Overview
Financial & Insurance Conference Professionals (FICP) – Executive Director. Smithbucklin, a 650-person, employee-owned professional services company with more than 70 years of success serving the association market. The Executive Director will lead strategic initiatives, foster innovation, and leverage collaborative partnerships to advance the mission of FICP within a dynamic, member-driven professional association. This highly visible leadership role will guide the organization with vision and resourcefulness, ensuring continued growth, member engagement, and impact across the financial and insurance conference planning community.
At Smithbucklin, we embody a culture driven by optimism, ambition, expertise, and thoughtfulness, where every team member is empowered to exceed expectations and deliver exceptional results for our clients. FICP provides access to education, experience-sharing, and networking opportunities to help meeting professionals and hospitality partners in the financial services and insurance industry excel. With a strong community and year-round programming, FICP builds strategic partnerships, drives professional growth, and strengthens the visibility of meetings and events as critical business drivers.
As Executive Director, you will provide strategic, financial, and operational leadership for FICP. In collaboration with the FICP Board of Directors and Executive Committee, you will manage the association’s business operations, drive its mission forward, and ensure organizational excellence across programs, membership, education, and industry engagement. Your leadership will support FICP’s continued growth, enhance its reputation, and expand its value for members and hospitality partners alike.
What You’ll Do
General Administration
- You will develop and execute the annual operations plan based on the strategic plan. This will include establishing and monitoring key performance indicators to ensure alignment with strategic goals and continuous improvement.
- You will maintain and update governing documents, including bylaws, policies, and best practices manuals.
- You will identify and pursue additional revenue opportunities.
- You will represent FICP within the industry, ensuring visibility and integrity.
- You will sign and manage all association contracts according to the board-approved policy.
- You will lead a highly effective staff team and function as a liaison between the staff and Board where needed.
Leadership & Culture
You will foster a culture of collaboration, inclusion, and excellence.You will support FICP’s commitment to inclusion, equity, and diversity.You will identify emerging trends and technologies to ensure FICP remains relevant and forward-thinking in a rapidly evolving industry.Board of Directors & Governance
You will ensure effective governance practices in collaboration with the Board.You will coordinate Board meetings, including agenda development, materials distribution, and minute-taking.You will support the Chairperson with committee appointments.You will manage volunteer recruitment, training, and recognition.You will track and report progress on FICP’s strategic plan, actively contributing to strategic planning cycles, navigating industry disruption, and driving innovation.Membership
You will develop and execute, in partnership with the Board, strategies to grow and diversify FICP’s membership base, ensuring long-term sustainability and relevance.You will assess member needs and oversee membership recruitment and retention.You will manage the annual dues process and oversee effective management of the membership database, including the accuracy of the online Membership Roster.You will serve as a spokesperson for FICP on association and industry issues.Education & Events
You will oversee site selection and contracts for the Annual Conference.You will partner with leadership and event teams to deliver the Annual Conference, Education Forum, and other key events.You will secure hospitality partner sponsorship and participation.You will evaluate the impact and quality of FICP programs.Finance
You will monitor financial performance and prepare monthly financial statements.You will develop annual budgets and pricing strategies.You will oversee investments and annual audits.You will ensure financial stability and accountability for the organization.You will identify and mitigate financial risks while ensuring compliance with regulatory and legal standards.Technology & Communication
You will oversee content strategy, maintenance, and enhancements of the FICP website.You will oversee the development and execution of a comprehensive digital strategy, including social media, email campaigns, content marketing, and AI adoption to amplify FICP’s visibility and engagement.Sponsorships & Industry Relationships
You will build and sustain strong relationships with hospitality partners.You will lead sponsorship development, ensuring contracts, invoicing, and deliverables are executed.You will utilize data analytics to evaluate sponsorship impact and identify opportunities for growth and deeper engagement with hospitality partners.You will strengthen FICP’s role as an industry thought leader and partner.You will seek opportunities for FICP to partner with other organizations.You will pursue speaking opportunities for FICP and explore partnership opportunities to build membership and industry engagement.Basic Qualifications
A bachelor’s degree (master’s preferred) and at least 5 years of executive management experience, preferably within association management, event planning, or the hospitality industry.Strong expertise in organizational leadership, financial management, and operational excellence.Experience leading associations or professional societies, ideally within events, hospitality, or related industries.Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with boards, members, and partners.A proven ability to manage staff, volunteers, and diverse stakeholders.Success in strategic planning, membership growth, and sponsorship development.Proficiency in association management systems (AMS), customer relationship management (CRM) tools, and event technologies are preferred.Key Leadership Skills
Strategic thinker with a proven ability to drive organizational vision and innovation.Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills with the ability to inspire and influence stakeholders.Resilient leader with a commitment to fostering collaboration and teamwork.Where Do You Fit?
Working at Smithbucklin will offer opportunities to develop transferable skills, gain meaningful knowledge, and build relationships with smart, ambitious colleagues. As a 100 percent employee-owned company, Smithbucklin offers equal ownership benefits and an inclusive environment. The hybrid work model allows two days per week remote work, with a standard 40-hour week and potential additional hours based on project deadlines. The salary range for this role is $150,000 to $200,000, plus performance-based bonuses, depending on the candidate’s skills, qualifications, and relevant experience.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Smithbucklin is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, marital status, or any other protected status. Applicants may confidentially self-identify when applying. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a reference and background investigation. Smithbucklin will not sponsor work visas and you must be authorized to work in the United States permanently.
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