Senior Account Executive/Executive Director

California Advocates Management Services; Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

In-office three days per week

Job summary

California Advocates, Inc., Association Management Services Division seeks a Senior Account Executive/Executive Director to lead multiple statewide nonprofit trade associations. This role combines strategic governance with operational management, ensuring member services align with Board directives and mission goals.

The position focuses on board liaison, program oversight, financial stewardship, and membership growth, operating in a hybrid model from Sacramento.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of progressively responsible experience in association management or nonprofit leadership.
• Experience working with boards of directors and volunteer committees.
• Strong financial management, including budget development and reporting.
• Experience managing multiple projects and priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and relationship management.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience with membership development, conferences, and sponsorships.

Responsibilities

• Lead boards and committees, provide strategic guidance, and coordinate meetings and follow-ups.
• Oversee day-to-day operations of multiple associations and client accounts.
• Manage budgets, contractual obligations, and client expectations.
• Develop membership recruitment, retention, and engagement strategies.
• Oversee conferences, educational programs, meetings, and sponsorships.
• Represent associations in meetings, conferences, and industry events.

Skills

Board governance

Strategic leadership

Financial management

Project management

Communication

Independent working

Membership development

Education

Bachelor's degree in business administration or related field

CAE designation

Tools

Association management software

Job description

Established Association Management Company is seeking a Senior Account Executive to serve as the Executive Director/Executive Administrator to lead multiple statewide non-profit trade associations. This role involves strategic leadership and operational management to ensure the associations effectively serve its members and advances their missions. The Account Executive will be responsible for implementing policies set by the Board of Directors, overseeing programs and association operations. This position is hands‑on and requires membership interaction.

Board Governance and Strategic Leadership:

• Serve as the primary staff liaison to the boards of directors and committees of assigned associations.
• Provide strategic guidance and support the development and implementation of organizational goals and initiatives.
• Coordinate board and committee meetings, including agendas, reports, minutes, and follow‑up activities.
• Advise volunteer leadership on governance practices, policies, and organizational priorities.
• Support board orientation, leadership development, and succession planning.

Association Operations and Client Management:

• Oversee day‑to‑day operations of multiple associations, ensuring effective service delivery and responsiveness to client needs.
• Manage competing priorities, deadlines, and projects across assigned client accounts.
• Maintain strong relationships with association leadership, members, sponsors, and stakeholders.
• Ensure contractual obligations, client expectations, and organizational commitments are consistently met.
• Collaborate with CAMS leadership and internal staff to coordinate resources, establish priorities, and maintain operational efficiency.

Financial Management:

• Oversee day‑to‑day operations of multiple associations, ensuring effective service delivery and responsiveness to client needs.
• Manage competing priorities, deadlines, and projects across assigned client accounts.
• Maintain strong relationships with association leadership, members, sponsors, and stakeholders.
• Ensure contractual obligations, client expectations, and organizational commitments are consistently met.
• Collaborate with CAMS leadership and internal staff to coordinate resources, establish priorities, and maintain operational efficiency.

Membership Development and Engagement:

• Develop and support strategies to strengthen membership recruitment, retention, and engagement.
• Monitor membership trends and identify opportunities to enhance member value.
• Collaborate with internal staff to ensure effective membership communications, services, and programs.

Programs, Events, and Sponsorships:

• Provide oversight and strategic direction for conferences, educational programs, meetings, and other association activities.
• Collaborate with staff and volunteers on event planning, budgets, sponsorships, and program execution.
• Identify opportunities to expand sponsorships, partnerships, and non‑dues revenue.
• Ensure programs and services align with association objectives and member needs.

External Relations and Representation:

• Represent assigned associations professionally at meetings, conferences, and industry events.
• Develop productive relationships with members, industry partners, vendors, and other stakeholders.
• Support association advocacy and public policy initiatives as applicable.

Qualifications:

Required

• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in association management, nonprofit leadership, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience working with boards of directors and volunteer committees.
• Strong financial management skills, including budget development and financial reporting.
• Experience managing multiple projects, competing priorities, and organizational initiatives.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication, interpersonal, and relationship management skills.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and collaborate effectively with internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Experience with membership development, educational programming, conferences, and sponsorship initiatives.

Preferred

• Previous experience serving as an Executive Director, senior association executive, or account executive within an association management company.
• Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation.
• Bachelor's degree in business administration, nonprofit management, communications, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Familiarity with association management systems and nonprofit governance practices.

Work Environment

This is a full‑time, hybrid position based in Sacramento, California, requiring in‑office work three days per week. The role requires occasional travel and participation in evening or weekend meetings and events.

Job Information

Company Name – California Advocates, Inc., Association Management Services Division
Website URL - https://www.californiaadvocates.com/
Workplace Type – Hybrid
Location – Sacramento, CA
Position Title – Executive Director
Job Function – Operations
Job Type – Full‑Time
Job Duration – Indefinite
Min Experience – 5-7 years
Required Travel – 20%
Salary Range - $100,000 - $140,000 annually, commensurate with qualifications and experience, plus benefits