAPP operations (not just oversee).
• Plan and run events that people want to attend.
• Grow membership through creative outreach and relationship-building.
• Build and execute marketing campaigns (email, social, partnerships).
• Manage budgets, track performance, and improve profitability.
• Work directly with an engaged Board—and drive the day-to-day.
• Represent UMAPP in the industry and build your personal brand along the way.

Skills

Strong communicator

Event planning

Marketing

Relationship building

Tools

QuickBooks

Excel

Email marketing platforms

Basic website management

Job description

Job Description

Director of Growth & Operations

UMAPP — Remote within the Upper Midwest (MN, ND, SD, IA, Western WI) | Full-Time - Must be in the Minneapolis/St Paul Metro Area (7 Counties)

Build Something That Matters in an Industry That Runs on Relationships with UMAPP

The Upper Midwest Association of Promotional Products (UMAPP) is at an inflection point—and we’re looking for someone who wants to build, not just manage. UMAPP is a trade association whose members are companies established in the promotional products industry. We connect industry professionals by hosting trade shows, education and social events, in addition to providing tools and resources to enrich professional knowledge.

This is not a traditional Executive Director role. It comes with direct access to industry leaders and decision-makers, high visibility to build your own reputation, real flexibility in how you operate and grow the organization, and a genuine opportunity to shape the future of a regional industry association.

We’re looking for an early-to-mid career operator who is hungry to make a name for themselves within the promotional products industry—someone who sees this as a platform to grow a community, expand an industry, and take real ownership of outcomes.

What You’ll Actually Do

You’ll lead and influence the future of UMAPP.

• Own and execute all aspects of UMAPP operations (not just oversee)
• Plan and run events that people want to attend
• Grow membership through creative outreach and relationship-building
• Build and execute marketing campaigns (email, social, partnerships)
• Manage budgets, track performance, and improve profitability
• Work directly with an engaged Board—and drive the day‑to‑day
• Represent UMAPP in the industry and build your personal brand along the way

Who This Role Is For

• Is early in their career (roughly 3–8 years of experience) and ready for more ownership
• Has experience in events, marketing, associations, or community‑building
• Doesn’t wait for direction—figures it out and moves
• Enjoys both strategy and execution (you’ll be doing both)
• Wants visibility, responsibility, and a chance to build something meaningful
• Thinks in terms of growth, not maintenance

Who This Role Is NOT For

• Someone looking to strictly manage or delegate work
• Someone expecting a highly structured environment with defined playbooks
• Someone who prefers status quo over growth and experimentation

Tools & Skills That Help

• Comfortable with QuickBooks, Excel, email marketing platforms, and basic website management
• Strong communicator (written and verbal)
• Organized, but not rigid
• Bonus: experience in the promotional products or events industry

Compensation

• Base salary: $55,000–$70,000 (depending on experience)
• Performance bonus: 5–15% tied to membership growth, event profitability, sponsorship revenue, and member engagement
• Travel and industry conference participation covered, including the PPAI Leadership Development Conference

Applications are accepted through May 15, 2026.