Executive Director: Association Growth & Leadership

Audience Development Strategies (ADS) is growing — and we’re looking for an experienced association management leader to help us build what’s next.

ADS is an innovative association management company providing executive leadership, event management, membership development, marketing, communications, governance support, and strategic services to professional and trade associations. We believe associations deserve more than maintenance mode. We help organizations grow, evolve, and think bigger.

We are seeking a Managing Director, Association Management to serve as an Executive Director/Account Manager for 1–2 association clients while also mentoring, coaching, and overseeing our growing team of association professionals.

This is a leadership position for someone who thrives working with boards, enjoys building people, embraces innovation, and wants to help shape the future of association management.

What You’ll Do

Association Executive Leadership

• Serve as Executive Director/lead staff liaison for assigned association clients
• Partner with Boards of Directors to drive strategy, governance excellence, membership growth, and organizational success
• Support committees, task forces, focus groups, and volunteer leaders
• Develop agendas, strategic initiatives, budgets, and operational plans
• Guide board succession planning, governance improvements, and long-term visioning
• Identify opportunities for innovation, growth, and enhanced member value

Team Leadership & Professional Development

• Mentor, train, and oversee ADS Executive Directors and Association Managers
• Help develop next-generation association professionals
• Coach experienced staff on bringing fresh thinking and innovative ideas to clients
• Support systems, processes, and operational excellence across accounts
• Contribute to onboarding, training, and leadership development initiatives

Growth & Strategic Leadership

• Serve as a member of the ADS management team
• Collaborate directly with the CEO and COO on growth initiatives and company strategy
• Contribute ideas to strengthen ADS systems, client experience, and service offeringsSupport business development opportunities
• Existing association clients or an established association management "book of business" are welcomed and valued

What Makes ADS Different

At ADS, you won’t work in isolation.You’ll be supported by an experienced internal team managing:

• Marketing
• Events
• Membership
• Social Media
• Finance
• Sales & Sponsorship
• Operations

We believe in collaboration, creativity, accountability, and bringing bold ideas to the table. We move quickly, solve problems, celebrate wins, and genuinely care about our clients and one another. Our aim is to overdeliver, amaze and grow every aspect of our business and our client associations.

Schedule & Benefits

• Full-time salaried position
• Hybrid schedule:
  • In-office Monday–Thursday (Farmington, CT)
  • Work-from-home Fridays possible
• Salary: $100,000 annually (or more if bringing a book of business)
• Benefits package included (Medical, Dental, 401(k) company contribution)
• Bonus Program
• Company credit card
• Generous PTO policy
• Professional growth opportunities
• Collaborative and supportive culture
• Opportunity to directly influence the future growth of ADS

Ready to help associations thrive — and help build the future of association management? We'd love to meet you.

Who You Are

You are collaborative, strategic, and energized by helping associations succeed.

You bring:

• Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential REQUIRED
• 7+ years of association management experience strongly preferred
• Significant experience serving as an Executive Director or senior association management leader
• Exceptional relationship management and communication skills
• Deep understanding of governance, volunteer leadership, committees, and nonprofit operations
• Experience mentoring and developing staff
• Strong communication and facilitation abilities
• Strategic thinking paired with strong execution skills
• Growth mindset and passion for innovation
• Ability to juggle multiple priorities while maintaining exceptional client service
• Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and team-first mentality