Director of Growth & Operations

Benefits

• Paid time off

UMAPP
- Remote within the Upper Midwest (MN, ND, SD, IA, Western WI) | Full-Time
- Must be in the Minneapolis/St Paul Metro Area (7 Counties)

The Upper Midwest Association of Promotional Products (UMAPP) is at an inflection point—and we’re looking for someone who wants to build, not just manage. UMAPP is a trade association whose members are companies established in the promotional products industry. We connect industry professionals by hosting trade shows, education and social events, in addition to providing tools and resources to enrich professional knowledge.

This is not a traditional Executive Director role. It comes with direct access to industry leaders and decision-makers, high visibility to build your own reputation, real flexibility in how you operate and grow the organization, and a genuine opportunity to shape the future of a regional industry association.

We’re looking for an early-to-mid career operator who is hungry to make a name for themselves within the promotional products industry—someone who sees this as a platform to grow a community, expand an industry, and take real ownership of outcomes.

• Own and execute all aspects of UMAPP operations (not just oversee)
• Plan and run events that people want to attend
• Grow membership through creative outreach and relationship‑building
• Build and execute marketing campaigns (email, social, partnerships)
• Manage budgets, track performance, and improve profitability
• Work directly with an engaged Board—but drive the day-to-day
• Represent UMAPP in the industry and build your personal brand along the way

This role is ideal for someone who:

• Is early in their career (roughly 3-8 years of experience) and ready for more ownership
• Has experience in events, marketing, associations, or community-building
• Doesn't wait for direction—figures it out and moves
• Enjoys both strategy and execution (you’ll be doing both)
• Wants visibility, responsibility, and a chance to build something meaningful
• Thinks in terms of growth, not maintenance

• Someone looking to strictly manage or delegate work
• Someone expecting a highly structured environment with defined playbooks
• Someone who prefers status quo over growth and experimentation

• Comfortable with Quick Books, Excel, email marketing platforms, and basic website management
• Strong communicator (written and verbal)
• Organized, but not rigid
• Bonus: experience in the promotional products or events industry

• Base salary: $55, (depending on experience)
• Performance bonus: 5-15% tied to membership growth, event profitability, sponsorship revenue, and member engagement
• Travel and industry conference participation covered, including the PPAI Leadership Development Conference

Send your resume and a brief note on why this role fits where you are in your career to Patrick Napurski |  Applications are accepted through May 15, 2026.