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The Private Directors Association NFP’s (PDA) CEO is responsible for managing all operations of PDA. The CEO is responsible for working with elected officers, Chapter Presidents, volunteer committee chairs and board members to determine the association’s strategic direction and preparation/implementation of the strategic plan. The CEO is authorized to meet with companies, government officials, or other persons, firms, or corporations outside of the association regarding matters concerning PDA. The CEO is responsible for providing staff resources to implement policies and programs of the association. The CEO works closely with the chairperson of the board regarding association operations and policies. The CEO is employed at the direction of the Association’s Board of Directors.

Key Responsibilities:

• Culture: Role model and maintain a values-based culture of inclusiveness. Champion consistency of PDA values across all chapters and adherence to PDA’s code of conduct and professional expectations.

• Mission: Drive PDA’s mission and inspire members to fulfill the mission through active participation in the community and volunteerism.

• Operations: Manage employee policies, benefits, contracts, and performance reviews. Negotiate and manage vendor contracts and relationships. Oversee day-to-day activities. Encourage volunteer participation in leadership positions. Determines personnel needs; recruits and hires within budgetary constraints and terminates personnel. Provides for the evaluation of each staff member at least once a year and updates the job descriptions.

• Strategic Planning: Collaborate with elected officers and the Board of the association to guide the development of strategic goals and objectives for PDA and develop a focused program as appropriate. Align goals and objectives with the Strategic Plan and implement the operational plans within budgeted financial and available human resources to achieve them.

• Fiduciary Responsibilities: Assure that records of all dues payments, financial transactions, investments and all resolutions/actions of the Board of Directors, committees and chapters are properly recorded, implemented, and maintained. Work with the Executive Committee, the Board of Directors and PDA staff to develop and manage the annual operating budgets. Engage an independent audit firm to review the financial affairs of PDA and to assure that operations are in compliance with generally accepted accounting practices and specific federal, regulatory frameworks that apply to each entity. Review and distribute full monthly financial reports to the Board members. Review and distribute a monthly financial summary report to the Chapter Presidents.

• Chapter Development: Be responsive and work closely with Chapter Presidents to ensure their point of view is properly recognized and acted upon as appropriate. Review and seek feedback from chapters on changes in policies, procedures and substantive changes at the national level. Support chapters in expanding their membership. Assess, make recommendations for, and determine the need to form new chapters.

• Governance: Develop agenda and lead quarterly Board of Directors’ meetings as well as provide/prepare reports and attend Executive Committee meetings as requested.

• Communication: Function as the principal communications liaison among members of the Board, the Chapter Presidents, Committee Chairpersons, and the membership.

• Membership Development: Meet goals for membership growth and retention, including achievement of revenue budgets for new membership growth and retention of members. Lead membership recruitment and retention activity and oversee related strategies. Collaborate with volunteer leadership, chapter leaders, members, and staff to grow the membership. Engage directly in retaining Individual and Corporate members and recruiting new members.

• Member Services: Lead development of products, programs, and services to provide benefit to Individual and Corporate members Work with staff, volunteers, committees, Board, Chapters, and related entities, to implement approved membership services.

• Public Relations: The CEO is the primary spokesman for PDA with member companies, government officials, Members of Congress, government agencies, news media and others on behalf of the association. Prepares and/or reviews communications for consistency and accuracy to and among all levels of the PDA. The CEO shares this responsibility and is to encourage engagement by PDA’s elected officers and other members to further the interests of the association and its members.

Qualifications & Leadership Attributes

First and foremost, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) must demonstrate passion for PDA’s mission. This is a critical and exciting time for PDA, as the CEO will have an opportunity to lead an organization poised for transformation. The CEO must also have the vision, strength, insight, and fortitude to lead PDA through perhaps its most difficult challenge:

Part of the CEO’s responsibility will be evaluating, in conjunction with the Board, a new business model that will include identifying alternative service lines and revenue streams to generate the necessary financial resources for the organization. The CEO will also work with the board and staff to ensure that the delivery of services and initiatives are developed and integrated through a member-first lens. It will be imperative that the CEO maintain clear, honest, and consistent communication with the board, staff and key partners regarding operational challenges and changes.

While it's understood that few candidates will offer every desired skill and characteristic, the following reflects the ideal candidate profile:

Location and Travel

This position is remote. Approximately 25% travel is expected.

How to Apply

To submit your interest for consideration or to refer a colleague for this position, please send a resume and cover letter to  ceosearch@pcdassociation.org

Required Criteria

• Extensive C6 Association leadership experience
• Extensive experience working with C6 Association Boards
• Extensive Experience with chapter-focused association models
• Strong financial and business acumen
• Solid organizational abilities, including planning, delegating, program development, and developing implementation plans with associated accountability measures
• Experience with private company governance

Skills and Attributes

• Finely honed and high-level strategic thinking, planning and execution skills. Models servant leadership versus personal gain and focus – is committed to the advancement of the mission
• Track record of being bold, fierce, and courageous while also being compassionate and empathetic in messaging and actions
• Effective and engaging public speaking skills
• Exhibits visionary leadership by staying abreast of trends, market dynamics, and initiatives to plan for future organizational success and viability
• High EQ
• Creative, with high, positive energy and enthusiasm for challenging work
• Comfort with ambiguity

About Private Directors Association

The Private Directors Association (PDA) is the only national association dedicated to improving private companies' value, growth, and sustainability through governance that adds value. PDA is a national governance ecosystem approaching 3,000 individuals, chapters, and corporate members, sponsors, and affiliations to enhance corporate value through high-performing boards. To learn more about PDA, visit www.PrivateDirectors.org.

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