Executive Director
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AI Summary
The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer responsible for strategic leadership, operational oversight, and financial sustainability of the association. This includes managing a remote professional staff and partnering with the Board of Directors to advance the organization's mission.
Executive Director
Association of Collegiate Conference and Events Directors - International
Fort Collins, Colorado (remote)
The Moran Company is pleased to partner with the Association of Collegiate Conference and Events Directors – International to recruit the organization’s Executive Director.
Organizational Background
The Association of Collegiate Conference and Events Directors - International (ACCED-I) is a global network of campus professionals dedicated to designing, marketing, coordinating, and planning conferences and events at colleges and universities worldwide. Founded in 1980, ACCED-I has grown to serve more than 1,100 higher education professionals at over 370 institutions across the United States and internationally.
ACCED-I’s mission is to promote and advance the collegiate conference and events profession while setting industry standards of excellence. The Association unites individuals responsible for conference and event services within educational organizations, upholds high standards of ethical conduct, fosters camaraderie among members, and supports the professional development of its members.
ACCED-I provides a comprehensive suite of member services, including the Annual Conference (now in its 47th year), professional certifications (the CCEP and OSS credentials), on-demand education, regional programming, a benchmarking study, a salary survey, a career center, and an active member community platform. The Association is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and relies on Action Teams, regional leaders, and committed member volunteers to advance its work. ACCED-I operates in a fully remote environment and does not have a physical headquarters. The Executive Director leads a remote professional staff and serves as the chief executive and administrative officer of the organization.
Position Summary
The Executive Director serves as the chief executive and administrative officer of ACCED-I, providing strategic leadership, operational oversight, and organizational management in close partnership with the Board of Directors. The Executive Director is responsible for advancing the Association’s mission, ensuring long-term strategic and financial sustainability, cultivating a strong and engaged membership, and positioning ACCED-I as the leading resource for conference and events professionals in higher education.
The Executive Director implements policies, procedures, and strategic priorities approved by the Board and serves as an ex-officio, non-voting member of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee. This role requires close collaboration with volunteer leadership, Action Teams, committees, and a remote professional staff. The ideal candidate brings deep association management expertise, a member-centered mindset, and the operational acuity to lead a lean, high-impact organization.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership and Governance
- Partner with the Board of Directors to recommend, implement, and advance strategic priorities, policies, and programs aligned with the Association’s mission.
- Serve as the primary liaison and strategic advisor to the Board, fostering a transparent, collaborative, and effective governance partnership.
- Keep the Board fully informed of organizational performance, financial position, risks, opportunities, and emerging trends.
- Support Board development, orientation, leadership continuity, and annual governance processes.
- Attend all regular and special meetings of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee; prepare and present the Annual Report at the Annual Business Meeting.
- Maintain official Board records and ensure appropriate stewardship of legal, historical, and membership documentation.
- Lead implementation of the Association’s strategic plan in collaboration with the Board and staff.
- Provide executive leadership for day-to-day operations, ensuring alignment between governance direction and operational excellence.
- Establish and maintain effective administrative policies, procedures, and internal controls.
- Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, fiduciary, and ethical responsibilities.
- Oversee effective risk management practices, including insurance, data security, and records retention.
- Oversee the effective use of Association technology platforms, including membership, financial, and communication systems.
- Lead development of the annual operating budget in collaboration with the Treasurer and Board.
- Provide ongoing financial oversight, including audits, investment policy coordination, and financial reporting.
- Support long-term financial sustainability through reserve planning and diversified revenue strategies.
- Identify and evaluate innovative non-dues revenue opportunities, partnerships, and sponsorships.
- Evaluate the effectiveness and return on investment of Association programs and services.
- Recruit, hire, supervise, develop, and evaluate a remote professional staff.
- Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing organizational culture.
- Develop and implement performance management systems aligned with organizational goals.
- Ensure compliance with applicable employment laws and best practices.
- Oversee staff compensation, benefits, and professional development to maintain a competitive workplace.
- Oversee membership recruitment, engagement, retention, and long-term growth strategies.
- Support volunteer leaders, Action Teams, committees, and task forces through staff liaison support and organizational guidance.
- Establish frameworks and timelines to support effective committee and Action Team work.
- Facilitate annual Board of Directors and regional leadership elections.
- Provide executive oversight of the Annual Conference and other educational programs, meetings, and institutes.
- Review potential sites for future Annual Conferences and make recommendations to the Board.
- Encourage innovation in virtual, hybrid, and emerging education formats.
- Support regional leaders to ensure alignment with Association policies and strategic priorities.
- Serve as a primary spokesperson for ACCED-I and strengthen the Association’s visibility within higher education and the broader meetings and events profession.
- Oversee communication strategies to ensure timely, consistent, and effective messaging.
- Monitor legislative, regulatory, and industry developments impacting the Association.
- Represent ACCED-I at conferences, workshops, and partner meetings, including CHEMA.
- Minimum 7–10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in association management, higher education, or a related nonprofit environment.
- Demonstrated success in strategic planning, financial oversight, and organizational change or growth.
- Extensive experience working with and supporting volunteer-led governance structures.
- Strong understanding of membership-based organizations and engagement strategies.
- Proven ability to lead, manage, and retain a remote professional staff.
- Excellent interpersonal, consensus-building, communication, and public speaking skills.
- Proficiency with office productivity tools and association management software.
- Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred.
- Ability to travel as required.
- The annual salary for this position is between $120,000 and $135,000, commensurate with experience.
- Robust benefits package including: medical, dental, and vision coverage; retirement plan; paid vacation leave; and 10 paid holidays annually.
- Occasional travel may be required.
ACCED-I is guided by principles of mutual respect, common purpose, and equity. We believe that our diversity enriches our experience, and as an organization, we honor, respect, and celebrate differences. We are committed to creating and maintaining a sense of community and inclusion for all our members.
Application Process
The search for the ACCED-I Executive Director is being conducted by The Moran Company. Questions about the position can be directed to John Gravley, The Moran Company; john (at) morancompany.com.
To apply for this position, submit a cover letter and resume to John Gravley, The Moran Company, via the secure online portal. Resume should include all professional education and experience, dates of employment (month and year), position/title, and organization names. Cover letter should articulate relevant experience and fit with the stated preferences of the position.
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