Executive Director (Trade Association)

Keller Executive Search; North Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Health plan

Retirement plan

Job summary

Keller Executive Search is seeking an Executive Director for a national trade association serving manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, and operators. The role focuses on growing membership, diversifying revenues through events and programs, and modernizing operations.

The successful leader will manage a lean team, partner with the Board, and drive strategic change while representing the industry with key stakeholders. Travel is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent required.
• 10+ years of senior leadership experience in a trade association or nonprofit.
• Proven track record of growing membership and net revenue.
• Experience leading an organization through major structural or strategic change.
• Experience with revenue diversification and member-centric programs.
• Strong working relationship with a Board of Directors and volunteer leadership.
• Knowledge of nonprofit finance, budgeting, and contracts.
• Experience with association management or CRM platforms.

Responsibilities

• Lead growth and revenue, with net revenue growth targeting seven figures in operating budget.
• Drive membership recruitment, retention, and new offerings.
• Oversee modernization, brand refresh, and scalable processes and data capabilities.
• Build and lead a small staff; recruit key hires and foster a collaborative culture.
• Serve as executive lead for major annual industry trade shows and year-round programs.
• Partner with the Board to implement strategic governance and report on finances, risks, and opportunities.
• Oversee operations: finance, compliance, HR, technology, and annual audit.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Public speaking

Communication

Fundraising / Revenue growth

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

CAE certification (plus)

Tools

CRM platforms

Association management systems

Job description

Our client, a well-established national trade association, is seeking an Executive Director to lead the organization into its next stage of growth. The association serves a diverse B2B membership of manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, and operators through industry events, education, networking, and advocacy.

The organization is stable and has an engaged, supportive Board. It is now ready to modernize, expand its membership into adjacent markets, and build a stronger member-centric culture. This is a role for a builder. The right leader will enjoy putting systems and processes in place, growing a lean team, and turning strategy into measurable results.

What You Will Lead

• Growth and Revenue: Own financial performance for an operating budget in the low seven figures. Drive membership recruitment and retention and grow net revenue. Diversify revenue through sponsorships, programs, events, and new member offerings.
• Transformation: Lead the organization through a period of modernization, including launching a brand refresh and building scalable processes, systems, and member data capabilities.
• Team Building: Lead and develop a small staff, recruit key new hires, and build a collaborative, high-performing culture.
• Events and Programs: Serve as executive lead for major annual industry trade shows produced with partner organizations and a contracted show management firm. Also oversee year-round education, awards, and an annual member meeting.
• Board Partnership: Work with the Board and its committees to implement strategic, generative governance. Report clearly on progress, finances, risks, and opportunities.
• External Relations and Advocacy: Serve as a visible ambassador for the association and its industry with members, partners, allied associations, media, and government officials. Coordinate legislative and regulatory efforts with counsel and lobbyists.
• Operations: Oversee finance, compliance, HR, technology, and administration. This includes budget development with the Finance Committee, internal controls, and the annual audit.

Required:

• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience. A CAE or other association-related certification is a plus.
• 10+ years of senior leadership experience in a trade association or nonprofit. Small-staff associations ($5M+) with a diverse mix of member types are ideal.
• A proven track record of growing membership and net revenue.
• Experience leading an organization through major structural or strategic change.
• A history of revenue diversification and of building member-centric programs.
• A strong working understanding of the partnership between a chief staff executive and a volunteer Board.
• Knowledge of nonprofit finance, budgeting, and legal practices, and comfort negotiating contracts.
• A data-informed approach to member intelligence, including experience with association management or CRM platforms.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, including public speaking and media relations.
• A relationship-centric, hands‑on leadership style with demonstrated strength in team building and change management.
• Willingness to travel approximately 15 to 20% of the time, including multi‑day industry events.

Preferred:

• Direct experience producing or managing a trade show or large industry event, including exhibitor sales, sponsorships, and contractor management.
• Experience managing events or programs in partnership with other organizations.
• Legislative or regulatory advocacy experience at the state or federal level.
• Background in the entertainment, hospitality, leisure, or consumer products sectors.

• Base salary of $120,000 to $150,000, depending on experience.
• An annual performance bonus program.
• Health and retirement plans.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

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Use of Artificial Intelligence in Recruitment

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Note: This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location.