VP, Association Management- Manufacturing & Materials

Vice President, Association Management-Manufacturing & Materials- WDC
Location: Washington, DC

Kellen, one of the world’s leading partners to trade associations and professional societies, is adding a Vice President position to its association management practice in Washington, D.C. This individual will serve as a strategic leader in Kellen’s portfolio of clients in the manufacturing and materials industry.

The successful candidate will be a strong team leader with extensive experience in executive and people management. He or she will be able to interpret complex and evolving client needs, turning them into strategic programs and operating plans that drive progress toward objectives while establishing and nurturing close relationships with client Boards and committee leads.

General Purpose of the Position
As the lead for multiple accounts, this individual will serve as Executive Director to two or more association clients within one of Kellen’s largest vertical markets. Additionally, this individual will oversee Executive Directors and their staff teams for several other clients within the portfolio. They will serve as the go-to expert on operational standards, overseeing day-to-day execution and offering strategic guidance as needed.

Essential Functions

Management of Association Clients

• Works with client Boards of Directors and appropriate committees to develop and implement operational management strategies in line with their missions, visions, goals and operating budgets
• Facilitates annual and as-needed strategic planning sessions in partnership with client Executive Committees and outside consultants, when appropriate
• Directs association finances in partnership with Controller to prepare budgets and reports in line with client strategy and goals, and advises Boards of unexpected deviations along with recommendations for adjustments and cost containment strategies
• Conducts revenue-generating outreach, as needed, including advertising and publication sales, corporate partnership development, fundraising, grant writing and marketing campaigns
• Oversees member programs and services including execution of member acquisition campaigns, nurturing relationships with partner organizations and quality of program delivery and member touchpoints
• Assists Boards of Directors in identifying officers, committee chairs and other organizational leaders whose skills and expertise align with organizations’ immediate and long-term needs
• Oversees all aspects of client meetings and events to include strategy development, budget and P&L planning, and oversight of logistics
• Advises, analyzes and makes recommendations to Boards or committees regarding relevant legislative and regulatory actions and activity of interest to clients
• Monitors compliance with association contracts and negotiates renewals
• Reviews and approves monthly expenditures
• Continually seeks out and reports on opportunities for clients to expand their influence, market and membership
• Regularly communicates activities and progress toward strategic objectives to Boards of Directors
• Provides subject matter expertise and understanding of client industry
• Identifies and works to develop additional associations in the vertical to be managed by Kellen

Team Leadership

• Administers Kellen and client policies, procedures, standards and practices to team, ensuring consistent and effective client operations
• Recruits, hires, trains, supervises, coaches and evaluates team members according to Kellen’s policies and procedures
• Oversees and supervises technical staff including engineers, code and standards experts
• Aligns staff resources against client needs while maintaining financial operating margins against client fees
• Provides guidance and direction for development of team members to improve overall professionalism and efficiency of department and client team cohorts
• Performs standard supervisory duties including scheduling, timesheets, expense processing, etc.
• Ensures satisfaction of clients and works with Account Executives to evaluate and resolve issues on an ongoing basis
• Seeks out opportunities for Kellen to better serve clients through added services
• Ensures alignment of team with Kellen’s mission, vision and strategic objectives

Kellen Corporate Responsibilities

• Acts as a brand ambassador for the company, representing Kellen at client networking events, conferences and to related associations
• Builds industry relationships with potential for new business acquisition
• Identifies speaking opportunities to position self as thought leader to associations, in partnership with corporate communications team
• Serves in advisory capacity offering feedback on corporate programs in HR, business development, marketing, et al
• Oversight of multiple client accounts, teams and programs, ensure revenue and expense targets are met

Basic Qualifications

• 10-15 years’ professional experience
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience supervising teams
• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, marketing, communications, political science or associated disciplines from an accredited institution
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with financial management, budgeting, and oversight of annual organization-wide budgets of $750,000 - $3M or more
• Polished communication skills – both written and verbal – and interpersonal skills, including conflict resolution
• Strong computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office and the ability to learn and adopt new technologies
• Ability to interface with executive leadership, establish credibility and build effective relationships
• Strong customer service skills in interacting with all levels of Kellen and clients’ organizations
• Effective planning and organization skills to effectively manage multiple client relationships at any given time
• Reliability to maintain established schedules, manage time and priorities, and meet commitments and deadlines
• Creative and strategic thinker with the ability to set priorities based on customer needs and organizational priorities and preferences, and develop solutions to client challenges
• Flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to effectively manage through change and transition
• Proactive and collaborative working style
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with poise, tact and diplomacy
• Ability to stay abreast of client industry trends and assimilate new job-related information appropriately

Preferential Qualifications
The following qualifications are not required to apply for this role, but may further set candidates apart from other applicants.

• Experience in manufacturing, construction, building materials or similar industries
• Experience in association and/or nonprofit management, and/or CAE certification
• Experience in entrepreneurial or small business environments
• Experience working with, managing and motivating volunteers

Supervision Exercised
Supervises a team of approximately two to five Account Executives and carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Travel Requirements
Travel may be necessary, up to 20% of the time by air, car or rail.

Working at Kellen
This role is based in Kellen’s Washington, D.C., office. Kellen employees enjoy competitive compensation and full benefits, packages including 12 U.S. holidays plus generous accrued PTO, retirement plans with company match, medical/dental/vision insurance, tuition reimbursement, flexible work schedules, and much more. The successful candidate will join a collegial, diverse and friendly atmosphere of communications, management and public affairs professionals working hard to turn our client missions into reality. For more information, visit kellencompany.com.