Executive Director (Trade Association)

Location: North Chicago, United States 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. Requirements 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. Benefits Base salary of $120,000 to $150,000, depending on experience. An annual performance bonus program. Health and retirement plans. 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