Executive Director ACEC/ MD

American Council of Engineering Companies; Annapolis, Baltimore (MD, MD); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading engineering association is seeking a highly qualified Executive Director to lead day-to-day operations. The successful candidate will manage staff, oversee finances, and develop advocacy strategies. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's Degree and 10 years of relevant experience, with strong financial and communication skills. This position offers a hybrid work environment based in Annapolis and Baltimore, MD, aiming to enhance the organization's mission and grow its membership.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in a related field.
• Proven administrative and management skills.
• Preferred knowledge of Maryland State Legislative process.
• Maryland state legislative knowledge is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate all events for the Executive Committee.
• Manage finances including budgeting and forecasts.
• Develop public relations strategies.
• Ensure legal integrity of the organization.
• Maintain documents and data; ensure legal integrity.
• Lead advocacy program and public relations efforts; engage with government.
• Represent ACEC/MD nationally; participate in ACEC events.

Skills

Financial management

Strong oral and written communication

Negotiation skills

Social media proficiency

Organizational skills

Time-management skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Government Relations, Public Policy or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Financial management tools

Job description

Employer: American Council of Engineering Companies of Maryland (ACEC/MD)

Location: Baltimore, MD and Annapolis, MD (hybrid work environment)

Travel: Occasional Travel (primarily for conferences)

Salary: Negotiable

Type: Independent Contractor (1099)

Category: Executive Director

Education: Four (4)-Year Degree - Government Relations, Public Policy or related field

ACEC/MD

ACEC/MD (American Council of Engineering Companies - Maryland) is a not-for-profit business association for Engineers focused on the business and advocacy aspects of the industry. ACEC/MD is dedicated to assisting members in achieving higher professional, ethical, business, and economic standards to provide quality consulting engineering services for their clients that assure public health and safety. With over 80 Member firms and 6,000 local employees, ACEC/MD members are the leading engineering firms in Maryland. Our member firms range in size from small, sole proprietor firms and partnerships, to large locally- based firms and branch offices of national firms. About forty percent of our members are small businesses.

ACEC/MD is affiliated with the Washington, DC-based nationwide ACEC, a federation of 52 member organizations, with over 6,000 member firms employing over 600,000 people across the country. ACEC and its member firms design more than $100 billion per year in capital projects and advocates for legislation promoting the business of engineering member firms with annual PAC contributions more than $1 million.

The ACEC/MD is seeking a highly qualified and motivated Executive Director to serve as the day-to-day leader of the organization. The successful candidate will report directly to the Board of Directors (Executive Committee) and will be responsible for the effective conduct of the affairs of the organization.

TRANSPORTATION ENVIRONMENT WATER FACILITIES

RESPONSIBILITIES – OPERATIONS | RUN ACEC/MD

• Plan/coordinate all events and meetings of the Executive Committee (EXCOM) of ACEC/MD
• Attend monthly EXCOM meetings and certain Committee Meetings
• Provide periodic reports to EXCOM along with recommendations
• Drive completion of action items agreed upon during conduct of regular business
• Monitor and assist with Committee goals, objectives and progress.
• Manage Association staff and vendors / consultants under contract with ACEC/MD
• Facilitate an annual conference which includes programs, exhibits, and other events consistent with ACEC/MD objectives
• Manage the finances of ACEC/MD, including the preparation of an annual budget and long‑range forecasts of needs in conjunction with the Officers
• Ensure the legal integrity of ACEC/MD
• Manage the documents and data owned by ACEC/MD, including current contact information for all committees, primary contacts, fellows, affiliates, etc.
• Support Strategic Planning

RESPONSIBILITIES – ADVOCACY | PROMOTE ACEC/MD

• Maintain appropriate relationships with other associations, industry, government, public service organizations and vendors to enhance the image of ACEC/MD and to reach ACEC/MD objectives
• Maintain an effective government affairs program to represent the interests of ACEC/MD membership to government agencies as appropriate
• Serve as enduring spokesman for ACEC/MD in conjunction with the current President and EXCOM.
• Be a proactive thought leader and work to elevate the stature of ACEC/MD in Maryland
• Develop and maintain a publications program which is responsive to the needs of the membership
• Maintain effective internal and external public relations including effective use and maintenance of ACEC/MD’s website and enhance ACEC/MD’s presence on LinkedIn.
• Work with member firms to promote both the federal and local PAC’s contributions and engagement.

RESPONSIBILITIES – MEMBERSHIP | MANAGE AND GROW MEMBERSHIP

• Maintain personal contact with Member Firms to the greatest degree possible
• Maintain, balance and prioritize the varying interests among member firms in alignment with ACEC/MD’s mission
• Ensure that membership in ACEC/MD provides value to every ACEC/MD member
• Maintain regular contact with ACEC/MD Officers, Executive Committee, and its committees on policy matters and other issues as appropriate
• Develop and supervise an effective program of membership development and member services
• Develop and conduct an education program to advance the professional / technical / managerial skills of the membership
• Conduct research necessary for ACEC/MD members and inform EXCOM/membership as appropriate.

RESPONSIBILITIES – ACEC NATIONAL ENGAGEMENT

• Represent ACEC/MD in conjunction with all ACEC National matters and maintain engagement with ACEC National Staff and ACEC Member Organizations (MOs) nationwide.
• Attend ACEC National Events, notably the Fall National Conference (location changes annually) and Spring National Convention in Washington DC.
• Represent ACEC/MD with participation in ACEC NAECE (National Association of Engineering Council Executives) which includes peers from ACEC Member Organizations (MOs) nationwide.

REQUIREMENTS

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelors Degree in Government Relations, Public Policy or a related field, with a minimum of 10 years of experience and proven administrative and management skills. This position requires experience with financial management tools; strong oral and written communication, strong negotiation, organization, and time‑management skills; and proficiency with social media and software systems such as Microsoft Office. Preferred experience includes working knowledge of the Maryland State Legislative process or direct involvement in State Government Operations. Preferred Character Traits are: Collaborative, Focused, Influential, Well‑Spoken, Persuasive, Energetic, Engaging.

WHERE TO APPLY

Interested applicants should forward a cover letter with salary requirement and resume by April 15, 2026

Attention: Heather Henderson (ACEC/MD HR Committee Chair)