The President and Chief Executive Officer of the Association Forum serves as the chief staff executive responsible for the management of the association. Reporting to the Board, the President and CEO provides strategic leadership, fiscal responsibility and program administration and advises and makes recommendations to the officers and the Board of Directors. Responsibilities include strategic planning, revenue generation and financial management, with a commitment to diversity, board and volunteer support. The President and Chief Executive Officer manages a staff of ten and an annual budget of $4 million with over $5 million in reserves. The President and Chief Executive Officer works with more than twelve member committees, fifteen Shared Interest Groups and four Identity Based Advisory Groups as well as the Illinois Society of Association Executives (ISAE) Chapter.
Responsibilities:
Manages day-to day operations of the Association Forum; establishes the priorities and use of resources.
Oversees all decisions related to employee hiring, training, compensation and performance evaluation.
Develops and recommends to the Board of Directors long and short-range objectives and plans pertaining to the goals of the Association Forum.
Initiates, develops and contributes to the advancing the Forum’s alliances. Builds, maintains, and broadens the network of contacts among partners and potential partners in industry, associations, institutes, foundations, government agencies, etc.
Establishes the necessary criteria and reviews and evaluates the performance of the organization and its major functional activities. Identifies potential problem areas and directs corrective action.
Serves as the spokesperson and is well respected by key external audiences, contributing to a positive external reputation. Directs the Forum’s promotion, publicity and public relations activities.
Improves and increases services to members.
Ensures that continuing education programs are relevant to the needs of a cross section of association professionals at various stages of career and skill level.
Plans and coordinates meetings of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee including the development of agendas.
Directs the development and implementation of operating policies required to achieve goals and objectives.
Oversees the management of legislative activities and serves as the organizational liaison to the American Society of Association Executives and the Illinois Society of Association Executives on public policy initiatives.
Negotiates all contracts in accordance with wishes of the Board of Directors.
Personal Characteristics: The ideal candidate will demonstrate an executive presence, possess strong leadership skills and is adept at engaging staff. An open mind, high EI with compassion and empathy are essential in the Forum’s next President and CEO. The ideal candidate is also respectful and culturally aware and knows the importance of intentional listening. The President and CEO works collaboratively, has a track record of garnering trust, and is known for building relationships, especially with external groups. The executive is equipped with strong written and verbal communication skills. Finally, the next President and CEO will inspire and motivate others, is an innovator, but more importantly inspires innovation in staff and members.
Applications are being accepted until November 1, 2021.
Required:
Six to ten years of executive level experience; previous experience as a President, Chief Executive Officer, Executive Director or in an equivalent leadership/executive position.
Bachelor’s degree.
Visionary and global perspective.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Record of success in expanding programs and diversifying revenue.
Track record in cultivating and sustaining relationships among stakeholder groups.
Demonstrated ability in staff leadership, development and coaching.
Strategic financial acumen and business skills.
Track record in the development and management of DEI initiatives and programs.
Preferred:
CAE or Masters degree.
Understanding of the importance of an extensive social media presence.
Experience raising the public profile of an organization.
An extensive network of internal and external relationships with demonstrated ability to leverage them.
Association Forum is a 501 (c)(6) organization, considered the “association of associations” for more than 1,500 businesses, charitable, civic and professional organizations headquartered in the Chicagoland area. The Association Forum’s 4,000+ members are the CEOs and staff professionals of national, state and nonprofit organizations, plus vendors of good and services to these businesses. The Association Forum provides essential learning, compelling experiences and powerful resources that advance the professional practice of association management.
