Executive Director of Specialty Tools & Fasteners Distributors Association (STAFDA)

FrontlineCo (FLCO); Illinois; On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer-paid health insurance

Dental and vision insurance

Flexible Spending Account

Job summary

A leading association management company seeks a new Executive Director for STAFDA, responsible for strategic growth and member engagement. The ideal candidate will have proven executive leadership experience, strong communication skills, and a strategic mindset. This role offers a supportive environment with competitive benefits, including health insurance, retirement matching, and paid time off, emphasizing a healthy work-life balance.

Qualifications

• Proven executive leadership in a related trade association.
• Experience in advocacy, government relations, or public policy strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated success as a strategic, innovative, and collaborative leader.

Responsibilities

• Set objectives aligning with STAFDA members and vendors.
• Elevate STAFDA’s value proposition across all segments of membership.
• Drive membership growth and retention in the construction sectors.

Skills

Executive leadership

Advocacy

Public speaking

Strategic management

Financial acumen

Collaboration

Education

Experience in trade association management

Government relations experience

Job description

Executive Director of Specialty Tools & Fasteners Distributors Association (STAFDA)

We are FrontlineCo, a national award‑winning association management company, and we’re looking to expand our team by identifying a potential new Executive Director for STAFDA.

FrontlineCo seeks a seasoned industry leader who is a futurist, strategist, and visionary to serve as its next Executive Director. The Executive Director will act as the face of STAFDA, representing the association at industry events, trade shows, member open houses, and other venues that elevate the organization’s visibility and influence.

Supported by FrontlineCo, the Executive Director will have full back‑office and operational support to allow for a focus on strategic growth, member engagement, and industry leadership. FrontlineCo’s team‑based structure ensures collaboration across all functional areas, including finance, communications, meetings, and membership services, fostering a coordinated and effective approach to association management.

The successful candidate will bring strong leadership, communication, and relationship‑building skills, with the ability to anticipate industry trends and position STAFDA for continued success in a rapidly changing environment.

The new Executive Director will work with the current CEO in 2026 to learn STAFDA processes and procedures.

What you’ll be doing:

• Set clear annual objectives and key results that align with STAFDA members, STAFDA vendors, the Board, and Frontline.
• Elevate STAFDA’s value proposition across all segments of membership (Distribution, Suppliers and Rep agencies).
• Drive membership growth and retention in the construction/industrial sectors.
• Partner with the Board to ensure high‑functioning governance: clear roles, transparent reporting and effective goal‑driven meetings.
• Develop new membership markets within the construction/industrial sectors.
• Foster alliances with other organizations, buying groups, or shows where there could be member overlap, synergy, or opportunity to expand the STAFDA brand.
• Help identify potential new member programs and services.
• Organize/run two Board of Director meetings; organize/run the Manufacturer and Rep Liaison Committee meetings during World of Concrete (WOC).
• Work with the Frontline accounting team on budgets and forecasts.
• Make collection calls along with calls to previous members to re‑engage them.
• Work with Frontline’s meeting planning team on the annual convention, procuring speakers, budgeting.
• Financial oversight of STAFDA’s investments and work with the Frontline team to maximize return with minimal risk.
• Be a strong writer to pen STAFDA’s monthly newsletter (the Trade News), articles for industry publications, and work with STAFDA officers on formulating, writing, and coaching them for their annual General Session speeches.
• Develop an engagement plan between members and universities to further the next generation’s interest in the construction/industrial channel through mentorships or summer internships.
• Strengthen STAFDA brand, marketing and digital channels to expand reach and influence.
• Continue to expand and push STAFDA’s social media and online presence.
• Bring other Executive Director skills to the job from a previous career(s) that can be tapped into this position.

Qualifications

• Proven executive leadership in a related trade association.
• Experience in advocacy, government relations, or public policy strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated success as a strategic, innovative, and collaborative leader.
• Exceptional communication skills—public speaking, writing, and digital engagement.
• Strong financial and strategic acumen with experience managing budgets and investments.
• Commitment to member service, ethics, and organizational excellence.

Benefits of Working for FrontlineCo

FrontlineCo offers a supportive, team‑oriented environment with competitive benefits designed to promote work‑life balance and long‑term professional growth.

Work Schedule

• Standard office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (37.5 hours per week, with a one‑hour lunch).
• Summer hours: From Memorial Day through Labor Day, Fridays conclude at 2:00 p.m.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary (under AMC model) commensurate with experience.
• Employer‑paid health insurance for employees.
• Dental and vision insurance available at a nominal cost.
• Nine paid holidays, plus a reduced work schedule between Christmas and New Year’s Day.
• Paid vacation and sick leave.

Retirement and Additional Benefits

• SIMPLE Plan with employer matching contribution up to 3%.
• Optional Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• Optional Section 125 Cafeteria Plan.

At FrontlineCo, we value a balanced approach to work and life, ensuring our team members have the flexibility, resources, and support they need to thrive personally and professionally.