DRI Professional Services, LLC (“DPS”) is an innovative, growing association management company based in Chicago, Illinois. We are a team of trusted experts who help our valued association clients manage and develop their organizations; with a focus on excellence in association governance, operations, member engagement, strategic development, accreditation, programs and events. At DPS, we strive to help our non-profit clients to reduce costs, lower risks, improve efficiencies, meet tight deadlines, solve challenging problems, support strategic initiatives, and produce better outcomes. DPS is a wholly owned subsidiary of DRI, Inc., the leading professional association for attorneys defending the interests of business and individuals in civil litigation.
Position Summary
The Senior Association Manager is a full-time position that reports to the Senior Director, Association Management Services, DPS. The position is focused on providing Executive Director services to DPS association clients; in a manner that develops strong, productive client relationships for the long-term.
If you’re looking for a meaningful position, with the latitude to leverage your knowledge and expertise to help non-profit organizations run better and make an impact, then this could be the role for you.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Key duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Serve as an ex-officio member of the client organization’s Board of Directors as well as Headquarters (HQ) liaison to various committees.
Advise the client Board of Directors on governance-related leading practices related to Bylaws, volunteer recruitment, organizational structure, policies, norms, and behaviors.
Ensure all laws, regulatory filings, accounting practices, and other matters related to business administration are upheld and/or fulfilled.
Help the client organization identify and grow sponsorships and partnerships
Communicate effectively with client leadership and all stakeholders on matters related to the organization; serve as the primary driver of communications (either directly, or through others).
Serve as the staff, business leader of the organization, accountable for driving strategic conversations related to the financial model, and assuming overall accountability for the organization’s financial health and stability.
Schedule and conduct board and committee meetings;
Take board and committee minutes, as required;
Coordinate educational and special events;
Provide/coordinate onsite staffing, when needed (domestic travel will be required);
Maintain client websites (content) and database;
Provide strategic input to client to grow projects and programs;
Support the overall growth of DPS as a business entity; and
Other duties as assigned.
Working Conditions
This position works 37.5 hours per week Monday through Friday around core business hours
Some travel may be required
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required (minimum)
At least 5 to 10 years senior management experience in the association sector or similar field required
Demonstrable expertise in association operations, governance, membership, events and engagement.
Leadership experience in a volunteer governed board is a plus.
Powerhouse organizational and project management skills.
A passion for driving action across teams to a high level of detail and accuracy.
Strong, persuasive communication skills required (written, verbal and formal presentation)
Exceptional interpersonal skills, with strong problem-solving capabilities required
Ability to read, interpret and make recommendations on financial reports.
Strong computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite required
Event management software expertise and experience (ideally with Cvent) preferred
DRI is the leading organization of defense attorneys and in-house counsel. Membership in DRI provides access to resources and tools for attorneys who strive to provide high-quality, balanced, and excellent service to their clients and corporations. DRI is host to 29 substantive law committees whose focus is to develop ongoing and critical dialogue about areas of practice. DRI provides access to resources and tools to grow your practice, attend renowned CLE seminars, conferences and webcasts, network with 16,000+ like-minded defense practitioners and more.
