Executive Director

The Larko Group; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Larko Group seeks an Executive Director to lead day-to-day association operations in Chicago. You will work with the Board, committees, and members to administer membership services, communications, events, and strategic initiatives.

You will partner with the Treasurer and external accountants to support financial reporting and provide operational support to the Board and committees.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in association management or nonprofit administration.
• Experience supporting boards and governance.
• Strong planning, organization and communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and CRM systems.
• Experience with event planning and budgeting.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate meetings for the Board of Directors and committees, including logistics and materials.
• Prepare minutes and maintain official governance records.
• Serve as liaison between board, sponsors, and members.
• Oversee member communications, invoices, and sponsor coordination.
• Manage membership database and data integrity (MemberClicks).
• Plan and execute association meetings and events from planning through execution.
• Support communications, marketing, and digital presence.

Skills

Project management

Organizational skills

Communication

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

MemberClicks

CRM systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Executive Director reports to the organization's President and is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the association. Working closely with the Board of Directors and committees, this role ensures the effective administration of membership services, communications, marketing, events, and organizational initiatives.

The Executive Director partners with the Treasurer and the organization's external accounting firm to support financial administration and reporting. This position also provides operational and administrative support to the Board of Directors and committees, helping execute strategic initiatives while serving as a primary point of contact for members, sponsors, and key stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Board Governance & Administrative Support

• Coordinate and manage meetings for the Board of Directors, Board of Advisors, Executive Committee, and standing committees, including scheduling, meeting logistics, agenda materials, and virtual meeting coordination.
• Attend Executive Committee, Board of Directors, Membership Committee, and Programming Committee meetings; prepare and distribute accurate meeting minutes and maintain official records.
• Serve as the primary administrative liaison between board members, committee chairs, sponsors, and association members, ensuring timely communication and follow-through.
• Maintain the association's governance records, files, and organizational documents with a high level of accuracy and confidentiality.
• Coordinate administrative aspects of sponsor relationships and provide responsive support to sponsors as needed.
• Manage the association's dedicated phone line and respond promptly to member, sponsor, and public inquiries during normal business hours.

Membership Administration

• Maintain the association's membership and prospective member database using MemberClicks, ensuring data accuracy and integrity.
• Manage member communications and serve as the primary point of contact for membership, event, and association-related inquiries.
• Prepare membership and sponsorship invoices and coordinate receivables with the Treasurer.
• Support membership recruitment, engagement, and retention initiatives through proactive communication and administrative coordination.

Communications, Marketing & Digital Presence

• Maintain and update the association's website with current event information, announcements, and member resources.
• Create and distribute electronic communications, including newsletters, event promotions, member updates, and organizational announcements.
• Manage the association's social media presence by developing and publishing engaging content across platforms including LinkedIn and Instagram.
• Capture event photography and coordinate the creation of marketing materials, graphics, and promotional collateral to support association programs and events.

Event Planning & Execution

• Coordinate all aspects of association meetings, educational programs, networking events, and annual meetings from planning through execution.
• Research venues, negotiate contracts, and coordinate vendor relationships to ensure successful and cost-effective events.
• Prepare and monitor event budgets in partnership with association leadership.
• Oversee onsite event operations, including registration, member check-in, speaker coordination, audiovisual needs, catering, venue logistics, event materials, and overall attendee experience.

Ideal Experience

• Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• 5+ years of experience in association management, nonprofit administration, executive support, office management, or a related operational role.
• Experience supporting boards, committees, or executive leadership, including meeting coordination and governance support.
• Strong organizational, project management, and communication skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and experience using membership databases, CRM platforms, or association management systems (MemberClicks experience preferred).
• Demonstrated ability to plan and execute meetings and events while delivering exceptional member and stakeholder service.

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