Account Executive, Association Management

About Kellen

Kellen stands as a global leader in providing management and services to professional and trade organizations. We empower Board leaders by offering operational frameworks and strategic guidance to better serve their organization's mission and vision.

As a dedicated professional services company, we offer solutions to organizations, such as association management, public affairs, marketing, meeting management, education, and strategic communication. Leveraging our expertise across diverse industries including healthcare, food and beverage, buildings and materials, and technology, as well as our global perspective with a presence in North America and Europe, we collaborate with over 100 organizations to help achieve their goals.

Understanding the importance of a strong and effective Board of Directors, we offer customized management solutions that address the unique needs of each organization we partner with.

Position Summary

The Account Executive role is instrumental in implementing Kellen best practices while collaborating closely with Senior Vice Presidents, Vice Presidents, or fellow Account Executives. Account Executives take charge of the day-to-day operations for multiple association clients, overseeing staff and initiatives related to membership, communications, meetings, budgeting, and other pertinent actions. From strategic planning to operational efficiency, their responsibilities encompass the holistic management of client operations. Fostering strong client relationships and providing strategic insights to drive success will be key aspects of their contribution. Additionally, adept project management skills will play a vital role in maintaining fiscal health, ensuring the delivery of high-quality services, and contributing significantly to the growth and success of our association clients.

Essential Functions

Board Management and Strategy

• Provides leadership to and interacts with the Board of Directors and committees, attends meetings and prepares agendas and minutes as appropriate.
• In conjunction with Board President and/or outside consultant, facilitates strategic planning and oversees execution of plan, regularly communicating progress to Board.
• Aids Board President in identifying Officers, committee chairs, and other leaders and representatives with skills and experience that aligned with the current and future needs of the organization and assists with on-boarding.
• Continuously identifies and communicates to Board specific opportunities for organization to expand its influence and/or market.

Member Programs and Services

• Implements programs and campaigns to attract new members and/or subscribers.
• Identifies and develops new programs and benefits to meet the evolving needs of members.
• Oversees development of membership standards.
• Creates and maintains partnerships/relationships with related industry organizations to increase awareness and grow membership.

Conference and Meeting Management

• In collaboration with Board and Meetings Manager, develops strategy for frequency, location and type of meeting and conferences events to optimize and support the organization’s programmatic, services, and product offerings.
• Supporting Meetings Manager and conference planning committees, develops detailed project plan, and oversees its implementation through team of event coordinators, marketing, speakers, professional technical support vendors, and local officials. Establishes contingency plans for all aspects of possible failure.
• Plans and controls event budgets.

Fundraising, Marketing and Outreach

• Oversees development and distribution of association publications, including advertising sales.
• Oversees association partnerships and coordinates relevant marketing deliverables.
• Supports grant-writing and solicitation efforts of the association, as needed.

Financial Oversight

• Works in conjunction with association Controller to prepare annual budget in alignment with strategy and goals of the association.
• Advises Board of unexpected, impactful deviations and recommends adjustments and cost containment strategies.
• Monitors compliance with association contracts and negotiates renewals.
• Approves monthly expenses.

Other duties that align with the mission and vision of the company as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, marketing, communication, human resources, finance, or related discipline preferred.
• 5-7 years of experience in a similar capacity.
• Food industry experience preferred.
• Preferred experience in association management and CAE.
• Demonstrated supervision of professional and administrative staff.
• Expertise in day-to-day operations of human resources activities.
• Knowledge and experience in financial management, budgeting, and oversight of budgets ≥ $750,000.
• Polished written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including conflict resolution.
• Proficiency in spreadsheet, word-processing, database, and presentation software.
• Experience with associate management software desired, quick learner of new software.
• Ability to interface with executive leadership, establish credibility, and build effective relationships.
• Strong customer service orientation and effective interaction with staff at all levels.
• Effective planning and organization skills for managing multiple client relationships/associations.
• Reliability in maintaining established schedule, managing time and priorities, and meeting commitments and deadlines.
• Creative and strategic thinker prioritizing customer needs and organizational preferences.
• Flexibility, adaptability, and proactive, collaborative working style.
• Ability to handle confidential information with poise, tact, and diplomacy.
• Stay abreast of client industry trends and assimilate new job-related information appropriately.
• Experience working with and motivating a volunteer workforce desired.

Physical Demands

This position operates within an office environment. The physical demands outlined below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully fulfill the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Hybrid Work Environment: All employees located within commuting distance of one of Kellen’s offices are required to go in on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Flexibility in going into the office additional days may be necessary.
• Extended Work Hours: The nature of this role may require more than 40 hours per week to fulfill job responsibilities. Additionally, flexibility in working nights and weekends may be necessary. Longer hours, travel, and weekend commitments are typically associated with conferences or special events.
• Office Equipment Usage: The role routinely involves the use of standard office equipment, including but not limited to computers, telephones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not exhaustive lists of all duties, responsibilities, or physical demands required. Employees may be required to perform other duties as assigned, and reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Travel Requirements

Occasional travel may be necessary for this position, up to 20% of the time. Modes of transportation may include air travel, car, or rail.

Kellen EEO Statement

Kellen does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. We adhere to these principles in all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, training, compensation, promotion, benefits, social and recreational programs, and discipline. In addition, it is the policy of Kellen to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified employees who have protected disabilities to the extent required by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances where a particular employee works.