Executive Leadership Director

Stryker Corporation; Columbia (SC); On-site; Confidential; Full time

Job summary

The South Carolina Dental Association (SCDA) in Columbia, SC seeks an Executive Leadership Director to guide the organization through a period of opportunity and change. Reporting to the Board of Governors, this role requires a proven track record in a professional association or similar enterprise, with a clear vision and the ability to inspire others.

The successful candidate will possess strong political and fiscal acumen, drive membership value, manage relationships with the SC dental board

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in nonprofit or related field required.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Continuing professional education and board leadership experience valued.
• CAE designation highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership to advance SCDA’s mission and vision.
• Foster mentorship and strengthen membership retention.
• Develop strategic relationships with key stakeholders, including the state dental board.
• Oversee advocacy and legislative engagement on behalf of SCDA.
• Ensure prudent fiscal stewardship and resource management.

Skills

Visionary leadership

Strategic planning

Stakeholder management

Policy & advocacy

Nonprofit governance

Education

Bachelor's degree in nonprofit/association management or business

Master's degree preferred

CAE designation desirable

Job description

Executive Leadership Director

Reporting to the Board of Governors

Columbia, SC

Founded in 1869, the South Carolina Dental Association (SCDA) has spent more than 150 years serving and advancing the dental profession throughout South Carolina. Today, the organization represents more than 2,000 member dentists and operates as a nonprofit association dedicated to supporting both dental professionals and the communities they serve. Through advocacy, legal guidance, continuing education, publications, insurance services, networking opportunities, and legislative engagement, the SCDA continues to strengthen the profession while promoting high standards of oral healthcare across the state.

The Executive Leadership Director will step into a pivotal leadership role at a time of both challenge and promise for the Association. The organization is financially stable, yet faces a shifting landscape marked by evolving membership expectations, legislative complexities, and changes within the dental profession. There is a clear opportunity to strengthen mentorship and membership retention, particularly by demonstrating the tangible value of association membership to both established and younger dental professionals who may be seeking a more inclusive and relevant community. The Executive Leadership Director will be tasked with fostering strong relationships with key stakeholders, including the state dental board and the MUSC James B Edwards College of Dental Medicine, currently the only dental school in the state.

The SCDA seeks a proven Executive Leadership-level leader whose career in a professional association or comparable business enterprise has been noted by their exceptional ability to cast and execute on a vision for organizations they have served. A visionary outlook enables them to articulate a compelling future for the organization, inspiring others to share in that vision.

This leader will have strong political and fiscal acumen, ensuring both strategic navigation of complex environments and responsible stewardship of organizational resources. They will possess a deep understanding of insurance and advocacy, complemented by a strong interest in legislative matters, which enables them to effectively represent and advance the organization's interests.

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a related field relevant to nonprofit, association management, or business is required. A master's degree is preferred. Demonstration of continuing professional education, accreditation in a professional field and board leadership in a state or national nonprofit, professional, or trade association is highly valued. A CAE designation is highly desirable.

The salary range for this position is between $160,000 – 180,000 and will be commensurate with experience.

Kittleman & Associates, LLC. is leading this search on behalf of the Board of Governors of SCDA.