Executive Director

Mississippi Economic Development Council, Inc.

Mississippi Society of Association Executives

The Mississippi Society of Association Executives works to empower associations to excel through leadership, professional development, and networking.

The Executive Director serves as the chief executive and operational leader of the Mississippi Society of Association Executives, working in partnership with the Board of Directors to advance the organization’s mission, strengthen member value, support sound governance, promote organizational growth, and ensure effective management of the association.

The Executive Director is accountable for organizational performance in the areas of strategic leadership, membership growth and engagement, professional development and programs, financial sustainability, communications and external relations, and effective operations. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and works closely with the President, Executive Committee, officers, committees, and volunteers to implement Board-approved priorities, provide strategic and operational leadership, support effective governance, and maintain continuity across association programs and operations.

• Must have at least a bachelor’s degree.
• Strong communication and organizational skills are necessary.
• Prefer at least five years of progressively responsible professional experience, preferably in association or nonprofit management, with demonstrated responsibility for planning, implementation, budgeting, and organizational leadership.
• Experience with nonprofit management, membership organizations, board relations, communications, or public relations is preferred.
• Professional experience with association management, membership development, event and program oversight, sponsorship development, and non-dues revenue generation is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with association best practices is expected; the Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential is preferred but not required.
• Must be comfortable working in a hands-on association environment while maintaining an executive-level focus on strategy, leadership, member value, and organizational results.
• Must reside in Mississippi.

• Serve as a visible ambassador for MSAE and positively promote the association, its mission, programs, and value to members, prospective members, industry partners, vendors, and the broader association community.
• Ensure timely and professional responses to member, prospective member, partner, and public inquiries, directly or through appropriate staff or contractors.
• Serve as MSAE’s primary liaison to ASAE and other relevant national association-industry organizations, representing MSAE at appropriate conferences, meetings, and professional development opportunities.
• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with local, state, and national partners and identify opportunities for MSAE and its members to collaborate and engage.
• Develop and implement strategies to increase MSAE’s visibility and value among association executives, association staff, industry partners, and prospective members.
• Oversee the maintenance of an accurate member database and use member data, personal outreach, and communications to strengthen engagement.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate strategies to recruit, retain, and engage members, with regular reporting to the Board on membership trends and outcomes.
• Oversee MSAE’s member communications, including the e-newsletter and magazine, and ensure content is timely, relevant, professional, and aligned with organizational priorities.
• Oversee the association website and ensure information is accurate, current, and supportive of member engagement, program participation, and organizational visibility.
• Oversee MSAE’s social media presence and digital communications strategy, using staff or contractors as appropriate.

Financial Management