Account Executive, Association Management

Kellen•Washington, DC

3d•$70,000 - $75,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Account Executive implements Kellen best practices and collaborates with Senior Vice Presidents, Vice Presidents, and other Account Executives. The role manages the day-to-day operations of multiple association clients, including staff and initiatives related to membership, communications, meetings, budgeting, and other operations. The Account Executive supports strategic planning and operational efficiency, builds strong client relationships, and provides strategic insights. Project management is central to maintaining fiscal health, delivering high-quality services, and contributing to the growth and success of association clients. The position provides leadership to boards and committees; supports strategic planning and leadership onboarding; develops membership programs and industry relationships; and oversees association meetings, conferences, publications, marketing partnerships, and fundraising support. In coordination with association controllers and boards, the Account Executive prepares and monitors budgets, advises on significant variances, manages contract compliance and renewals, and approves monthly expenses. The role operates in an office environment with a hybrid requirement for employees within commuting distance of a Kellen office: in-office work is required Tuesdays and Wednesdays, with additional office days potentially needed. The position may require more than 40 hours per week, and flexibility to work nights and weekends may be necessary, particularly for conferences and special events. Occasional travel of up to 20% may be necessary by air, car, or rail.

Requirements

5–7 years of experience in a similar capacity.
Demonstrated experience supervising professional and administrative staff.
Expertise in day-to-day human resources operations.
Knowledge and experience in financial management, budgeting, and oversight of budgets of at least $750,000.
Polished written and verbal communication skills.
Strong interpersonal skills, including conflict resolution.
Proficiency in spreadsheet, word-processing, database, and presentation software.
Ability to interface with executive leadership, establish credibility, and build effective relationships.
Strong customer service orientation and ability to interact effectively with staff at all levels.
Effective planning and organizational skills for managing multiple client relationships or associations.
Ability to maintain an established schedule, manage time and priorities, and meet commitments and deadlines.
Creative and strategic thinking, with an ability to prioritize customer needs and organizational preferences.
Flexibility, adaptability, and a proactive, collaborative working style.
Ability to handle confidential information with poise, tact, and diplomacy.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, marketing, communication, human resources, finance, or a related discipline preferred.
Experience in association management and CAE preferred.
Food industry experience is a plus.
Experience with association management software desired; ability to learn new software quickly.
Experience working with and motivating a volunteer workforce desired.

Responsibilities

Lead and interact with boards of directors and committees; attend meetings and prepare agendas and minutes as appropriate.
Facilitate strategic planning with the Board President and/or an outside consultant, oversee execution of the plan, and communicate progress to the board.
Assist the Board President in identifying officers, committee chairs, and other leaders and representatives, and support their onboarding.
Identify and communicate opportunities for the organization to expand its influence or market.
Implement programs and campaigns to attract new members or subscribers.
Identify and develop programs and benefits that meet members’ evolving needs, and oversee development of membership standards.
Build and maintain relationships with related industry organizations to raise awareness and grow membership.
Work with the board and Meetings Manager to develop strategies for the frequency, location, and type of meetings and conferences.
Develop detailed conference project plans with the Meetings Manager and planning committees, and oversee implementation by event coordinators and other contributors and vendors; establish contingency plans.
Plan and control event budgets.
Oversee development and distribution of association publications, including advertising sales.
Oversee association partnerships and coordinate related marketing deliverables.
Support grant-writing and solicitation efforts as needed.
Work with the association Controller to prepare an annual budget aligned with the association’s strategy and goals.
Advise the board about significant unexpected budget deviations and recommend adjustments and cost-containment strategies.
Monitor compliance with association contracts and negotiate renewals.
Approve monthly expenses.
Perform other duties aligned with the company’s mission and vision as assigned.