Job Description
Full job description
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 these efforts by driving strategic initiatives, fostering innovation, and leveraging collaborative partnerships to advance the mission of Financial & Insurance Conference Professionals (FICP) within a dynamic, member-driven professional association. In this highly visible leadership role, the Executive Director 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. Join us in shaping the future of association management, where our values serve as the cornerstone of our success
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.
Speaking opportunities for FICP to be represented
Partnership opportunities to build membership
Build relationships with other leaders to keep eye on the pulse of where the industry is heading.
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 you countless opportunities to develop transferable skills, acquire meaningful knowledge, and gain rich experiences at an accelerated pace. By working collaboratively with smart, ambitious, multi-talented, genuine, and hardworking colleagues, you will build meaningful, deep, and enduring relationships that will serve you well throughout your career, regardless of your chosen path. In addition, as a 100 percent employee-owned company, Smithbucklin offers all of our people – regardless of position or compensation – an equal chance to experience fulfillment and reap the benefits of ownership. As owners, our employees control the destiny of Smithbucklin and are unified in the goal of building a great, enduring company.
Our hybrid environment offers you the option of working from home two days per week. Employees will work a standard 40-hour week, with the possibility of 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
At Smithbucklin, Equal Employment Opportunity is our commitment and goal. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, ****** orientation, veteran status, marital status, or any other protected status designated by federal, state, or local law. Applicants are encouraged to confidentially self-identify when applying. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a reference and background investigation based on the position.
Smithbucklin will not sponsor applicants for work visas and as a precondition of employment, you must be authorized to work in the United States permanently.
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 these efforts by driving strategic initiatives, fostering innovation, and leveraging collaborative partnerships to advance the mission of Financial & Insurance Conference Professionals (FICP) within a dynamic, member-driven professional association. In this highly visible leadership role, the Executive Director 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. Join us in shaping the future of association management, where our values serve as the cornerstone of our success
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.
Speaking opportunities for FICP to be represented
Partnership opportunities to build membership
Build relationships with other leaders to keep eye on the pulse of where the industry is heading.
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 you countless opportunities to develop transferable skills, acquire meaningful knowledge, and gain rich experiences at an accelerated pace. By working collaboratively with smart, ambitious, multi-talented, genuine, and hardworking colleagues, you will build meaningful, deep, and enduring relationships that will serve you well throughout your career, regardless of your chosen path. In addition, as a 100 percent employee-owned company, Smithbucklin offers all of our people – regardless of position or compensation – an equal chance to experience fulfillment and reap the benefits of ownership. As owners, our employees control the destiny of Smithbucklin and are unified in the goal of building a great, enduring company.
Our hybrid environment offers you the option of working from home two days per week. Employees will work a standard 40-hour week, with the possibility of 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
At Smithbucklin, Equal Employment Opportunity is our commitment and goal. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, ****** orientation, veteran status, marital status, or any other protected status designated by federal, state, or local law. Applicants are encouraged to confidentially self-identify when applying. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a reference and background investigation based on the position.
Smithbucklin will not sponsor applicants for work visas and as a precondition of employment, you must be authorized to work in the United States permanently.
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Executive Director position is now open for candidates interested in the Event Management Jobs sector. This role in Chicago offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Event Management Jobs is a plus.
