Executive Director

The Illinois Insurance Association is seeking an experienced, strategic, and politically adept Executive Director (ED) to lead the organization as its chief executive officer. The ED provides day-to-day management and leads the Association’s policy, advocacy, and government affairs agenda, while also driving member engagement, effective operations and budgeting, and clear, timely communications. The ED serves as a trusted representative of the Association to legislators, regulators, and industry stakeholders across party lines, advancing the insurance industry’s priorities through constructive relationships, strategic planning, coalition building, and credible thought leadership. Key Responsibilities Advocacy & Industry Representation Represent the Association in legislative, regulatory, and policy forums at the state level. Coordinate advocacy strategy, messaging, and stakeholder engagement related to insurance issues. Monitor and analyze relevant legislation and regulations; provide guidance to members and leadership. Build and maintain relationships with Illinois legislators, executive branch officials, and state regulators. Advance the industry agenda with Illinois leadership in a bipartisan manner to strengthen policy impact. Collaborate with companion state and national insurance trade organizations and state business trade groups. Represent the Association in media and public-facing settings as needed to support policy goals and industry positions. Insurance Acumen & Industry Understanding Demonstrate or be willing to gain strong understanding of the business of insurance (marketing, pricing, underwriting, claims). Provide guidance to legislative leadership and members on current insurance regulation, legislation, and industry trends in Illinois. Translate complex insurance and policy issues into clear recommendations that stakeholders can act on. Board, Member, Coalition, and Stakeholder Engagement Serve as a trusted facilitator between the Association and its membership. Lead efforts to grow and retain membership and strengthen member value. Maintain constructive, professional relationships with legislators and regulators on both sides of the aisle. Strengthen industry coalitions and partnerships, supporting collaboration on related policy initiatives (e.g., tort reform and insurance-adjacent initiatives). Support agent and business stakeholder engagement, including relationships with organizations such as Big I and NAIFA (as relevant to Association priorities). Operations, Governance, and Financial Management Manage day-to-day operations, including internal processes, vendor relationships, and program execution. Supervise staff and contractors and cultivate a strong, accountable organizational culture. Ensure internal controls, risk management practices, and operational efficiency. Serve as primary staff liaison to the Board of Directors / Executive Committee. Prepare board materials, agendas, reports, and recommendations; support effective governance in line with governing documents. Oversee development and management of the annual budget; monitor financial performance, cash flow, and expense control. Ensure appropriate financial reporting to the Board and compliance with accounting practices. Strategic Leadership, Communications, and Public Reporting Develop and implement organizational strategy aligned with the Association’s mission and goals. Translate board priorities into actionable plans, budgets, and measurable outcomes. Communicate advocacy strategy and policy positions clearly, accurately, and on a timely basis. Lead written and oral communications to members and stakeholders; produce regular reports and legislative updates. Manage communications strategy, including press inquiries, statements, and public messaging with consistent branding. Lead fundraising efforts in support of the Association’s advocacy priorities. Oversee PAC operations, including compliance with applicable campaign finance and related reporting requirements. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree required (Master’s degree preferred) in business administration, risk management, public policy, law, economics, or a related field. Experience leading policy/legislative initiatives, coalitions, or government affairs programs. Demonstrated knowledge of the property/casualty insurance industry and/or insurance regulation and legislative processes (Illinois-specific experience preferred). Proven experience in stakeholder engagement, advocacy, and relationship management. Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver outcomes in a fast-paced environment. Strong financial and budgeting skills. Proficiency with Microsoft Office/Google Workspace and modern communications platforms. Ability to obtain and maintain required lobby registration and any applicable campaign finance registration. Preferred Skills / Experience Significant leadership experience managing an association, trade group, nonprofit, government relations function, or comparable organization. Strong understanding of board governance and nonprofit/association operations. Familiarity with Illinois insurance regulatory agencies, the Illinois General Assembly, and Illinois administrative procedures. Experience managing budgets and preparing formal reports for boards and stakeholders. Schedule: Full-time Direct Reports: At least one Compensation: Competitive salary/retirement package/potential for bonus #J-18808-Ljbffr